After a thorough analysis of the typical Londoner, I have discovered that they all gather in places of worship called a ‘pub’ where they share a ‘pint’ and get piss-drunk.
Whilst trying to be British by singing “God save the Queen,” and declaring fish and chips to be the best meal ever, I thought partaking in the British tradition of heading to be pub would be more patriotic (and less weird!)
Here are my three favorite pubs in Islington:
The Blacksmith & Toffeemaker
Right next to City University, The Blacksmith & Toffeemaker was the first pub I visited. It is often cramped after classes as droves of students desperately try to forget what they had just learned only hours prior.
- Price of a pint of Guinness: £4.50
- Variety: Half a dozen tap beers and ales
- Service: Friendly staff
- Vibe: Cozy enough, a good place to hang out with friends and grab a quick pint
- Address: 292-294 St John St, London EC1V 4PA
Wetherspoons Angel
Opposite the Angel tube station, the Wetherspoon pub is almost always crawling with customers looking to grab a pint on their way home. While it isn’t as cosy as the stereotypical local boozer, there is a good atmosphere and they boast an impressive collection of beers and ales for you to choose from. And at their prices, you won’t know the difference after your 3rd drink.
- Price of a pint of Guinness: £3.49
- Variety: Around 30 different kinds of beers and ales
- Service: Basic service
- Vibe: commercial
- Address: 3-5 Islington High St, London N1 9LQ
The Alma Pub Islington
The Alma pub is not on my regular path home, but after reading about it in Time Out magazine, I thought I could take a small (very large) detour and see what all the fuss was about. Turns out it has friendly staff, eye-catching decor, and numerous events they organize every week, making it worth the detour. However, hearing your own voice is nigh on impossible during quiz night.
- Price of a pint of Guinness: £4.30
- Variety: More than 10 different kinds of beers and ales
- Service: Friendly staff, though a bit slow
- Vibe: If you don’t have a good time, something went terribly wrong
- Address: 59 Newington Green Rd, London N1 4QU
And after all that drinking, only a British fry up could sort out my hangover!
