Compton Arms
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The Compton Arms is a delightful gem, tucked away from the trendies of Upper Street and specialising in real ales, with Abbot, Greene King IPA and Ruddles County the regulars plus a regularly rotating fourth guest ale. It is quite compact, but with both a back-room and a garden that people sometimes don't spot. The bar staff are delightful.
On the surface it is a locals' pub for local people but anyone is always welcome to join the conversation and banter. There are two distinct atmospheres to the pub, depending on whether it is quiet and conversational, or packed for a big match-day.
On a quiet afternoon/evening it is a good spot to revel in the literary and artistic heritage of the area. At various times it has been frequented by Arthur Koestler, George Orwell, Malcolm Muggeridge, Joe Orton and John Betjeman amongst many others. Dylan Thomas was on occasion to be found there in full flow (in every sense). These days it is still much favoured by people in the arts.
Andrew Davie
Friday, October 01, 2004
