The Army & Navy

Looking for London's last authentic pub experience? The Army & Navy in London's vibrant Dalston is that mythical unicorn – a proper British boozer that hasn't sold its soul to trendy makeovers or astronomical prices. This is where stories that start with "just popping out for one" end with "...and then somehow we ended up leading a pub-wide singalong at midnight!"

Listen, I've seen enough Instagram-bait pubs to last a lifetime, but this place? It's the real deal. We're talking a Grade II listed 1930s gem that's somehow managed to keep its old-school charm while still being the kind of spot where both your cool cousin and your grandad would feel right at home. The moment you walk in, you know you're somewhere special – proper pub carpet (you know the kind!), cozy velour seating that's actually comfortable, and the kind of atmosphere you can't manufacture with an interior designer's budget.

BUT. THE. BEER. GARDEN. Oh. My. Days. It's not just a garden, it's practically its own postcode! Massive doesn't even begin to cover it, and they've got these genius covered booths that mean your outdoor plans aren't immediately destroyed by London's favorite party crasher (rain, obviously). They've even added an outdoor bar because they understand that life's too short to walk inside for a refill when you're deep in conversation about whether aliens built the pyramids.

Jimmy, the legendary governor who's been running this ship for over 26 years, is basically the pub whisperer. He's created this magical environment where everyone – and I mean EVERYONE – feels like a regular by their second visit. The staff here have that rare gift of remembering your usual order before you've even reached the bar. It's like having a drink at your mate's place, if your mate happened to run the best pub in Dalston.

Speaking of drinks – let's talk prices that won't make your wallet cry! The Guinness here is poured with the kind of reverence usually reserved for fine art, and the craft beer selection strikes that perfect balance between "interesting enough to impress your beer snob friend" and "won't require a small loan to enjoy." They've even partnered with Yard Sale Pizza, so you can get some proper pizza delivered straight to your table. Game changer!

Sports fans, you haven't lived until you've watched a match here. The atmosphere during big games is electric – think multiple screens, perfect viewing angles, and the kind of collective joy (or despair) that makes watching sports actually mean something. And if your team's losing? Well, at least you're in the perfect place to either celebrate or commiserate.

The beauty of The Army & Navy is how it shape-shifts throughout the day. Afternoons are for lazy pint-and-paper sessions or catching up with friends. Evenings kick up a notch, especially weekends when the garden becomes this buzzing social hub that somehow manages to feel both lively and laid-back at the same time. And yes, they're dog-friendly, because they understand that good boys deserve good pubs too.

Here's your insider intel: get there early for big matches (trust me), bring cash AND card (they take both, because they're not monsters), and if Jimmy's around, ask him about the pub's history – the stories are legendary. The dart board's free, but maybe don't challenge the regulars unless you're prepared to lose spectacularly and buy a round.

You'll find this gem just a five-minute wobble from Dalston Kingsland station, which means it's dangerously easy to pop in "just for one" when you're passing through. But let's be honest – nobody ever just has one at The Army & Navy. This is where "quick drink?" turns into "why is the sun coming up?" and "shall we grab a pint?" becomes "remember that random Tuesday that turned into the best night of the summer?"

Don't be the person who says "yeah, I've been meaning to check that place out" for the next five years. The Army & Navy isn't just a pub – it's where memories are made, friendships are forged, and London's proper pub culture lives on in all its glory. Get yourself down here before everyone else realizes what they're missing. Your future self will thank you, even if your tomorrow self might not!