George Orwell was often found drinking at The Compton Arms in Islington, and if there’s one thing we know about Orwell, it’s that he knew a good pub when he saw one. Traditional ales remain on cask, London craft beers are poured or you can choose from a small but thoughtful wine list. There’s also excellent food to be found here, making it one of London’s best gastropubs, too.
Battle through the chain boozers of Upper Street and you'll find a host of charming pubs all across Islington, from Canonbury and Barnsbury to De Beauvoir and Highbury. Whether you're in the mood for a proper old-school palace of pints or a slap-up gastropub with fancy food, there's a watering hole for you in Angel and Islington. Here are some of finest pubs in the area, and if you want to find something a little further afield, then these are the best pubs in nearby Dalston, as well as the best pubs in Stoke Newington and the best pubs in Hackney.
RECOMMENDED: Don't forget to check out Islington's best restaurants.
Leonie Cooper is Time Out London’s Food and Drink Editor. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.