This Islington backstreet is a notch above most of its N1 competitors.
First, the beers: Peroni, Sierra Nevada, Leffe, Früli, Schneider Weisse, Paulaner, Pilsner Urquell and Staropramen, all on draught, complemented by tap ales such as Landlord and Doom Bar.
Second, the wines: 20 in number, all but a couple available by both bottle and glass.
There’s also the pub food, affordable and good enough.
Inside, high ceilings tower over etched mirrors and abundant greenery; there are a couple of outdoor tables too. Even when it’s busy, the height of the rooms means acoustics that allow easy conversation. But the Island Queen’s main asset is that it has personality in spades: it’s a proper pub for people who want a proper drink.