This landmark north London pub has had a glorious makeover

The Islington pub known as The Angelic has returned to its former glory and will once again be known as the George IV.

The Liverpool Road pub, which dates back to 1817, has been given a proper boozer makeover, complete with a swirly Victorian-style carpet, dark wood-paneled walls and red velvet-topped bar stools. It now looks more like a classic gin palace than a millennial north London gastropub, and we’re extremely here for it.

It’s been taken over by the same team behind The Blue Posts on Berwick Street in Soho (aka the best Blue Posts of the four in the surrounding area), who also now run the Londesborough and Red Lion in Stoke Newington. ‘Proper pub, proper pints, proper food,’ says the George IV’s new Instagram account. 

The pub was renamed The Angelic in tribute to the queer arthouse film director Derek Jarman, who lived opposite the pub at 60 Liverpool Road from 1967 to 1969 and directed 1985’s The Angelic Conversation. A green ‘Islington People’s Plaque’ can be found on his former home.   

The George IV is at 57 Liverpool Road, N1 0RJ.

Check out our list of the best pubs in Islington and nearby Highbury and Canonbury.

The 50 best pubs in London.

Plus: a great north London pub is set to reopen after two years’ closure.

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