A slightly off the beaten track, dog-friendly pub, The Mucky Pup is a fresh change from the other options in the area.

The Venue
Tucked away just behind Essex Road, you can find The Mucky Pup, a pub that looks a little out of place on the leafy Islington backstreets. It’s painted in a garish cream and red decor with paw prints adoring the outside walls. At first glance you could be forgiven for thinking that the pub is closed, as the inside is dimly lit and from the street it’s hard to call it welcoming. However, once inside, you see the candle-lit ambience is actually relaxing, and the old-style jukebox playing Elvis should put any doubts about whether to stop for a drink to rest.

The Mucky Pup seems to be somewhat of a hidden gem, with only locals or people who’ve heard about it through word-of-mouth bothering to pop in.

The Atmosphere
When you step into The Mucky Pup, you get the feeling you’re in someone’s front room. Candles flicker on various tables, and the barman chats animatedly with a few of the older regulars who prop up the bar. In the corner you may find a group of young Hackney-types who have clearly been here all-day.

The pub has a quiz night on Wednesdays and a DJ night on Saturdays, both of which attract a good crowd of locals.

The Food
The Mucky Pup has a good rep for its roasts. For £11.95 you get a choice of Aberdeen Angus beef, chicken or a nut roast. For the remainder of the week the kitchen is currently closed, although the staff will let you order in a pizza if you get peckish. Bar snacks include pork scratchings or pickled eggs, at 75p a helping.

The Drink
A new wine list has just been implemented. You can purchase a bottle of Nandu Sauvignon Blanc for £13.95, or for those wanting a tasty red, try the South African Pinotage at £14.50.

Three real ales are offered for beer drinkers. Black Sheep and Timothy Taylor are the most excellent draught ales, and one guest ale – for example Old Hooky - rotates every couple of months. A pint of ale costs around £3.40.

The Last Word
Not your typical N1 pub, but for those in the know, The Mucky Pup rates up there as one of the best boozers around.

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