King's Cross and Islington
There's an eaterie for everyone in this contrasting corner of London.
Nearest tube: King's Cross
With homely boozers, whimsical cafes and ultra-glam bars, anyone from the super rich to struggling students can find something to suit in King's Cross and Islington.
Babushka
Address: 125 Caledonian Road
N1 9RG
T: 020 7837 1924
Trendy vodka-and-DJ destination which also serves a reasonable pint, if you can't quite face starting on the vodka at midday. The outdoor terraces have good canalside views, and the food is pleasantly affordable.
Narrow Boat
Address: 119 St. Peter's Street
Islington, N1 8PZ
T: 020 7288 0572
Contemporary but attractive pub with real ale, a 'wine of the week' and a more adventurous menu than the norm. The Narrow Boat really makes the most of its canalside location, with a delightful downstairs room at towpath level decorated with attractive art deco prints, its glass doors opening directly onto the towpath. Attracts young and old alike.
Prince of Wales (Islington)
Address: 1a Sudeley Street
Islington, N1 8HP
T: 020 7837 6173
A favourite with local CAMRA members, this homely two-bar pub beside the canal mostly attracts an older clientele. Pub grub is available from Monday to Friday. A good place to relax over a pint on a cold winter's evening.
Rosemary Branch
Address: 2 Shepperton Road
Islington, N1 3DT
T: 020 7704 2730
You can't see the canal from this pub, but we liked it anyway and would commend it to passing boaters, walkers and cyclists. A characterful corner pub, with flowers on round marble tables and aeroplanes hanging from the roof. Seating mostly comprises church pews and the decor is intriguingly whimsical. Good range of real ales (Adnams, London Pride), plus food and live theatre. On Shepperton Road, a short walk east along the canal from Sturt's Lock.
The Commissary
Address: 49-50 Eagle Wharf Road
Islington, N1 7ED
T: 020 7251 1155
Something rather different, the Commissary is the in-house restaurant for the ultra-glam Holborn photo studios. It's frequented by waif-like models and TV stars - plenty of salads, then - but is open to the Great Unwashed so long as you fill in the membership form. Canalside views reveal an attractive selection of barges and houseboats. It closes early in the evening, so plan your visit with care.
The Constitution
Address: 42 St Pancras Way, Camden
Islington, NW1 0QT
T: 020 7387 4805
Big old-fashioned single-bar boozer around the back of St Pancras. There's pool, games machines, TVs and karaoke... despite all of which, we rather enjoyed it. A locals' pub, far enough from Camden to be uncrowded, and with a very pleasant terrace overlooking the canal. Real ales included well-kept Adnams on our visit.
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