The Compton Arms, Islington

A handy little bolthole, close to Highbury tube, but feeling more like a country pub inside, thanks to the quiet mews it's located on, and the low beamed ceilings. As other reviewers have mentioned, it's qualities are slightly diminished by the rather steep prices, and by Greene King's ubiquitous branding. Greene King, if you want drinkers to like you, stop buying up decent breweries and then killing them!

28 Jan 2010 13:30

The Mucky Pup, Angel, Islington

Brilliant, friendly pub with a really nice atmosphere, totally unlike some of the more self-conciously hip bars around Essex Rd/Upper St. Great music, top landlord and very reasonably priced real ales, the only problem is that it's impossible to pop in for a quick one and not end up chatting to someone and staying until the wee hours.

28 Jan 2010 13:19

The Southampton Arms, Gospel Oak

I lived across the road from the grotty old Southampton for years, and everytime I passed, I'd daydream about what I'd do to the place if I could take it over..... a roaring coal fire, great beers and ciders you can't get elsewhere, a record player hissing and crackling on the bar.....and....and...

They've done it. They've actually done it. I spent my first visit slack jawed, just looking around in disbelief. All these years, hidden under the layers of woodchip and formica, lay lovely old edwardian pub fittings and tiling, which the new owners have carefully restored, but not too much. What they've created is a timeless space for drinking, laughing and conversing- and nothing else- no gastrofood, no plasma screen sport- just people and booze. The perfect combination. There's even an old upright piano in the corner, and the promise of piano evenings to come. All that's missing is a dog lying in front of the hearth, though with Hampstead Heath five minutes away, I'm sure that'll be corrected soon.
Now it's just down to NW5ers to put there money where their mouths are, get down there, and get drinking.

28 Jan 2010 13:10