Nowadays, everywhere does organic this and organic that – it’s really nothing to shout about. However, the Duke of Cambridge was a pioneer in this trend, having opened in 1998 as Britain’s first certified organic pub.

The Venue
The Duke of Cambridge doesn’t look like much from the outside – just another corner-positioned Islington pub with a couple of outdoor benches – but inside it’s a whole other story. While other ‘gastro’ pubs have embraced the bland neutrality of these watering holes turned restaurants, this place has gone for an earthy, rustic appeal. Sure, the bare floors, wooden tables and chairs, neutral colourscheme and blackboards are all there, but there’s a certain effortless style about this place. Maybe it’s the exposed brick or wooden beamed ceilings, or maybe it’s the vibrant blue bar and attractive light fittings? Somehow, they have got the gastropub style spot-on.

The Atmosphere
With many gastropubs, drinkers are stuck in a corner and made to feel second best to diners. Not so at the Duke of Cambridge, where the laid-back atmosphere and cheerful staff make everyone feel welcome. Maybe it’s the rustic surroundings or the fact that this pub is dog friendly? Maybe it’s just because this is a gastropub that doesn’t put pomp first.

The Food
Everything served at the Duke of Cambridge is organic and very seasonal as a result. You won’t get tomatoes here in the winter or parsnips in the summer – if it’s not in season, it won’t be used. They are also steadfast in their dedication to buying in only sustainable fish. Add to this the fact that 80% of their food is sourced locally and you have a wonderfully ethical pub that isn’t just trying to be trendy; far from it, they helped start the trend.

The only downside to their wonderful menu, which is more restaurant than pub, is the price. All of the starters come in at almost £9 (with the exception of the soup – a gazpacho in the summer – at £5). And the main courses veer from £13.50 to £22. And for what is pub food – no matter how fancy it is – that is a lot of money.

The Drink
This is where the Duke of Cambridge really shows off. Back in 1998, organic beer was unheard of. So what’s an organic pub to do? Persuade two London breweries to become certified and brew organic beers especially for them, of course. And so the Freedom and Pitfield Breweries became their suppliers – and have continued to do so to ever since. And yes, their beer is excellent quality, with four ales, three lagers and one cider on draught, all of which are unusual and difficult to find elsewhere, such as Freedom Dark Lager.

And, of course, their wine list also only contains organic and biodynamic bottles including some very unusual wines from UK vineyards. They even promise that anything sourced internationally is shipped not air freighted in order to lower their carbon footprint. Even the spirits are organic. And don’t get us started on the Fairtrade coffee…

The Last Word
This pub was a pioneer and started a trend that has really caught on in London. Watch and learn.

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