Earl of Essex
The first thing you might notice on entering this backstreet Georgian pub is the beautiful island back-bar with a ’60s ‘Watney Red Barrel’ sign; the second will probably be the vast hymn-type board advertising that day’s beers on offer. Staffs are constantly hopping up on to chairs to change the names as a keg run out it’s that sort of place. Nowadays, almost every new pub tries to sell itself on a ‘craft beer’ offer, but not all manage it on this scale.
Craft Beer Co
Each of London’s five Craft Beer Co pubs can boast dozens of taps the Covent Garden branch’s count of 45 is the highest in the UK but the Islington outpost is the only one that could be labelled cosy. A comfortable pub with an excellent beer list is a dangerous proposition, and you could certainly spend many happy hours finding a new favourite pint with the help of the knowledgeable, friendly bar staff. Outdoor tables and a covered yard offer the beer buffs who flock here the option of a little daylight, too.
