12 Upper Street,
Islington,
London,
N1 0PQ
0845 604 9904
The ViewLondon Review
The Nags Head offers good views for sports fans and a friendly atmosphere in the heart of Angel.
The Venue
Located a stone’s throw from the Angel shopping arcade, the Nags Head has an enviable location. The exterior provides a clue to the obsession with wood within and there are a few picnic benches for a handful of drinkers to take turns sitting on. Wood is big on the agenda inside with solid old floorboards underfoot and panelling adorning every wall.
A large bar covers the right hand side but leaves space for a selection of bench seating and tables and chairs in the narrow space. What the pub lacks in width, though, it makes up for in length and the plasma screens that give a good view on either side of the room are merely precursors to the big projector screen that hangs at the back. The place is arranged well for small groups and diners in particular and, although it isn’t overly cosy, it’s comfortable.
The Atmosphere
The Nags Head has dry spells during the day when people seem to opt out and head to more interesting Angel boozers; however, the evenings see a roaring trade and there’s a combination of regulars and passing trade that keep things fresh.
Sports fans will appreciate the pub for its generous views of the screens that are afforded by good positioning and a friendly and relaxed approach is taken towards the showing of support. On top of this, the staff have their hand in the positive feel of the place and tend to guarantee that a little happiness is spread with every pint.
The Food
There is a simple menu at the Nags Head that provides all the typical British pub dishes from sausage and mash to fish and chips. There are also sandwiches that come with fillings like steak and mustard or fish fingers, plus a selection of burgers. The value is reasonable and the food is prepared well.
The Drink
The drinks are plastered on the back of menus on the tables so the adequate selection of wine can be perused at leisure. Among the range, the Australian white and red stand out as the best value at £11.50 a bottle. The beer served on tap is Fosters, Kronenbourg and San Miguel. There are also a few cask ales that include Abbot Ale and London Pride.
The Last Word
The Nags Head keeps thing simple with good beer, live sport and pleasant, polite service to match.
The Nags Head has been reviewed by 4 users