The Compass, Islington

I've been here a few times recently. Food is good. Ale is good, though limited in choice. Atmosphere is also good!

Decor is relaxed-smart.

Looks like the owners behind the bar. They normally go out of their way to be welcoming, which is a rare thing. I had grumpy service once. Maybe I looked like someone he didn't like?

This is one of the better gastropubs in Islington. Fairly priced quality food, with a pint of ale if you want it!

3 Jan 2011 01:09

The Albion, Barnsbury

I came here between Christmas and New Year with a group of friends - there were 8 of us. There wasn't much choice in the area, as most of my favourite food-pubs were closed, and I was the one organising the night.

As soon as I entered, I noticed the place had a sort of depressing atmosphere. Couldn't quite work out why. One of my friends said the lighting was a bit too bright, and a wrong choice of music. Another suggested it was the people there that night.

We were there for food and drinks. I like a good ale, so went straight for the bar to check out the selection. There was "Grandma Wouldn't Like it", Loddon, and something else. After tasting, I ended up with Loddon, which for my taste, was just about drinkable, but far from perfect.

We ordered food, which was quite pricey. I had the sea bream, which arrived with cabbage instead of frise. It was ok, but worth nowhere near the hefty price tag. It was exactly the same as I've had at the bargain restaurant "Le Mercury" on Upper Street for around �6 (though the fish was bigger at the pub).

One friend had the lamb, which was very good, but incredibly small. Another ordered a terrine starter with chunky chips. The bar lady said it was a good combo. It was all very dry, and mostly not eaten. Others thought the food acceptable, but far too expensive for what it was.

At desert time, the creme brule was sent back as it wasn't yet set, and replaced for a set one. I had the apple crumble with ice cream. It was the best apple crumble I've ever had!

The staff were pleasant. They looked like nice people who didn't particularly enjoy working there. There was definitely no going out of there way to make it a pleasant experience for us, but neither were they rude in any way.

None of us would think of going back there in the future. Poor ale selection, depressing atmosphere, mediocre overpriced food. Saying that, its not an offensive pub. Shame, as I heard it used to be a fantastic place once.

3 Jan 2011 00:53

The Nags Head, Walthamstow

I've been here twice now over the last few months. I didn't meet the landlady, just a few rather attractive smily young ladies. Great big space. Great big garden, and outdoor covered space. Some good ales. The inside looks like a sort of youth club/public building. We are definitely talking low budget here. I actually like this, as it is unpretentious, and the clientele seem friendly.

I think its frequented by the middle-class Walthamstow people, as there really isn't much choice for them round there.

I plan to go back when I'm in the area, simply because of the good ale selection, unpretentious space, and lack of anything else.

9 Nov 2010 00:04