This vibrant, spacious pub decorated with 1960s icons and a 45 rpm juke box gives a retro feel. It features an open-plan room with plenty of seating space and cosy couch areas. There is a small patio off the light airy lounge to enjoy one of their three real ales and watch the world go by. It has regular DJ’d music and several diverse beer festivals, always well attended.

There has been a revolving LocAle (from the likes of Redemption, Windsor & Eton, Sambrook’s, and East London Brewing) but recent visits have not always found that.

Good modern British food is cooked to order, and of course there are Sunday roasts, five on offer plus a fish and vegetarian option. There is a daily rotisserie menu of spit-roasted free range chicken from Freemans of Newent basted in aromatic herbs and spices stuffed with lemon and lime served with gravy and a choice of side orders. Weekly specials are sourced focusing on seasonal produce, fresh fish and a sumptuous pie of the week. Tapas style small plates also served.

Canonbury station on the London Overground (with connections to Stratford) is directly opposite the pub and easily seen from the outside bench seating where smoking is permitted. 10 minutes from Highbury and Islington tube station. Bus Routes to Highbury & Islington or Newington Green 236, 393, 73, 451.

Card-carrying CAMRA members get 20p off a pint. CAMRA North London Pub of the Season Winter 2011 and overall Pub of the Year 2014 and again in 2019. Listed as an Asset of Community Value, June 2016.