If you’re a beer enthusiast or simply fancy kicking back on a Sunday afternoon then this modest pub is worth a visit.

The Venue
Situated where Clerkenwell Road ends and Old Street starts, the Slaughtered Lamb is within easy walking distance of Farringdon, Barbican and Old Street underground stations. Just off the beaten track, from the outside it looks like any other traditional boozer; however, this one offers far more than it says on the tin.

Once inside, you’re presented with a substantially sized bar, comfortably kitted out with old school chairs, mismatched wooden tables and much loved leather sofas. You can tuck yourself away in a cosy corner with the papers or pull up more chairs for your friends while the barmen pours you one of the many draught ales or lagers on offer.

Accessed thought the main bar, the Slaughtered Lamb also boasts a basement bar that hosts live music events. The basement is reminiscent of a 1960s haunt. Dark corners are bejewelled with the kind of kitsch curiosities you would expect to find on a stall at Portobello market, while there are day beds to lounge on as you sip on a cold rum and coke. It is a little rough around the edges, but this adds to its charm and while the decor is distinctive it’s not at all pretentious.

The Atmosphere
There is no doubt that The Slaughtered Lamb promotes a relaxed yet efficient work ethic when it comes to service. The bar staff effortlessly prepare a selection of different hot drinks, served in glass on old china saucers, and are happy to answer any specific questions you may have, in particular if you want to know more about the draught ales and lagers. It is exactly the open and friendly attitude of the staff that undoubtedly rubs off on the sort of clientele it attracts - mainly arty, music types looking for somewhere wholesome and laid back to chill out or listen to some alternative folk music. On Saturdays, is can get quite busy; however, the vibe remains upbeat and pleasant and new comers are always welcome.

From Monday to Wednesday it’s worth checking out the Electroacoustic Club hosted by the same promoters who hold acoustic events at the Union Chapel in Islington and the Luminaire bar in Kilburn. If you fancy something a bit different then adorn a fake moustache and top hats and tails for their regular Saturday event The Zeppelin. The basement venue adopts a vintage Gentleman’s Club theme, offering you an opportunity to throw some vintage shapes and unwind. The pub also runs a free quiz, open to anyone who wishes to put their knowledge to the test.

The Food
Once you have placed and paid for your order at the bar, one of the members of staff will bring your cutlery and any sauces to the table for you. The food takes about as long to cook as you imagine it should, so you know it has been freshly prepared and it always arrives piping hot to your table. The menu is simple British pub grub.

You can pick up a tasty homemade fish finger sandwich on white bloomer bread for £5.10, a chip buttie for £3.50 or, for something a little more filling, the cottage pie served with garden peas is £7.10. On a Sunday you can indulge in a traditional roast dinner. To their credit, they are careful to make sure a vegetarian option is available and the Sunday menu even has a vegan option but the choice is limited. It is also important that you do not expect to be dazzled with extras or even a lettuce leaf garnish. Here you get exactly what it says on the menu - uncomplicated pub dishes.

The Drink
With eleven ales and lagers available on draught, this is definitely a big feature. From Canadian Steeman to Bombardier priced from just £3.20 a pint, there is enough choice to keep your tastebuds tantalised for a good few hours. Also, an impressive list of whiskies is available for around the £4 mark and all the usual liqueurs are £2.30 a shot. There isn’t a huge wine selection but a bottle of house red Mine de Cobre will set you back £12 or you can buy by the glass for around £3.50.

The Last Word
The Slaughtered Lamb is a haven away from the plush City bars a stone’s throw from its door. This is a grown up version of super trendy Hoxton haunts and you are far more likely to see a copy of The Guardian lying around than a pair of fluorescent aviators.

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