The Island Queen

When every other pub has either gone irrevocably gastro or stayed irredeemably seedy, the Island Queen shows there is a middle way. It’s blessed with a beautiful interior, with etched glass, mirrors & wood panelling. And it knows that the first thing a pub must get right is the beers & ciders. There are half a dozen German lagers on draught, London Pride & organic cider, plus plenty of bottles. Snacks aren’t stuck in the pork-scratchings past – there are wasabi nuts – while more substantial offerings include spinach & tomato quesadilla or macaroni cheese with spinach & Dijon mustard. The wine list devotes as much attention to the New World as the Old.