The Rosemary Branch is a little hub of cosiness just off the Regent’s Canal, and as well as the ground floor pub, it has a working theatre upstairs.

The Venue
Set on the border of Islington and Hackney, in the middle of an intersection of about six different roads and perched just next to the canal, the Rosemary Branch can be easily reached by foot, car, bus or even barge if you’ve got one. Its black and gold exterior is a bit rough around the edges, however there are lots of flowers outside and – if the sun’s out – a lot of people, both of which help to make it look inviting. The inside has a traditional feel, with an assortment of furniture that works well, like an old house that has collected bits and bobs over the years. It’s quite large but lots of table and chairs, a piano, flowers, a lot of fairy lights and ornate lighting fixtures all make it feel super-cosy. The two huge models of fighter airplanes suspended from the ceiling feel a little out of place, but maybe there’s a story behind them…

The Atmosphere
It feels like a lot of people know each other at the Rosemary Branch, something that gives it a nice atmosphere. As there is a theatre above the pub, it’s a base for people who work at or use the theatre, as well as locals who just want a drink. All in all it’s a mixed crowd and no-one should feel too out of place. The age range is about mid-twenties upwards.

The Food
The Rosemary Branch serves food throughout the week but is particularly popular for its Sunday roast. The 28-day matured rib-eye of beef (£14) is absolutely huge and perfectly cooked. Other meat options are the free-range pork loin and crackling (£12.50), the roast partridge (£11) or the honey roast chicken supreme (£11). If you’re less of a carnivore, try the seasonal stuffed pumpkin (£10), which is filled with shredded courgette and red pepper, making for a great flavour. All dishes come with roast potatoes, vegetables, gravy and – most importantly – a big Yorkshire pudding. For an extra £2.50, get the broccoli and cauliflower cheese – it’s amazing.

The Drink
The lager is Czech (Livotel to be exact) and starts at £3.45 a pint. There are a few ales on offer, starting at £3.55 for London Pride, with guest ales at £3.70. Guinness is available for £3.65 and, for a more exotic pint, Leffe and Fruli are available, but they do cost a whopping £5.15 a pint, so stick to a half instead. There’s a huge range of spirits, all of which are around £3.20 for a single shot and a house bottle of red or white wine is around £14.70.

The Last Word
For a spot of loveliness in the middle of a rather lacklustre setting, give the Rosemary Branch a try. With the friendly, local pub feel, the generous Sunday roasts and decent beer selection – this is a winter-afternoon winner.

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