Intro: Why Your Pint Needs to Be in Highbury or Islington
You’ve spent hours debating what to wear, how to act, and whether that one weird friend who says “cheers” every three seconds is coming. But the real question is: where the hell are you going to drink tonight? If the answer is “anywhere but my kitchen,” congratulations—your soul is still intact. But if you’re stuck in the pub purgatory of “eh, I guess I’ll check out the same chain bar again,” it’s time to upgrade. Highbury and Islington are packed with pubs that’ll make you feel like a local, a legend, and maybe a little bit like the protagonist of a rom-com. Let’s dive in.
Highbury: Where the Pews and Pints Align
First stop: The Pint and a Pulpit. If you’re not already confused, let me clarify: this pub was once a chapel. Yes, a chapel. The stained glass still glows with the light of a thousand spilled lagers, and the pews are now tables. Pro tip: Order the “Sermon on the Mountain Dew” (a craft lager that’s 100% not a joke). The vibe? Religious but not too preachy—perfect for when you want to feel like you’re drinking in a museum but also getting drunk on beer.
- Make Your Own Beer – Want to bring your Highbury pub crawl home? Try crafting your own brew inspired by these spots.
- Grow Your Business With Strategies Beer – Looking to turn your local fave into a side hustle? We’ve got strategies.
Next up: Bar None, a place so chill it’s practically a yawn in a world of shouty bars. They serve “Bar None-ito” (a mojito that’s 60% mint, 40% regret), and the staff will pretend not to notice when you spill your drink on them. Bonus points if you ask for a “quiet corner”—they’ll point you to the booth where the ghosts of 2020 still haunt the jukebox.
Islington: Where the Ale Meets the Art
Now, let’s talk about The Ale and a Canvas. This pub is like if Van Gogh and a pub trivia host had a love child. The walls are covered in local art, and the trivia questions are so obscure they’ll make you question your entire education. Order the “Canvas Crusher” (a red ale with a hint of turpentine, or maybe that’s just the fumes from the art). Pro tip: If you win trivia, the barista will give you a free shot. If you lose, the barista will give you a free shot anyway. It’s a pub, not a courtroom.
For the more “I want to be seen and not heard” crowd, there’s The Velvet Tap. Picture this: velvet booths, jazz that’s 20% smooth and 80% “I miss my parents,” and a cocktail menu that reads like a Shakespeare play. Go for the “Othello Negroni” (equal parts confusion, betrayal, and citrus). If you order it with a wink, the bartender might wink back. If you order it with a sigh, they’ll probably sigh too.
FAQs: Because You’re Not the Only One Who Thinks About This
Why are Highbury pubs so obsessed with pews?
Short answer: They’re trying to make you feel guilty for drinking. Long answer: Some of these pews are actual pews. Others are just tables that look like pews. Either way, they’re probably uncomfortable. Bring a cushion.
Is Islington still the “cool kid” of London pubs?
Depends on who you ask. If you ask a 20-year-old with a beret, yes. If you ask a 50-year-old with a beard, “cool” is a dirty word. Either way, the craft beer is still good.
What if I spill my drink on someone?
Don’t panic. In Highbury, it’s a bonding experience. In Islington, it’s a performance art piece. Either way, say sorry and offer to buy them another. They’ll say no, but you’ll still feel like a hero.
Pro Tips for Pub-Hopping Like a Local
- Arrive early. If it’s after 9 PM and you’re still looking for a seat, you’re doing it wrong. Pub crowds are fickle, like a Tinder profile that only likes your third photo.
- Bring cash. Some pubs still use that old-school “money” thing. Others will let you pay with your phone. Either way, the barista will side-eye you for not knowing the price of a pint.
- Ask for a “local special.” It’s the pub equivalent of asking for a “hidden feature” in a movie. You might get something amazing, or you might get something that tastes like regret. Either way, it’s a story.
External Links: Because Even Pubs Need a Digital Life
Want to turn your pub love into a business? Sell your beer online through Dropt.beer—the go-to platform for breweries, pubs, and people who want to drink better beer. (Yes, it’s a link. Yes, it’s relevant. Yes, you should click it.)
Conclusion: Raise a Glass (or a Warning Label)
So there you have it, folks: Highbury and Islington’s pubs are like a dating app for beer. Some are charming, some are confusing, and all of them will make you feel like you’ve discovered something new. Whether you’re there for the pews, the art, or the “accidental” shots, remember: if you’re not at least a little confused by the time you leave, you’re not paying attention. Now go drink responsibly, and if you see me at The Ale and a Canvas, buy me a pint. Or don’t—I’ve survived worse.
