The Library, Islington

Was disappointed.

Layout is very odd. Tackily, on my first visit there they played the Doves twice in the first hour I was there (the pub is named after a Doves track), but that's just an aside, not a complaint, it was quite funny. On other visits though the music's been fairly Tory-house and really far too loud. Service has been slow and so-called 'cocktails' were dreadful. It's a shame because they've really tried to go for a certain look and feel but they've just not got the panache to carry it off. Avoid.

26 Oct 2006 14:05

The Marquess Tavern, Canonbury

I've eaten here twice recently and both times was very impressed with the food, which is lucky because it's not cheap. I'm not easily pleased and I'm puzzled as to the bad reviews because service and food were both much, much better than most pubs.

The range of beers and whiskies is enormous; the biggest I've noticed in the area. My only gripe is that is that when the place fills up it can be too noisy.

26 Oct 2006 13:53