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Earl of Essex

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25 Danbury Street, N1 8LE Full details & map

Pub

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Time Out says   7 Users say 4/5 Rate it

By Euan Ferguson Posted: Nov 10 2011

Before new owners bought the Earl and carried out a major refurbishment, it seemed a bit out of place among the handsome Georgian townhouses. England flags fluttered in front of the peeling exterior; inside, tellies and pool tables entertained lager-drinking sports fans. It was a real Arsenal pub.

Nowadays it's set up for the more moneyed Islington dweller, with a tasteful paint job in heritage colours, a nice drinks list and gourmet pizzas from a wood-fired oven. So, still a real Arsenal pub.

Cynicism aside, it does look as if a footballer's salary (Arsenal salary, that is, not Man City or AFC Hornchurch) has been spent on making the pub look attractive again, and the designer has resisted gastropub clichés to keep things pleasantly restrained.

Of particular note is the restored central bar gantry, with its Victorian lettering ('Claret, Mosel') and later-addition backlit 'Watneys' carving. On tap was Deuchar's IPA and Director's - not the most exciting drops, but reliable - and a few lagers. The range of premium spirits and approachable wine list offer better choice.

We tried a couple of those pizzas and were impressed with the imaginative toppings (figs, goats' cheese, Somerset brie, Cumberland sausage and the like); there's also an extensive à la carte menu of mains and snacks, and a fine-looking Sunday roast.

The walled back garden has seen equal attention lavished upon it, and the varied seating and discreet planting will be welcomed on the return of warmer weather. The Earl is only a short walk from the packed-out pubs of Upper Street, and presents a far more manageable drinking spot. I'd already be pretty pleased with myself if I lived in one of those handsome Georgian townhouses between Angel and the City Basin, and the existence of this pub would only make me a bit smugger.

Tags: Pub, North, Islington
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Earl of Essex details

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Address

Earl of Essex

25 Danbury Street N1 8LE

Transport Angel tube

Telephone

020 7424 5828

Open 5pm-12.30am Mon, Tue; 3pm-12.30am Wed; noon-12.30pm Thur-Sun

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Comments & ratings 4/5 (Average of 7 ratings)

By JaneP - Mar 10 2012
5/5

I popped in this week for a couple of drinks, very pleasant atmosphere, friendly staff, good service - the young lady behind the bar helped me carry my drinks to the table without hesitation. Good music, good menu, good visit all round.

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By Fraser - Mar 2 2012

Really enjoyed the pub when it first opened, the food was amazing. Best burger in London for my money....and then I just went in to find that the chef has (already) left. Nothing wrong with the food now, but it used to be exceptional. Now the pizza oven sits unused, the burger is average and I think I'll probably not put the priority on going there.

Anybody know where the old chef went? I'd cross the city for his food.

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By Dave - Feb 23 2012
5/5

I really liked this place. I didn’t know anything about it before hand, but was over from Bristol visiting friends and popped in for a pint. Considering that lots of places I had been in London were pretty unfriendly and a bit pretentious I thought this was a breath of fresh air. Nice people, nice staff, nice beers, good food. On the whole I had a pretty good time, drank a few beers, was made to feel welcome and would recommend it.

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By Alana - Feb 17 2012

Have been to the EoE a few times and always had a good time. Good to hang out with a few friends in a relaxed atmosphere. Massive fan of the sunday roasts which I think are the best in London. Was able to enjoy the outdoor area at the back for our brief indian summer last year and looking forward to the warm weather coming back to make more use of it.

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By Avs - Feb 17 2012
4/5

I saw these reviews of the Earl of Essex prior to going in to check out for myself, as I had heard from my friends who are now locals there since it has been redone that it is actually a lovely new place to go. All I can say is that these reviewers seem to be just angry people generally. The Earl is lovely - cool crowd, lovely food and despite the reviews the service was fine with me. The Australian owners even came up to me to introduce themselves. So upon going there and seeing something complete different from these reviews below, I can safely say the new Earl is a great local.

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By Sam - Feb 16 2012

The Earl now has a permanent new chef . He is excellent. Very good food and getting better every day

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By Ch - Feb 12 2012
1/5

Incredibly rude staff. Avoid.

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By Jimmy D - Jan 26 2012

"Never judge a book by its cover"... Despite a new management and a complete refurbishment the earl of essex remains amongst the worst pubs I have ever been to. Don't be fooled by the "gastro"-pub label and its high islington prices. This is the same dreadful place it has always been. Service is unfriendly and very slow(Food even arrived cold). Tasteless food despite the want-to-be imaginative menu. To avoid....

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