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Image posted by Malden man
Submitted on Wednesday, 24th January 2018
With picture contributions to 1681 other pubs
View all this pub's pictures (28 more images)
Detail Pages
The Alpaca, Islington, N1
N1
N1 8LU
Served areas
Reviews of The Alpaca (Average Rating: 6½ of 10) see review guidelines
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 18th February 2018
- rating: 7
[User has posted 2088 recommendations about 2088 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Malden man left this review about The New Rose
An unusual and rather quirky sort of pub located on an Essex Street corner and seemingly extended at some time into the adjoining premises. Partially divided into effectively three areas with a central island bar, a piano sits against a chimney breast and the main room has possibly the most distressed lacquered floor I have seen to date. Large rooflights to the rear of the side room. Exterior signage says "Just Another Pub", the pub website has an additional adjective. In the same style on a wall inside is proclaimed " Though Shall Not Talk Shit". Can't argue with that concept.
I enjoyed it in here, a proper down to earth pub with decent beer and a friendly welcome from staff and the handful of afternoon customers alike. On were ELB Nightwatchman, three from New River, Blind Poet, Five Inch Drop and London Tap. There was a cider too, sorry not noted, think it was from Westons. They do a loyalty card and a decent 10% CAMRA Discount, offered freely.
Of note inside, lots of gig flyers, a wall of photos of I assume regulars and staff, a sign leads one to a not so secret secret garden, not visited on a diabolical day.
Food seems to lead on pizze and roast Sunday lunches are advertised.
Worth looking in.
On 28th January 2018
- rating: 7
[User has posted 1687 recommendations about 1663 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Tris C left this review about The New Rose
A return trip to this ex-Taylor Walker pub, once called The Half Moon. Well described below and described on the pub's website as 'Just another fucking pub', this is a slight dive bar with an eclectic interior and central bar with some down lighting, probably dating from at least the 1960s. There's a black lacquered floor, some bare brick, and simple, possibly ply panelling to the walls at three-quarter-length height. There are also two real log/coal fires which was a very nice touch. To the walls there are plenty of film posters and there are other odds and sods about the place.
Staff were very friendly and efficient. Around four ales which I can't recall other than St. Peter's Flawless at £2.50 a half.
I have experienced music here at a much louder level when the place has less appeal, but sitting here of an early evening with a couple of friends, it was an experience I'd be happy to repeat.
On 13th November 2017
- rating: 7
[User has posted 999 recommendations about 984 pubs]
View more reviews of The Alpaca (12)
Pubs Galore is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.
- Official site of The Alpaca - www.thealpaca.co.uk
- Randomness Guide to London - New Rose entry
- CAMRA WhatPub :: The Alpaca - whatpub.com
- Historic Pub Interiors - pubheritage.camra.org.uk
Highbury & Islington, 0.71 miles, 13 min walk (show)
Highbury & Islington, 0.71 miles, 13 min walk (show)
Pub Details
Pub details supplied by members of this site to the best of their knowledge. Please check with pub directly before making a special trip.
- Accommodation : No last updated 06 August 2020 by ROB Camra
- Beer Festivals : No last updated 06 August 2020 by ROB Camra
- Beer Garden : Yes last updated 06 August 2020 by ROB Camra
- CAMRA Discount : No - 20p per pint including real cider - last updated 06 August 2020 by ROB Camra
- Car Park : No last updated 06 August 2020 by ROB Camra
- Function Room : Yes last updated 06 August 2020 by ROB Camra
- Hot Food : Yes last updated 06 August 2020 by ROB Camra
- Live Music : No last updated 06 August 2020 by ROB Camra
- Live TV Sports : No last updated 06 August 2020 by ROB Camra
- Micropub : No last updated 06 August 2020 by ROB Camra
- Real Ale : Yes last updated 06 August 2020 by ROB Camra
- Real Cider : No last updated 06 August 2020 by ROB Camra
- WiFi : Yes last updated 06 August 2020 by ROB Camra