The Prince

Tucked away on a charming corner in Stoke Newington, The Prince in London is what happens when Victorian grandeur meets modern-day pub culture. This isn't just another London watering hole - it's the kind of place where the staircase has more character than some entire establishments, and where the perfect pint of Budvar comes with a side of local lore.

Let's address the elephant in the room - or rather, the stunning iron-worked staircase in the pub. Dating back to 1880, when it was known as The Prince of Wales (because apparently, the Victorians never met a royal title they didn't like), this architectural gem manages to pull off that tricky balance between maintaining its historic charm and feeling thoroughly contemporary. The parquet-clad servery and metal glass shelving somehow work in perfect harmony with those butter-soft leather banquettes that practically beg you to settle in for the evening.

Speaking of settling in, the beer selection here is enough to make a craft beer enthusiast weep tears of joy into their artisanal glass. The Prince takes its role as a purveyor of fine brews seriously, with an impressive lineup that leans heavily on local craft offerings. Three cask ales stand ready for traditionalists, while a rotating selection of craft options keeps the hop-curious coming back. And here's a tip from someone who's done the legwork: their Budvar pour is absolutely pristine - and at just under six quid, it's a reasonable deal for London prices.

The food menu here is where things get interesting. The kitchen team has mastered what I like to call "elevated pub grub" - the kind of fare that makes you forget you're in a pub until you glance up at the beautifully preserved Victorian fireplace. Their burgers have developed something of a cult following among Stokey locals, and at £12.50 for a 6oz cheeseburger, they're hitting that sweet spot between gastropub ambition and neighborhood pub accessibility. But it's the Sunday roast that really shows what this kitchen can do. At £18.50 for the chicken roast, it's priced to reflect the quality without veering into special-occasion-only territory.

The atmosphere here is a masterclass in pub dynamics. Early afternoons might start quiet, but once the music kicks in (and trust me, the playlist game here is strong - they'll even indulge your My Bloody Valentine requests), the whole place transforms. It's fascinating to watch the ebb and flow of patrons throughout the day: solo drinkers nursing pints and paperbacks, young families attacking those legendary burgers, groups of friends claiming their favorite corners. The garden area adds another dimension entirely - it's a proper London pub garden, complete with that indefinable magic that makes you want to stay for "just one more" even as the evening draws in.

What really sets The Prince apart from other London pubs is its ability to be multiple things to multiple people without losing its identity. The staff strike that perfect balance between professional and personable - they know their stuff but won't bore you with unnecessary beer lectures unless you ask (and if you do ask, buckle up for some genuine expertise). It's the kind of place where you can have a serious conversation about craft beer one minute and find yourself in a heated debate about the best local pizza delivery the next.

Here's the bottom line: The Prince in London isn't trying to reinvent the wheel - it's just making sure that wheel is perfectly crafted, well-maintained, and rolling along smoothly on a path between tradition and innovation. It's a ten-minute amble from Stoke Newington Overground station, but trust me, it's worth every step. Whether you're in the neighborhood or need a reason to explore Stokey, make this your destination. Just don't be surprised if you end up making it your regular - The Prince has a way of turning first-timers into regulars before they've even finished their first pint.