This renovated pub, now part of the Stonegate family, enjoyed a fascinating past life as The Agricultural Hotel: an establishment that once catered to those attending livestock fairs nearby. You can still find a few nods to the building’s heritage, including recycled farmyard objects, such as the wooden hoe handles that double as hand-pulls.
In meaty homage to its past, the likes of hot wings with an Oxford blue cheese dip and marinated chicken served with minted new potatoes appear on the menu, although The Islington Townhouse also caters to non-meat eaters with vegetarian options such as beetroot falafel balls dipped in refreshing tzatziki and a vegan version of its signature stacked burger which swaps out cheddar and beef for a pulled oats patty and plant-based cheese. Don’t miss the set menus either, which feature seasonally appropriate fare and offer a three-course experience at a very reasonable price.
To round off your meal, you can finish up with sweet treats such as double chocolate cheesecake or sticky ginger sponge with poached pear and vanilla ice cream, while diners with more savoury preferences can instead enjoy the cheese of the week alongside crackers and chutney.
The Islington Townhouse is full of nooks and crannies to settle into and punters with a taste for adventure may stumble across the speakeasy-style micro cocktail bar upstairs or the so-called ‘attic’ at the top of the townhouse, which is available to hire for private parties. To drink, there are more than 20 wines by the glass to choose from (all at fair prices), while house cocktails are found alongside beers on taps and imaginative softs which swap out the usual Diet Coke and 7Up for the likes of kombucha and cold-pressed juices.
The Islington Townhouse also offers special deals which are worth keeping an eye out for, including children eating for half price during the week from 4-6pm and Martini Mondays, when the classic tipple is available for just £5 all day long.