The Famous Cock Tavern is nice pub that’s easy to get to - it’s about seven and a half steps away from Highbury and Islington Station. Oh, and it has a funny name, too.

The Venue
From the outside it might look like a bit of a dive, but that’s only on account of its immediate surroundings. It is, in fact, a very welcoming establishment, which comes as no surprise when you learn that this is a Smith and Jones pub.

There are two entrances to The Famous Cock Tavern: one directly opposite the station to lure in those getting off the tube, and one on Upper Street enticing those that have worked their way up from Angel. Upon entry, take note that your foot will sink a couple of centimetres into the soft stripy carpet. It’s a peculiar feeling but its part of the charm as mellow is what they’re aiming for.

The carpet is drenched in browns and greens from the seventies. Lining the wall opposite the bar are four very comfortable booths with brown leather seats and tall stripy orange and red back supports –it sounds hideous but it really works. Closer to the bar, the floor is the usual hardwood, supporting high tables to rest your pint on and bar stools on which to rest your rump. In one corner you’ll find a gambling machine and in the other one of the epic quiz arcades. You can also catch Sky Sports on a flatscreen telly at either end of the pub.

The Atmosphere
In stark contrast to what goes on outside the front doors, The Famous Cock Tavern is a really relaxing and peaceful venue during the day, playing a light ensemble of nineties ambient dance classics. The bar staff are welcoming and the leather booths even more so. Free WiFi coupled with the availability of fresh coffee also makes this a great location to set up your office or surf the net, and the designated outdoor smoking area in the back provides a chilled area for the smokers away from the chaos that rushes past the front doors. For a night out, however, the decor comes across as a bit bland and boring when compared to the numerous alternatives that are filled with personality up and down Upper Street.

The Drink
With a large bar it comes as no surprise that the selection of drinks is varied. On tap is the usual Fosters, John Smiths, Kronenberg, Grolsch, Carlsberg, Guinness, Strongbow, Carling and Becks Vier. Bottled drinks include Leffe, Bulmers, Twist, Peroni, Magners, Hoegarden, Stella and Bud. IPA, Wells Bombardier and Adnams is available as well. All prices are reasonable for the area and it’s a decent place to kick start a boozy night out

If it’s spirits you’re after they’re not in short supply and you’ll be sure to find something that appeals to your liver.

The Last Word
The Famous Cock Tavern is a great venue for a family lunch in the day and a decent place to kickstart a good night out along the Upper Street strip.

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