Alwyne (Bar)
83 St Paul's Road, Islington, London, N1 2LY (Map)
Cuisine: Pub
Tel: 0871-223-9659 ?
Transport: Highbury & Islinngton
Alwyne London Review
Searching for a special place to take a date? Look no further. The Alwyne looks like a mini castle from the outside and is quite modern and arty on the inside, with its stripy rugs, stained glass panelling and zebra print covered chairs. The walls are adorned with work by local artists who can exhibit free of charge. A small percentage of any sales made are donated to nearby charity shops.
There are lots of little dark nooks and crannies, and the low lighting sets a romantic scene. But if you really want to impress someone, follow the (very subtle) arrows to the tiny secret garden that is lit with lanterns and spiced with incense.
The place prides itself on the variety of drinks available. With 24 wines by the glass and 19 drafts of beer and cider, there is surely something to keep everyone happy. If you fancy a change from your usual tipple, try a fruit beer, an organic cider, or even a strawberry or pear flavoured cider. For those nursing hangovers, the chef can blend you up a fresh fruit smoothie.
There’s plenty of choice on the food menu: posh sausages and mash (kinds such as lamb, mint and passion fruit), steak and ale pie, and healthy options like crayfish Caesar salad. Vegetarians have about eight options, the most delicious being the butternut squash and sage risotto with shaved Parmesan and rocket and the grilled halloumi with cous cous and char-grilled veggies. Cutlery and condiments quirkily come in cardboard six-pack beer bottle holders.
A beer garden is in the making-and is promising to be in full bloom and ready to use by the summer of 2007. In the meantime, you can sit under the stars in the conservatory, which is decorated with fairy lights.
The Alwyne is an ideal place to meet, eat and chat. It’s also great for hanging out with your chums or as a drinking hole before hitting the clubs on nearby Upper Street.
Claire Henderson (05 09 2006)
Customer Reviews for Alwyne
The following customer reviews are not endorsed by Fluid London and are simply those of users who wish to publish their independent experiences of Alwyne.
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