Wenlock Arms

One of the great secrets of Islington. Well, not a secret as such: the pub has a semi-legendary status among the CAMRA brigade for the beer, which is simply the best that N1 has to offer: there are usually around 7 real ales lined up and ready to go behind the bar, and I have rarely left this pub in a straight line. The ambience is excellent. Slight tendency to fall silent when you enter, but you soon realise that this is a haven for the well-meaning drinker and talker, and nothing else. I can't remember if there are any fruit machines, but if they are they are discreet; the main emphasis is upon talking and drinking, with the telly normally turned off, mercifully. I have been on a Saturday and witnessed a real East End flavour sing-song by a lady on the mike and a chap on the piano; on a Thursday and sat through the pub quiz, hosted by the benevolent behemoth that is the landlord; and on a Tuesday, when a 6 man semi-elderly dixie band sidled in at around 8pm and played the sweetest jazz I have heard in years. Food is confined to enormous wedge-style sandwiches with good fillings (salt beef, black pudding, cheeses etc). Go, and drink.
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Neil
Monday, April 05, 2004