A charming little pub in N1, The Charles Lamb is a favourite for those in the know.

The Venue
With its open fire and resident dog, it’s hard to remember you’re a stone’s throw from bustling Upper Street. This pub used to be a row of three shops but it was converted into a pub in the 1920s and named after the essayist Charles Lamb. It sits on a quiet, tree-lined street near the Regent’s Canal and it’s certainly off the beaten track as the only way you’d find this pub is if you specifically take a turn down Elia Street. Maybe that adds to its charm, as the regulars here appreciate its inconspicuous location. The pub was runner up in the Observer Food 2010 awards in the Best Place to Drink category, so you can expect a healthy crowd in attendance at most times. Visually, the Charles Lamb is a pretty sight, with hanging flower baskets outside, along with a few wooden tables and chairs. On a hot summer day expect punters to be spilling out onto the streets.

The Atmosphere
Once inside the first thing that hits you is how small the pub is. It’s essentially a small L-shaped bar with a dining room on the right hand side. Whether you’re going for a booze-up with friends or wanting a bit of quiet newspaper reading time (at non-peak times obviously), this pub is a good spot.

The Food
The food here is notorious in the area. With its extensive French/English menu offering favourites such as steak, mushroom and Guinness pie, or smoked haddock and leek fishcakes, all for £12 or under, it’s easy to see why it is so popular.

They also offer a traditional Sunday roast each week for £12, running from 1pm-6pm, but make sure you get here early because, as mentioned before, you might struggle to get a seat.

The Drink
As a free house, The Charles Lamb serves a wide range of beers and is listed in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide. The guest ales change twice weekly and they try to showcase ales from all over England. A typical pint of lager costs around £3.40 or you can choose from a wide selection of European bottles, such as Liefmans Kriek (£4.70).

There is also an extensive wine list, with not only well known brands on offer, but also The Charles Lamb house wines, in red, white and rose, costing £16.50 per bottle.

The Last Word
With its good food, great selection of beer and friendly service in picturesque surroundings, The Charles Lamb ticks every box. Well worth a visit.

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