This pub has been voted by our readers as the best in Old Street. See the full list of winners here.
Very much two pubs in one, this place. The downstairs bar is a convivial locals sort of pub, with a front and back bar serving a superb selection of ales — eight real ales and five craft kegs. We've visited four times, and always find something unusual — Red Squirrel Porter and Yellow Snow IPA on the most recent visit. It's no surprise to find that this family-owned (since the 1960s!) freehouse won a CAMRA award for its beer in 2013. And look out for the large fish tank lurking at the back of the main room.
Upstairs, a stylish roof terrace awaits. Its light-wood panelling and tables are at complete odds with the old-school boozer downstairs, but in a good way. Food can be eaten in any section, with a hearty classic menu at half the price of other nearby options (cough, Hill and Szrok, cough). Throw in some live music on Saturdays, and this might just be the perfect pub. That said, it'll be interesting to see how it fares now that the brasher Draft House has opened literally a beer spit away.
On Twitter as @OldFountainAles.
Last updated June 2016.
