Located sufficiently far from the main Islington drag to be classed as a classy local, The Hanbury Arms is a wonderful addition to any North Londoners hideaway pubs list.
Hideaway it may be for those not familiar with the area, but small and dull it is not. A solid wood décor, open kitchen and spacious layout whisper welcome with a good smattering of slouchy corners and standard chairs and tables avoiding the overly ambitious clutter that permeates other venues in the area.
And while there is a reassuring lack of fixed wheeled bicycles out the front, this is not an old man's boozer. Cool still reigns but in such a friendly way that it's more Balham than Islington.
The kitchen itself serves up some of the best pizza I've had for a long time - and they're available for takeaway, the Jalapeno being a personal favourite.
They even have a function room upstairs - often replete with bespoke decoration by the currently resident Gin & Milk - that plays host to a variety of events from Speed Dating to theatre nights so a look at their events page is certainly worthwhile.
Back downstairs, Thursday is quiz night, run weekly, and while relaxed and friendly cool is the main vibe their general events calendar is sufficiently busy and diverse to warrant many return visits. And remember this is still Islington so expect monthly Classic Album Sunday's, weekly children's daytime drop in music group, free juke box, a bi-monthly cinema…
And they even show sport so the football mad coolsy can indulge in the beautiful game without an affected air of irony.
In short, whether you fancy a quiet, perhaps romantic pint, a night out with mates, Sunday lunch or just a local boozer with a touch of class, the Hanbury Arms caters for it all without compromising a wonderfully welcoming atmosphere.
The only down side is the 15 minute walk from Angel station but, to be fair this is really its appeal. And you get to take in some of the nicer parts of the area on your stroll.
So next time you're in the area, take a break from the self-conscious madness of Upper Street and check out what, for me, has become a new favourite.
The Original Dating verdict
If you're looking for a relaxed place with more than a hint of cool you'll love The Hanbury. It's a firm favourite of the Angel locals for good reason.
Original Dating rating (out of five)
The Hanbury Arms Pub London, 33 Linton Street, Islington, N1 7DU.
Tel: 0207 288 2222 Email: contact@thehanburyarms.com
Check out our forthcoming speed dating events at The Hanbury