A quiet locals’ pub tucked away behind Highbury Corner.

The Venue
The Compton Arms has a village-feel about it. Situated down a quiet mews street in Highbury, unless you specifically know about the pub there’s no way you’d stumble across it. It’s hard to believe that the traffic-ridden Highbury Corner is only a few minutes’ walk away. This quaint little pub doesn’t look or feel like it belongs in Zone 1 – the musty smell when you step through the door, the dusty piano in the corner of the room, or the low-lying ceiling are all more likely to be found in pubs in the middle of the countryside. However, the Compton Arms prides itself on being different, and that’s just the way the locals like it.

The Atmosphere
This pub has a small, intimate feel about it. It’s quiet, with no music playing and the punters inside mumble quietly over their pints. Even though it’s a stone’s throw from the bustling Upper Street, the majority of the people here are locals, or people who’ve been recommended to come here. Therefore the clientele are fairly protective of their pub. Don’t bring a group of lads here before a night out; it’s not that type of place. But if you want to escape from London for a bit, and quietly sup on a pint, this is a great spot.

They’ve also got a plasma TV which shows all football and major sporting events, but it’s not the main feature of the pub; however, due to its close proximity to Highbury Stadium, expect the pub to get considerably busier on match days. Out the back is a cute decked courtyard with a few tables and chairs, perfect for smokers, or for sitting outside on a warm evening.

The Food
The Compton Arms operates a small but sufficient menu with traditional pub favourites such as sausage and mash (£8.95), fish and chips (£7.95) and steak and merlot pie (£10.95) to tickle your fancy. They also serve a roast on Sunday which is popular in the local area.

Once a week the pub runs a pasta night, with all dishes recommended and cooked by their Sicilian chef. Once a month they have a ‘Cockney fish night’, where you can find cockles, whelks, prawns and other seafood delights, all bought fresh that morning from the market.

The Drink
This pub is known in the area for its selection and care of its real ales. On draught expect to find beers such as Abbot Ale (£3.50) or Greene King IPA (£3.35). They also have two guest ales which are rotated weekly.

There is also a sparse wine list with a few decent bottles on offer. The wines are all available by the glass sizes, the smallest costing £3.80, while a bottle costs somewhere in the region of £17.60.

The Last Word
A quaint locals’ pub that feels like it’s been plucked out of the countryside and placed in N1.

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