Top 7 Pubs In Islington

The Old Queen's Head occupies one of Islington's most striking pub interiors. Its Grade II-listed building on Essex Road combines elaborate architectural details with an atmosphere that changes dramatically depending on when you visit. The decorative surroundings are part of the attraction: carved fireplaces, ornate ceilings, tiled surfaces and an eclectic collection of furnishings give the rooms a personality far removed from a standard modern bar. Historic fabric sits alongside a deliberately theatrical contemporary style. But the Old Queen's Head is not primarily a quiet heritage pub. Its events programme is central to its identity, with quizzes, DJs, live music and late-night gatherings drawing a lively crowd. It is particularly well suited to groups looking for an evening that continues beyond a conventional pub visit. Food includes casual crowd-pleasers, while the upstairs spaces are frequently used for celebrations and events. The distinction is important. Visit early for a look at the building and a relatively relaxed drink; arrive on a busy weekend night and expect something closer to a party venue. Address: 44 Essex Road, N1 8LN.

The Duke of Cambridge established a genuinely unusual place in British pub history when it opened in 1998 as a certified organic pub. Now also trading as The Duke Organic, it remains closely associated with the idea that a neighbourhood pub can take food provenance and sustainability seriously. Its approach extends beyond offering a token vegetarian option or a locally brewed beer. The organic ethos informs the kitchen's ingredients, the changing seasonal menu and the wider identity of the business. That makes the pub particularly interesting in a borough with plenty of ambitious gastropubs. Its defining characteristic is not a celebrity chef or an elaborate interior, but a commitment to a particular way of sourcing and preparing food. The setting on St Peter's Street is welcoming and informal, with a lively atmosphere and a reputation for Sunday lunches. The menu changes, so specific dishes are best checked before visiting. The Duke is a strong choice for anyone who wants a proper pub meal while taking an interest in how the ingredients were produced. It also demonstrates that sustainability in hospitality is not a recent invention. Address: 30 St Peter's Street, N1 8JT.

Few Islington pubs can claim a musical history to rival the Hope & Anchor. Its basement became a crucial part of London's pub-rock and punk circuit, hosting performers whose names would eventually become familiar far beyond the capital. The Stranglers, The Police, U2 and other major acts are associated with its live-music history. The extraordinary part is the scale: this was never a vast concert hall, but a small basement where audiences could stand almost within touching distance of the performers. That intimacy remains central to its appeal. The Hope & Anchor continues to host grassroots gigs, giving new bands the chance to play in a room with a formidable reputation. The upstairs bar retains the atmosphere of a traditional music pub, with memorabilia and a rock-oriented identity. This is not the obvious choice for a long Sunday lunch. It is a destination for music fans, especially those interested in London's punk and independent live-music heritage. Check the programme before visiting. The basement is a small venue with access limitations, and the best reason to go is to see a band performing there now. Address: 207 Upper Street, N1 1RL.

The Hemingford Arms has the character of a proper neighbourhood local that has accumulated its personality over decades rather than acquiring it through a refurbishment brief. Its ivy-covered exterior is immediately recognisable, while the interior is crowded with decorations, memorabilia and the kind of miscellaneous objects that invite closer inspection. The effect is eccentric but welcoming, particularly on a winter evening when the rooms are full. Another distinctive feature is the Thai kitchen. Instead of relying entirely on conventional British pub food, the Hemingford Arms has developed a reputation for curries, noodles and other Thai dishes served in a thoroughly traditional pub setting. Live music, sport and community events add to its identity. It can be lively, but the atmosphere is rooted in local pub culture rather than the carefully programmed nightlife of some larger Angel venues. The combination is what earns it a place here: a classic Barnsbury pub, an unexpectedly popular Thai food destination and an interior with genuine personality. It is especially appealing for an informal evening when nobody wants to choose between a pub and somewhere to eat. Address: 158 Hemingford Road, N1 1DF.

The Earl of Essex is the choice for people who regard the beer list as the main event. Tucked away on Danbury Street near Regent's Canal, it has established a reputation for an adventurous selection of independent beers. The board changes frequently, with rotating keg and cask options spanning different breweries and styles. Its particular enthusiasm for sour and mixed-fermentation beers makes it an interesting destination for drinkers who want to explore beyond familiar lagers and pale ales. There is a useful balance between specialism and accessibility. Despite the serious attention given to beer, the Earl remains recognisably a neighbourhood pub, with a relaxed interior, food and a sheltered rear garden. It also has a brewing connection of its own. The premises once housed a small brewery, although on-site brewing has since ceased. The emphasis today is on selecting and serving an interesting range of beers rather than producing them in the building. For the best visit, ask about what is currently on tap instead of arriving determined to order a particular beer. Constant change is the point. Address: 25 Danbury Street, N1 8LE.

Some of London's most interesting new pubs are succeeding by rediscovering what made old pubs good. The Pocket, which opened on Canonbury Lane in March 2025, is an excellent example. Created by the people behind the much-loved Southampton Arms in Gospel Oak, it follows a deliberately straightforward philosophy: independently brewed beer and cider, traditional pub snacks, good music and an atmosphere built around conversation rather than entertainment gimmicks. The drinks are the main attraction. Instead of familiar multinational brands dominating the taps, the emphasis is on independent producers and a changing selection of carefully chosen ales and ciders. Food is equally uncomplicated, with sausage rolls, pork pies, Scotch eggs and other proper bar snacks. The interior has an appealingly old-fashioned personality. Vintage jazz and soul play on vinyl, while an upright piano adds to the sense that this is a pub interested in music rather than background noise. The Pocket is particularly interesting because it is new without trying to feel fashionable. It demonstrates that there is still room in London for a genuinely independent drinking establishment built around the quality of what is in the glass. Address: 25 Canonbury Lane, N1 2AS.