The Compton Arms, Islington

I have to say that this pub is a real hidden gem. There seems to be new real ales from different parts of the country appearing all the time, despite the Greene King tie. I have eaten here a few times now and been impressed every time - there is nothing frozen going on here - a pleasant change from the branded stuff up and down Upper Street. The garden has been spruced up for the Summer and its a great place to chat and sup the warmer evenings away. The other good thing is you can watch a game on the outside TV.
This is a proper pub, run as they used to be. No pretensions, no branding, unobtrusive music and great fayre. Worth seeking out down the lanes of Canonbury.

2 Apr 2012 08:01

The Compton Arms, Islington

This is a really cosy, off the beaten track pub right in the heart of Islington. The real ales are varied and well kept, the food is generous and homecooked and the place appears to be the heart and soul of its community. There is big screen sports here for the main games, but essentially its just a great village pub in a big city. No longer do you stick to the bar when you lean on it or get a whiff of the gents every time someone goes in - even the bar flies are just a memory. Wonderful pub, long may it continue!

3 Nov 2011 17:15

The New Liston Arms, Kirkliston

For once Jacko, I am inclined to agree with part of what you say. It is pretty obvious to all and sundry that there is only one "brains of the business" in the husband and wife team that are in situ - but it certainly isn't our David. To actually say that to a customer is quite undermining to Sarah on so many levels - both personally and professionally. For me, she makes my pint that extra bit palatable, so will continue to receive my unwavering support in her venture. It's a tough life running a busy boozer such as this, and she does an amazing job with little support, it appears, judging by your comment. If Sarah pulled out of this partnership, this pub would collapse. If David disappeared, no-one would notice. I think the addition of food gives an extra dimension to the place too, and I have heard good things about the quality - although I reckon there should be more fresh fish - but maybe I'm just being picky. Keep it going, Sarah - you are more appreciated than you think!

31 Oct 2011 19:40

The New Liston Arms, Kirkliston

Jacko - I can assure you I am not Parsley Dave. I'm far better looking. In a previous life, I was known as the "Stig". I was last spotted racing through Kirkliston on the back of Shergar, dressed as Elvis, being chased by Lord Lucan on roller skates. It's nice that you think of me x.
It must gall you a tad that despite your years of devotion in this establishment, there may be one or two customers that are equally "well informed". If you are interested in the workings and welfare of your local, the easiest way I've found is to strike up a conversation with the owners or staff. But be polite and objective - you'll get so much more out of them. You may even begin to like them! Good luck with the hunt for The Scottish Stig...

31 Aug 2011 21:53

The New Liston Arms, Kirkliston

My understanding is that the old chef had a rather inflated sense of his worth, because he was on some sort of franchise arrangement before Parsley and Sarah existed. Moving to a wage agreement obviously didn't massage his ego, so he started not turning up if he didn't feel like it, and not caring about standards or complaints. If he was worth his salt he would have re-proved himself for the new owners - it's their money, after all! Anyway, better off without - if you're going to have food, make sure it's worth having, or don't do it! Big up to the bosses for taking a stand. Still a great place to get drunk. The beer tastes so much better hen the landlady wears shorts...

24 Aug 2011 18:06

The New Liston Arms, Kirkliston

Disasterous news from the Newliston Arms - Sarah the landlady is going on holiday for 10 days or so. A veritable ray of sunshine will be beaming over Southern Spain, instead of in this wonderful part of West Lothian. However, the beer is still good and the company excellent - we'll even talk to the English if they paid us a visit. Get a new chef in and this pub would be as good as one could wish of a local.

20 Jul 2011 12:50

The New Liston Arms, Kirkliston

Jacko - you are correct in your assumption that you have been using the pub longer than I, but to assume that makes you the expert on what it takes to make it work as a business is way off the mark. You are looking at this with Jacko sunglasses on, rather than from the point of view of the new couple. What has occurred here in the past doesn't make it correct for tomorrow - if there's mould on the cheddar, you wouldn't leave it there, would you? I will agree with you on a couple of things - it is pricey for a village pub, but to be fair to them, they are being charged the same for their beer by the brewery what Wetherspoons can sell it for. Not a lot they can do about that - but then this place shouldn't be appealing to the lowest common denominator of punter anyway. Keeps the riff raff out. Well, most of them, eh Jacko. Also, you're right about the new Derek - he tries but he has the personality of chopped parsley, so I'm not sure this is the life for him. Not sure what you have against Sarah - can't fault the girl. Describing her as "tacky" is pretty low and rather personal in my book. She is obviously the one that is keeping the pub ticking and moving forward - maybe you should be a little more supportive about your local and the people that are busting a gut to keep it a going concern in these tough times. I'm happy to pay through the nose for THAT smile. Lighten up, man.

17 Jun 2011 17:23

The New Liston Arms, Kirkliston

Been drinking here on and off for a number of years now, and these new owners appear to be just what the place has been crying out for. They are obviously clued up on what it takes to run a proper pub - especially the wife, who happens to be more than pleasant on the eye, too. I get the feeling that the previous commentary might be related to an incident where there were a couple of in breds who got their marching orders, so I wouldn't take that too seriously. I say carry on and good luck - its a tough enough job without the daft criticism.

26 May 2011 20:05