The Hope and Anchor, Islington

Okay, the Hope has changed over the years from the spit and sawdust dive it used to be, but it still has a lot of the charm it used to have back in the day.

The staff are still friendly, the locals are welcoming, and it's one of the few places you can go into when the Gunners are playing at home where you can a) get served, and b) not get offered out or puked on.

They seem to have just started doing food again too, and it's a hell of a lot nicer than what they used to serve - sorta classic pub grub but done with a bit of style. I had sausage and mash there last week, and it came in a Yorkshire pud the size of a milk crate!

The venue is still a bit of a dive, but then it wouldn't feel the same if it wasn't!

19 Nov 2007 17:07

Defoe, Stoke Newington

On a cold, wet Sunday afternoon, it's very difficult to beat the Defoe for a warm, cosy environment to pass the day in.

I was in there yesterday for food and drink -0 for some reason it's a place that always makes me want to drink real ale.

The menu's improved recently since Alistair took over and put his name on everything - the main courses are lovely (albeit a little small), and the cheese platter is tremendous and excellent value.

The bar staff are still clueless mind, but that's always been part of the charm of the place.

19 Nov 2007 12:55