Pig & Butcher, N1

Yet another gastro pub perhaps with ideas above its station, the way in semi blocked by a wait here to be seated sign, I didn't bother.

Decent enough pub but could not get a seat, which puts me off somewhat. Adnams Ghost Ship on draught.

Very busy food led pub.Roast dinners looked very nice. Overly warm with large ceiling fans.Great bottled beer selection and 3 real ales. Bath -Gem,Sambrookes -Wandle and a superb Elb-Cowcatcher ipa.

This is an old mid-Victorian pub originally named the White Horse Hotel. Inside the only original feature is a bit of coving around some of the walls. The furnishings are the preferred gastro pub fittings of scrubbed solid tables and standard chairs. This pub is definitely food led with most, but not all, tables laid for diners. The building has been extended into the right hand building at some stage, separated from the main bar area by some shelving bearing assorted artfully arranged bric a brac. There were three ales on - Adnam's Southwold, ELB Pale Ale, and Sambrook Wandle. The latter was £3.80 a pint, which is not too outrageous by gastropub standards in this part of the world. Pints were served in dimple jugs, with no choice offered. I didn't see a menu, but I don't suppose it offers many surprises. This is a gastropub, so you wouldn't expect a traditional pub experience here. Nevertheless, the ale selection was OK and it was perfectly enjoyable sitting outside on a warm and sunny afternoon sinking a decent pint of Wandle watching the world go by.

Pig & Butcher site with menu and beer list - www.thepigandbutcher.co.uk

Pig & Butcher site with menu and beer list - www.thepigandbutcher.co.uk

The former Islington Tap has been re-named the Pig & Butcher, but is perhaps now more of a gastropub than previously. Gloomy semi-retro furniture in the smallish bar, but the side dining room has much brighter lighting and decor. Background music at a sensible volume. Three handpumps, offering Bath Gem, Hopback GFB and Arbor Ales Riwaka (£3.60) plus a good selection of bottles. Overall, if one ignores the annoyingly overattentive staff, I would say that it is a modest improvement.