The Island

The cooler-than-school Kensal Rise crowds quickly warmed to The Island. They like its off-the-beaten-track location, which deters casual passers-by. The pub has pretty much everything you could want from a local: good music, classic cocktails, 60-odd wines, draught Leffe & Old Speckled Hen, plus an impressive Euro-centric menu served in the first-floor & mezzanine restaurant. Food more than passes muster: from cleverly assembled pheasant & smoked pork terrine with golden raisin chutney, to grilled lobster & chips, & an apple & butterscotch tart. Bar snacks include knockout buffalo wings & fried whitebait with gremolata. So far so good, but there’s also the modish decor, the peachy bar staff, & a sunny terrace that can hold up to 150 happy punters.