The Alpaca, Islington, N1

Please Note: This review is over a year old.

Bucking Fastard left this review about The New Rose

It's worth wandering around this pub,there are three sections and thankfully the owners have resisted the temptation to open out the interior,a modern scourge.The exterior tiling is also noteworthy.The left sided room has a series of banquettes and it's own set of handpumps from the island bar.Through an archway into the tap room with a dark floor,traditional furniture and a terrestrial flatscreen turned off,although six nations rugby will be screened.There is an alcove below a large sign describing a wide selection of whisky and bourbon.
To the front there is a square snug and pleasingly a lot of the wood panelling throughout the interior remains.It's a solid boozer with 5 handpumps ,although only 3 were operational on my Saturday lunchtime trip serving Truman Runner,Three Sods Session IPA and a decent Bexley Black Prince Porter (£4.20 with CAMRA discount).Judging by the collection of pump clips it appears the selection here will constantly rotate.The keg selection looked mundane,while the food looked more interesting with a variety of burgers from a Bun & Grain menu (mostly around £11),flatbreads and bar snacks.The jazz muzak enhanced the laid back vibe.
It's in the 2018 GBG,which seemed justified by my pint although it would have been good to see more pumps in action.The pub has not gentrified and sits comfortably in this slightly scruffy part of Islington,and would get another visit from me when next in the area.

On 18^th February 2018 - rating: 7
[User has posted 2198 recommendations about 2198 pubs]