The Crown, Islington

Let me tell you about The Crown in Islington, London - the kind of pub that turns "just one quick drink" into "wait, is that seriously sunrise?" Every time I walk through these doors, I'm reminded why this corner of London has my whole heart. And trust me, once you experience it, you'll be plotting your next visit before you've even finished your first pint.

You know those perfectly worn-in leather boots that just get better with age? That's The Crown Islington for you. With its Victorian-era charm and those gorgeous engraved glass windows catching the light just right, it's like stepping into London's coolest time machine - except this one comes with exceptional craft beer and the kind of atmosphere that makes strangers become friends by closing time.

OKAY BUT CAN WE TALK ABOUT THE SUNDAY ROAST?! Because holy Yorkshire pudding, Batman! We're talking about the kind of roast that makes your nan nervous about her cooking crown. Perfectly cooked meat that practically waves a white flag of surrender when your fork gets near it, crispy roast potatoes that should probably have their own Instagram account, and a Yorkshire pud so magnificent it deserves its own postcode in Islington.

The beer selection? chef's kiss Whether you're a craft beer nerd who wants to discuss hop profiles for hours or just someone who knows what they like, The Crown's got you covered. And listen - I've seen the most dedicated IPA snobs nod in approval at their rotating tap selection. Even if you're doing the alcohol-free thing, they've got Lucky Saint on tap (which, let's be honest, is basically liquid gold in the non-alcoholic world).

Picture this: it's a sunny London afternoon (yes, they exist!), and you're lounging in their outdoor area, cold drink in hand, watching the world go by in one of Islington's most charming corners. Or maybe it's a cozy winter evening, and you're tucked into one of those perfect pub corners, the kind that feels like it was made for plotting world domination or having deep conversations about whether cats can read minds.

The staff here? Absolute legends. They've got that perfect balance of being attentive without hovering, knowledgeable without being pretentious, and they remember your usual after just a couple of visits. It's the kind of service that makes you feel like you're part of the furniture - the really fancy, well-loved furniture, not that wobbly IKEA chair you've been meaning to fix.

Want some insider intel? Book ahead for Sunday roast - it's not just a meal, it's an institution, and the locals know it. The sweet spot for atmosphere is usually Thursday to Saturday evenings when there's enough buzz to feel exciting but you can still grab a table without performing an interpretive dance for it. And if you're bringing a group? They've got you covered with spaces that work for everything from casual catch-ups to "my friend just got promoted and we're celebrating HARD" situations.

Let's talk location - just a hop, skip, and a stumble from Angel station, The Crown sits pretty in a part of Islington that feels like it was designed for pub crawls (though honestly, you might not want to crawl anywhere else once you're here). The surrounding streets are packed with enough character to write a novel about, making it the perfect starting point, middle point, or final destination for any London adventure.

Listen, I could go on about The Crown Islington all day, but here's the bottom line: in a city full of pubs claiming to be proper London boozers, this is the real deal. It's the kind of place that makes you cancel other plans, the kind that has you inventing reasons to be in the neighborhood, the kind that becomes your answer to "where should we go?" before anyone's even finished asking the question. Don't walk, RUN to The Crown - because somewhere between that first sip and that last bite, you'll realize you've found your new London happy place.