An Island retreat

The search for a decent watering hole on the less-than-lively Noel Road will no doubt have often been abandoned. But anyone adventurous enough to wander away from the hussle and bussle of Upper Street will find their persistence pays off when they dock at The Island Queen.

After a bit of a revamp, this traditional pub has been dragged into the 21st Century, or rather 20th Century, with a few rather kitsch additions.

Regulars will feel at home with the time-worn tables, mis-matched chairs and imposing mirrors complete with sprawling wax vines and leaves. The new kids on the interior design block include retro red and orange lampshades, striking glass chandeliers and otherwise boring toilets jazzed-up by funky-patterned mirrors.

The dark wood staircase has the feel of a West End club with stripy fabric panelling illuminated by pink neo lighting but the plush heavy-draped curtains, large open fire and huge purple sofas of the upstairs lounge room have been pretty much left in peace.

The theme of spicing-up the traditional is continued on the menu, with spinach and tomato quesedilla, calamari and yakatori chicken sitting alongside Welsh rarebit, steak and ale pie and Aberdeen rib-eye steak.

Stodgy pudding fans will be pleased to know there's wimpy fruit salad or sorbet in sight though and the agonising decision of which dessert to choose will come down to just one of two options - sticky toffee square or chocolate puddle pudding.

As for drinks, the traditional lagers, beers and real ales have been joined by some fruitier additions, including the cherry flavoured Belle Vue Kriek and raspberry flavoured Liefmanns Frambozen. If that tickles your taste buds, watch out for a strawberry addition, which is coming soon!

The Island Queen, 87 Noel Road, Islington, N1. Open Mon to Sat from 12pm to 11pm and Sun from 12pm to 10.30pm. Tel: 020 7704 7631

The Island Queen
87 Noel Road, N1 8HD