A proper local, this good old stalwart of the Islington pub scene is friendlier than most and offers great craic on a summer’s day.

The Venue
Just around the corner from Highbury and Islington station within walking distance for the residents of Hackney, Islington and Stoke Newington, the Alwyne caters for all sorts, from the young and trendy to a slightly older crowd.

Famed in the area for its large concrete beer 'garden', it is packed on summer evenings and weekends, hosting big barbecues and hog roasts on warmer days. The crowds don't seem to mind that the tables are right next to a fairly major road as long as the Magners keeps flowing.

The Atmosphere
Very friendly. It is actually possible to make friends in the Alwyne, a fact that can't be claimed for many of North London's snottier venues. The bar staff have been known to engage you in conversation for more than the obligatory two minutes and, unless it’s really crowded, by your second round they'll know what you're drinking. There's a fair amount of cross-group chat, especially among the smokers, who even swap cigarettes and crossword clues, flouting the usual London 'stranger danger' rule.

The clientele is mixed: mostly young trendies and groups of friends in their twenties, but there are older groups, especially on a weekend, and the occasional yummy-mummy with baby. There's a roaring fire in winter and little hubs of disparate furniture: comfy sofas and a smattering of low tables, it's generally filled with folks lolling about. People come and stay all day, enjoying the excellent selection of bar snacks, newspapers, board games and desserts. Here, relaxation is king.

The Drink
As befits a bar that caters to the thirst of trendy sun-worshipping pub garden fanatics, the Alwyne’s selection of fruity beers, ciders and white and rose wines is huge. Bulmers, Aspalls and Brothers (Pear and Strawberry) are available in bottles (£3.20-£3.75) with Hoegaarden (3.80) and strawberry Fruli on tap (3.90). Staropramen, Peroni, Becks Vier, Red Stripe and Fosters are also on draught between £2.80-£3.55 a pint.

The wine list is full and changes on a regular basis. The house wines are a Longshadow Chardonnay and Shiraz, but it’s worth paying a bit more to try something adventurous. The Italian Pinot Grigio (at £5.30 a large glass) is worth a punt with its crisp finish and sweet, lemony scent.

The Last Word
If what you need is fruity booze, a good feed and a friendly atmosphere then the Alwyne is worth a visit.

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