The Barnsbury Free House & Dining Room

Away from the madding crowds of Upper Street, The Barnsbury is fairly darn fancy pants. With chandeliers made from wine goblets, elaborate flower arrangements and a debonair dining room, it treads the tightrope between gastro and restaurant but gets it right. Just. Regulars are refreshingly varied: twin-set and pearls, a few candlelit couples and a trio of glottal-stop geezers discussing football tactics. Elsewhere the discussion between two bar-stool dwellers focused on why the police in Jersey have yet to call in Bergerac. Quaff Timmy Taylor's Landlord, Paulaner wheat beer and Fuller's London Pride from the tap and a bevy of Belgians from the fridge. Food tastily treads on the toes of elite eateries with a menu showcasing oysters, confit duck leg with Jerusalem artichoke mash and a full English breakfast for £10.50.

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