Friday night in mid-April, one objective in mind: Relax with friends and drink some great beer, while showing our North Carolina friends in town a new beer spot and yet-to-see London neighborhood. Our choice: The Earl of Essex pub in Islington.
Having visited Earl of Essex previously during the winter months, I hoped we’d get the opportunity this time to enjoy the spacious outdoor beer garden. “Sunny spells” peaked out on occasion, giving me a glimmer of hope that the weather would change for the better.
Upon arrival, a typical day of London rain and damp coldness overtook any resemblance of sun, which forced all customers outside to cram in and occupy every inch of usable space inside the pub.
With some luck and my keen watchdog tactics, we managed to secure a perfect table in the back corner of the pub a short time later. Surrounded by the Earl of Essex’s brand new silver beer tanks, we happily settled in to enjoy a great evening out!
Where: North London in the Angel/Islington neighborhood. Danbury Street. See map.
Why you should visit: Situated on a quaint street near to the Regent’s Canal path in Islington, the pub is warm, inviting and offers a selection of beer that will easily satisfy craft beer fans! Soon to come – they will also be brewing their own beer in house, though as of my visit this operation was not officially up and running. Beer equipment is stored in the basement while there are also a few tanks squeezed in and “on display” on the back side of the main bar.
Overall experience: We began the evening by sampling some of their keg and cask beers on draft, which showcased the London microbreweries and additionally included a few choices from other European and American brewers (approx. 15-20+ beers on draft). I first enjoyed the Camden Ink Stout, a beer that never disappoints me and my go-to choice when the bar is crowded and I can’t make up my mind fast enough.
My friends and I shared some meat and cheese platters, both wonderful choices, and perfect compliments to the beer.
Our next strategy was to explore the bottled beer list, and “no holds barred”, we delved in. Worth the splurge (prices ranged on average from 10-20 pounds per 750ml bottle), each time one of us placed an order at the bar, we came back with more sampler glasses and another champagne-sized bottle of beer.
Troubador Blond Ale, Infinium, Brookyn Local No. 2, and the Russian River/Sierra Nevada BRUX beer were among the beers we enjoyed.
Jim in heaven as he shows off some of the bottled beers we shared at Earl of Essex
An awesome night, all of my expectations were met at the Earl of Essex pub! I can’t wait to go back and enjoy the beer garden when the weather cooperates, and more importantly, to sample the house beer as they begin brewing their own recipes on the premises!
April 30, 2013
Beer and Breweries, Beer By Country, London, England, UK