09/11/18 - Camra's Guide to Islington

New Order's only 2018 UK Show brings us to the big smoke, in need pre-gig entertainment.

Islington looks a decent area for public transport to London's least accessible venue, the Alexandra Palace.

The Good Beer Guide is consulted.   Mrs M won't do a JDW and the other two ticks are slightly out of the way so instead I reach for the Big Blue Camra book by Des De Moor.   A modern guide to the best of London's Pubs and Bars.

Craft Beer Company, White Lion Street, Loch and Key, Fyne Ales

As much as Mrs M dislikes JDW, I dislike any over the top reference to Craft in a bars name.

Still, this has the interior and exterior look and feel of a proper boozer - which is because it was - formerly the Lord Wolseley.

Crafty Lord Wolseley

Exceptionally friendly bar staff - especially as I was served after a group of 5 men, arguing about who's round it was.  We take our drinks to explore the multiple rooms.   We observe the signage before settling a bit too close to other men whose use of the C word and beards were too loud, too frequent and too long.

I had my suspicions about their company but couldn't resist the nearby classic Wing Back Chairs.

Chemistry

Mrs M using her phone to find out who sells these beauties

The pint was a dark IPA from Scotland.   Mrs M quizzed me on how an IPA could be dark. 

I didn't know.

The Three Johns, White Lion Street, Electric Mountain by Heavy Industry Brewing

A little further back towards the tube and we have a proper pub.   Much to admire - from the people on laptops pretending to work (it is 4pm) to the ornate, beaten copper ceiling.   Special shout out to the man with a baby in a papoose enjoying his pint.

I cannot wait to be a grandfather.

Ales and Stouts and three Johns

Copper Roof.  Child Minders.

The Charles Lamb, Elia Street, 4 from XT Brewing Company

A nice walk over the main road and down towards the Regents Canal.   We pass several pubs.  Mrs M asks at each one "are we going in here?".   If only we hadn't got a date with Bernard and the gang.

We play a game of "who lives in a house like this?", followed by "who drinks in a boozer like this?"

It really couldn't be any more traditional.

Tradition in the Heart of Islington

I place the order and attempt to pay with a crisp twenty.   The bar staff are holding out a chip and pin reader.  We are both confused as to where I should insert the note.  Or maybe, I just have to press it on top.

The pub was great - we sat at the high bar stools and discussed many things, including my exercise regime.

The beer was on the cusp of being unable to justify its price.

The Earl of Essex, Danbury Street, Beavertown Neck Oil

By Christ, I can say I have lived, for I have imbibed the much heralded Beavertown Neck Oil.

It's pungent floral aromas and taste meant I wished it was a Timothy Taylor Landlord.   Maybe some things just aren't for me.

This is another traditional looking pub - but one with a hidden surprise.   Around the back of the island bar, is their own brewing facility.

A pub.... 

.... And a Brewery

So four pubs in Islington, all with something to offer the beer tourist.  We are two thickies from the sticks but we have an observation and a question?

In three of the four pubs, standard tables - not at all suitable for dining - had "Reserved for xxxx at X O'clock" on them.   For example,. the re-purposed school desk in the above photo belonged to Meredith from 6:30pm.

When did it become a thing that you could reserve a drinking table in pubs?   

In our local, if you leave your chair for a moment, you fall prey to the 5 Second Rule.

Odd.   And we hope this is something that London isn't thinking of exporting.