There’s no shortage of pubs in the North London borough of Islington. Whether you prefer classic and cosy or lively and modern, there's a pub you'll love.
Want to enjoy those sunny London days? You won't be far from a lush beer garden. Looking to carve out family time with a hearty meal? There are pubs galore offering all the classic pub grub you love.
Oak & Pastor
Archway pub Oak & Pastor has a relaxed neighbourhood atmosphere. Located on Junction Road, this is the perfect spot to grab a refreshment after a walk along the high street. Plus, it's only around the corner from our Vantage Point apartments.
Come the winter months, this will be your go-to warm and cosy hangout. With plenty of roaring log fires and reclaimed church furniture. Visit on Sundays to enjoy the traditional roast menu or Mondays for pizza night. At the bar, you’ll find a wide selection of real ales, local beers and fine wines. Sports fans can watch live screenings of all the major matches here.
Consistently ranked as one of the best pubs in Archway and Islington, this is definitely not one to miss.
Address: 86 Junction Road, Archway, Islington, London N19 5QZ
Phone: 020 8616 0943
Email: [email protected]
Follow: @oakandpastor
The Narrowboat
This is the only pub in Islington located directly along Regent’s Canal. The Narrowboat is truly a hidden gem of a pub with a view. Dine alfresco in the summer and watch the world pass by along the canal from the outside balcony.
If you can’t secure a table outside don't worry. The floor-to-ceiling windows offer stunning canalside views. Inside, the pub is stylishly furnished with rustic tables, sofa benches and a mismatch of wall art.
Furthermore, the Narrowboat is touted to be one of the best pubs in Islington for Sunday roasts. Satisfy your appetite with traditional pub classics, canal-inspired fish dishes, and a vast choice of beers on tap. The pub is also dog-friendly, so you can bring your pooch after a walk along the canal.
Address: 119 St Peter’s Street, Islington London N1 8PZ
Phone: 020 7400 6003
Email: [email protected]
Follow: @narrowboatpub
Pig & Butcher
This pub specialises in local and rare meats, butchered on-site, Pig & Butcher is one of the best pubs in Islington for a hearty roast. The smart gastropub serves an ever-changing seasonal menu centred on home-grown produce.
The drinks menu also comprises independent suppliers, including wines by family-owned vineyards and craft beers by London breweries.
Meat is the focal point of each dish, complemented by fresh vegetables and seasonings. Enjoy Elwy Valley Lamb croquette with tomato and garlic chutney. Or, sample the grass-fed Cumbrian Flank steak with triple-cooked chips.
Visit on Sundays for an indulgent roast dinner with all the trimmings.
Address: 80 Liverpool Road, Islington, London N1 0QD
Phone: 020 7226 8304
Email: [email protected]
Follow: @pigandbutcher
The Old Queen’s Head
The lively Essex Road pub, The Old Queen’s Head, will become your local for a pint and evening entertainment. There’s always something going on here.
The pub doubles up as a venue for karaoke, club nights with live DJ sets, and pub quizzes. There’s even a private ‘playroom’ with arcade games, a vintage foosball table and more. good choice to hire for a lowkey birthday or alternative office celebration.
Looking for a relaxed nightcap? The main pub is well stocked with local craft beers and a menu of classic cocktails. Don’t leave before trying one of the generously-laden burgers from Lucky Chip (vegan ‘cheeseburgers’ available too).
Address: 44 Essex Road, Islington, London N1 8LN
Phone: 020 7354 9993
Email: [email protected]
Follow: @oldqueenshead
Compton Arms
The trendy Compton Arms on Compton Avenue has you covered if you’re looking for a cosy spot for a drink and pub grub. Located by Compton Terrace Gardens, the pub is a regular local for all who live on this side of Islington.
Pop in for a pint on the sunny garden or tuck into a hearty meal in the cosy dining space.
There’s something on the food menu for everyone. Whether you’re a meat lover, a vegetarian, a vegan or gluten intolerant. You’ll also find one of the biggest wine lists of any Islington pub here.
Address: 4 Compton Avenue, London, N1 2XD
Phone: 020 7354 8473
Email: [email protected]
Follow: @comptonarmsn1
The Duke of Cambridge
You can expect a warm welcome at Britain’s first certified organic pub, The Duke of Cambridge. The pub operates under a sustainable ethos. Sourcing the best seasonal ingredients from local organic farmers and growers. Modern British cuisine blends Mediterranean influences, offering a truly special dining experience.
The menu changes on a daily basis. You’ll find a choice of vegetarian, vegan, meat and seafood dishes, but organic veg is the star of every plate. From warming favourites like a venison cottage pie to sumptuous butternut squash risotto. There’s always something to whet your appetite. Pair your dish with one of the biodynamic wines.
Address: 30 St Peters Street, Islington, London N1 8JT
Phone: 020 7359 3066
Email: [email protected]
Follow: @thedukeorganic
The Albion
With its wisteria-covered garden, The Albion is one of the best pubs in Islington for outdoor dining. The Georgian pub dates all the way back to a time when Islington was just fields and farmland. All these years on, it remains a popular hangout.
The pub retains its traditional interior touches and offers a nostalgic dining experience. The all-day menu features pub favourites like burgers and vegetable Wellington. Plus, make sure to try the delicious international wine list.
Address: 10 Thornhill Road, Islington, London N1 1HW
Phone: 020 7607 7450
Email: [email protected]
Follow: @thealbionpub
The Canonbury Tavern
The Canonbury Tavern pub boasts one of the largest pub gardens in the area. It's even said that George Orwell sat down to draft his influential novel 1984 in its outdoor space.
Toast to the British summertime with friends and leave the bustle of the city behind. The pub is a great place to visit in the winter thanks to the log fires, plush leather armchairs and cosy corners.
On the menu, you’ll find a mouth-watering choice of dishes including all your favourite pub staples. There’s also a premium wine menu, classic Sunday roast list and weekend brunch. The pub is dog-friendly, so you expect to see plenty of four-legged friends here too.
Address: 21 Canonbury Place, Islington, London N1 2NS
Phone: 020 7704 2887
Email: [email protected]
Follow: @canonburytavern
The Crown
If you like to pair your Sunday roast with a gin and tonic, The Crown is one of Islington’s best choices. Situated down a picturesque side road, the relaxed Victorian pub feels miles away from the busy Islington high street.
You’ll receive a warm welcome here and can happily bring along a dog. Dine al fresco in the terrace area or snuggle down among the lounge chairs inside. The food menu comprises British pub recipes practised to perfection. So you can tempt your sweet tooth with a dessert to finish your meal. You can’t go wrong with banoffee pie, Eton mess or homemade ice cream.
Address: 116 Cloudesley Road, Islington, London N1 0EB
Phone: 020 7837 7107
Email: [email protected]
Follow: @crownislington
Brewhouse & Kitchen
Brewhouse & Kitchen is a friendly hangout for after-work drinks, a weekend meet-up with friends or a filling Sunday roast. There are two locations in the borough of Islington. One outside Angel Underground and another by Highbury & Islington station.
The best thing is that Brewhouse & Kitchen is home to its own on-site microbrewery. In other words, beer fans can rejoice at the menu of more than seventy beers and ciders. The expert waiters will happily suggest a beer to match your taste buds too. Visit on the weekends for a brunch burger or B&K full English breakfast (veggie option available). Or choose from the all-day menu of steak, salads, pies and burgers.
Address: 2A Corsica Street, Highbury, London N5 1JJ
Phone: 020 7226 1026
Email: [email protected]
Follow: @brewhouse_and_kitchen
The Best Pubs in Islington
When you live in Islington, you will enjoy a lively social scene and an array of good pubs right on your doorstep. This North London borough is home to some of the capital’s best hangouts, whatever your mood.
So if you’re thinking of moving to Islington, download our complete guide to the area. You can also take a look at our Vantage Point apartments, which offer you the perfect slice of Islington. Click here to find out more about our central Archway location.
