A survey of some fondly remembered olde-worlde pubs
in the area caused a shock: five pubs around this area and Highbury
have closed and nearly all of the others have now been converted
into gastropubs. Still, if this is the changing face of the pub
world in London, we might as well explore it (and you can do
a 'see how many closed pubs you can spot' along the way). All
of the pubs listed here seem ok for just having a drink in. Those
that might want to eat en route will have plenty of choice.
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#1
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6.30pm - 7.15pm
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The Agricultural
13 Liverpool Road, N1 0RW
- Given its name, this pub has an unsurprising rustic theme,
which includes such things as bar stools made from tractor seats.
All of this is a little surprising however given its solidly
urban location. The beer is average, but the ambience is relaxed,
clientele mixed and it's down-to-earth nature can come as a welcome
relief from some of the more pretentious of the bars and eateries
of Upper Street. There's no Eurasian menu here, just pie and
chips at lunchtime and sarnies in cling film for the evenings
- excellent.
(Review courtesy of www.fancyapint.com)
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#2
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7.20pm - 8.00pm
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The Crown
116 Cloudesley Road, N1 0EB
- One of Fullers more upmarket efforts and clearly aiming
at the N1 demographic, this is a grand Victorian pub in a very
picturesque part of Barnsbury. Apart from the blander back dining-style
room, much of the ornate decoration remains, with plenty of etched
glass and dark wood panels in evidence. If you're lucky enough
to grab the seats in front of it, there's even a real fire for
the winter evenings. Add to this a great selection of beers (including
Honey Dew on tap) plus a pretty extensive wine list and it gets
hard to fault the place. The service is good and the well-made
food is deservedly popular. Even with the perfectly acceptable
Islington Tap and Albion both a few minutes away, it's still
easily the best of the lot and - unlike some other pubs in the
area - isn't remotely pretentious. Recommended.
(Review courtesy of www.fancyapint.com)
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#3
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8.05pm - 8.45pm
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The Albion
10 Thornhill Road, N1 1HW
- Another gastropub. Has outside seating front and back.
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#4
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8.45pm - 9.15pm
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Drapers Arms
44 Barnsbury Street, N1 1ER
- Gastropub.
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#5
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9.20pm - 9.50pm
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The Barnsbury
209 Liverpool Road, N1 1LX
- Gastropub.
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#6
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9.50pm - 10.30pm
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The Regent
201-203 Liverpool Road, N1 1LX
The Regent (ex Prince Regent)The Regent (it's 'Prince' prefix
now consigned to history) is tucked away off Upper Street and
since closing in 2005 subsequently spent time both empty and
apparently as an art gallery. Now, however, we're pleased to
see its moved back into pub territory. Smaller on the ground
floor than before, it's lost the back raised area, while gaining
a bright and airy feel and a basement bar. Beer wise, the only
hand pump ale was off, but a few bottles appear in the fridge
and a couple of Belgian beers make the overall selection perfectly
good. Our Friday night visit found a reasonable cross section
of younger Barnsbury residents having a relaxed start to the
weekend, while tucking into a reasonable selection of tasty-looking
wood-fired pizzas. With the excellent selection of tunes from
the wonderful-looking retro jukebox, this is a good little place
which adds nicely to an area filled with too many high-end gastropubs
for it's own good.
(Review courtesy of www.fancyapint.com)
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#7
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10.30pm - closing
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The Islington Tap
80 Liverpool Road, N1 0QD
- To get back to Angel tube station, turn left out of the
pub and follow Liverpool Road until its intersection with Upper
Street.
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