Duchess of Kent, De Beauvoir Town, N1

Until around 2005 there were three D o Ks in Islington, now down to two and it’s interesting to note that this pub’s Facebook page has the weblink to the other gastropub incarnation on Liverpool Road – I bet they love the free publicity! This is a 1930s’ rebuild for Watney, Combe & Reid with its faience tiling recently painted a contemporary shade of grey to make it look more Islingtonian. However, it’s definitely not a gastropub but a very traditional locals’ boozer – I don’t even know if they sell food here. Situated in an increasingly gentrified area, internally it’s all very pubby with a large bar, carpeted floor, muted music, games machines and two TVs showing the news with the sound off. There are swag curtains and furniture is traditional, as you’d expect. Décor is traditional too with brewgalia and the like. There was just one customer in when I arrived, served by a very friendly barmaid. Fuller’s London Pride and an unused pump delivered the ale, not sampled as I failed to notice it until after I’d ordered my half of Foster’s at £2.10. This is a good locals’ pub, pretty much unchanged and all the better for that. I hope it survives, but this isn’t really my format.