Craft Beer Co, N1

Another addition to the popular Craft Beer Co empire and, as others have mentioned, this one has perhaps a ‘pubbier’ feel to it than the other London outlets. The place has a three room layout with the servery along the back wall of the left hand room. High tables and stools run under the front windows opposite the bar and an upright piano can be found here with a few board games stacked on top of it. A door leads out to a beer garden, which given the terrible weather on my visit, remained unvisited by me. The room to the right has dark walls adorned with a few old paintings, pictures and bar billiards mementoes and is filled with standard table and chair arrangements. In many ways, this is the nicest spot to grab a seat, although I quite enjoyed relaxing in the small, bare brick rear room with standard and low stool seating and a couple of button backed armchairs. Large canvas prints showing elements of the brewing process cover the walls. Weird music played throughout my stay, but it was low enough to only be noticeable in the quiet back room. A typically long row of hand pumps faced me on arrival offering three beers from the Cairngorm Brewery, two from Siren (including a collaboration with Evil Twin), one from Weird Beard, the house ale from the Kent Brewery and an excellent pint of Fyne Rune which slipped down nicely. The usual vast array of craft keg and bottled offerings applied and a pricey menu is available as always to help you decide how to most efficiently empty your wallet. The barman who served me was very friendly and notably less snobby when helping people decide what they should pick than in other craft beer venues. I certainly agree that this has more of a pub feel to it than the other London outlets and that it benefits greatly in terms of general ambiance and comfort. An excellent addition to the chain and although I marginally prefer the Leather Lane branch, I hope that future policy will see new branches follow in the same vein as this place.

I didn't see the beer list on the tables (possibly not yet put out as we were in at just after noon on Friday) but judging by Maldenman's experience I think I can safely say that I would have found no practical use for it. The ales here are still priced by ABV level, with the price list clearly displayed on the bar counter, which is an unusual but highly welcome thing to do. Of the ten pumps "only" eight were in use, with a range of different ale styles thus providing something for everyone. I didn't see a menu but there were pork pies on the bar counter, for about £4 a go as I recall. The pub is as described earlier, with the bar counter is in the main room as you enter. The pub has clearly been extended into the house on the right at some stage, which has provided the two further on the right. There is a bit of outside seating in the alley to the left of the pub. I rate this pub very highly. It has provided a comfortable setting without completely destroying the original feel of a pub. Eight (and sometimes ten presumably) ales with none from the mainstream brewers is a definite plus as well. I will certainly be back here.

Walked for several hours on a blistering Bank Holiday Monday, arriving at the Craft at about 12:30pm only to find that they do not open until 16:00 on weekdays, even if it is a bank holiday! Looked good through the window :O(