The Owl & Hitchhiker is a lively pub and food venue at 471 Holloway Road in north London. Its playful identity draws on the local connections of writers Douglas Adams and Edward Lear, giving the interior a distinctive character rather than the feel of a standard chain pub.
A working kitchen serves food six days a week, making the venue suitable for a meal as well as drinks. The pub format supports casual ordering and group visits, while guests should check the current menu for the day's full selection and any dietary options.
Old school arcade machines, pool and regular music contribute to the informal atmosphere. These features make it a natural choice for social occasions, but tables can also visit earlier for food before the venue becomes busier later in the evening.
Craft beer is a central part of the bar, supported by other draught drinks, spirits and mixed choices. Anyone with allergies should speak to staff before ordering because recipes and shared kitchen preparation can involve common allergens even when they are not clear from a short menu description.
Address: 471 Holloway Road, London N7 6LE, England
Owl & Hitchhiker Menu
Small Plates
Grilled Corn
2 Chargrilled garlic and herb corn
Vegetable Spring Rolls
10 Crispy golden rolls filled with seasoned mixed vegetables, served with our sweet chilli dipping sauce.
Chicken Nem
4 Vietnamese spring rolls served with our delicious house sweet chilli dip.
Wingz 3, 6 & 9 pcs
Three-joint wings perfectly grilled and topped with The Merge Sauces of your choice: Original, Mad Mad, Suya, Fusion, BBQ, Sweet Chilli
Gambas
4 XL King Prawns sizzled and drenched in our special Merge sauce — where East Asia meets West African soul.
Afro JPN Chops
2 Tender lamb chops glazed with African & Japanese-inspired sauce – bold, sweet, and savoury.
Sides
French Fries
Crispy golden fries seasoned with Merge house salt.
Fried Yam
Thick-cut yam fries with a soft centre and golden crisp edge — a true Afro comfort food.
Fried Plantains
Sweet, caramelised plantain slices — golden perfection with every bite.
Sweet Potato Fries
Lightly seasoned sweet potato fries, crisp on the outside and soft inside.
Jollof Rice
Our signature smoky tomato rice — a West African classic cooked in rich spiced sauce.
White Rice
Simple, perfectly steamed white rice — the ideal companion to any of our mains.
Coconut Rice
Creamy coconut-infused rice with a subtle touch of lime and herbs.
Attiéké (Cassava Couscous)
Light and fluffy cassava couscous, a Côte d’Ivoire favourite.
Big Plates
Chicken Box
Flame-grilled quarter chicken, seasoned in Merge herbs and spices, a side of your choice + merge salad.
Chicken Suya
Juicy chicken marinated in The Merge’s signature spice blend and served with served with tomatoes,cucumbers & red onions.
Tozo Beef Suya
Quality beef strips marinated in authentic Nigerian suya spice and flame-grilled for that classic street-food kick. Served with tomatoes, cucumbers & red onions.
Fish Box
Crispy fried red sea bream served with our house sauce and a side of your choice + merge salad.
Vegan Plates
Vegan Tagine
A hearty Moroccan-style vegetable tajine served with a side of your choice.
Vegan Coconut Beans
Black-eyed beans slow-cooked in creamy coconut sauce served with a side of your choice.
Loaded AF
Vegetarian and vegan options available.
Loaded Plantains / Loaded Fries
Golden plantains or crispy fries loaded with marinated shredded chicken, prawns or seasoned vegetables! Smothered in melted cheese and drizzled with our creamy perinaise sauce.
Seafood Boils
Seafood Boil Small
A bold mix of 4 half-cut blue crabs, 6 XL king prawns, 2 boiled eggs, and 2 sweet corn on the cob — all tossed in our signature seafood sauce.
Seafood Boil Medium
1 5oz lobster tail, 1 snow crab cluster, 6 XL king prawns, baby potatoes, 2 boiled eggs and 2 corn on the cob — all tossed in our rich house seafood sauce.
Dessert Menu
PUFF PUFF
6 soft, sweet West African dough ball, deep- fried until golden brown dusted in cinnamon sugar. Served with a dipping sauce of your choice. (V)
CHURROS
6 golden fried churros dusted in cinnamon sugar, served with a dipping sauce
The Merge Sauces
Choose from: Tomato (Mild), Chilli (Hot), Perinaise (Mild), BBQ (Mild), Sweet Chilli (Mild).
The Merge Sauces
The Merge Salad
Merge Salad
Freshly chopped mix of cucumber, tomato, and red onion tossed in our house mustard dressing. Compliments your rice options beautifully.
Garba Salad (medium)
A fresh mix of chopped vine tomatoes, scotch bonnet pepper, red onion and seasoned to perfection. Pairs perfectly with Attiéké (cassava cous cous).