If everybody had a local like The Noble the world would quite possibly be a happier, more peaceful place. Bad news for Kofi Annan and the UN peacekeeping taskforce, but fantastic for fans of cider and roaring log fires who have nothing better to do on a Sunday.

The Venue
The Noble occupies a corner in the little-known suburb of Stroud Green, positioned equidistant between Crouch Hill and Finsbury Park stations, although its distinctive decor is probably more suited to a corner in bohemian 1920s Paris.

Muted green paint is set against art deco orange tiles, and you can imagine many a happy afternoon has been spent playing Furniture Snap with the mismatched wooden chairs that fill the bar. Rumour has it that, during those long winter months, injuries have been sustained over who gets residency of the worn yet extremely comfortable sofas next to the working log fire.

The Atmosphere
With a dedicated fan base of diehard Crouch Enders, The Noble is always busy with the low yet earnest buzz of Guardian readers setting the world to rights. A couple of speakers provide chilled-out background music, but this is definitely a pub for talking, not dancing. The bar never gets overly full and the proliferation of wooden chairs and sofas mean you’re pretty much always guaranteed a table. Bonus points too for laying out all the weekend papers beside the door (including The Mail, although this is probably a case of keeping friends close, enemies closer).

The Food
An ever-changing daily specials board contains a good selection of freshly-cooked meals, all with a modern twist and including - as you might expect in North London - a whole allotment’s worth of vegetarian and vegan options. For those not so hungry, there is also a solid tapas menu with dishes including a chicken, oyster mushroom and prosciutto terrine with truffle oil (£5.50) and a spicy madras, sweet potato and coconut cream soup (£4.50). The Sunday Roasts are, it goes without saying, phenomenal, although at £12 and up perhaps a little on the pricey side.

The Drink
Fans of more exotic tipples will be glad to know The Noble’s trademark individuality has made the leap into its drink offering with a range of rare beer and real ale on tap. Cider is one of the house specialties, and the cider board behind the bar provides a useful tool in negotiating your way through the many variants, not least because it lists their respective abv percentages (after all, forewarned is forearmed!). There is a substantial wine list, and a good selection of bottled beers and spirits.

The Last Word
Perhaps one day the entire world will be able to sit in peace and harmony, knocking back pints of cider and poring over the weekend papers in the warm glow of millions of log fires. Until that day dawns, there’s always The Noble.

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