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The Earl of EssexBWorth Trying

Name: The Earl of Essex
Address: 25 Danbury St, London N1 8LE, London, United Kingdom
Rating: 4.4

25 Danbury St, London N1 8LE · Pub · 4.4/5 Google (1503 reviews)

Reservations · Outdoor seating

A polished neighborhood craft-beer pub with an excellent rotating selection, lively vibes, a pleasant garden, and Sunday roasts that many love—though weekday food and service consistency can waver.

Why it gets a B for overall quality

The Earl of Essex delivers solid gastropub execution anchored by an impressive craft beer selection and attractive canal-side garden setting. Sunday roasts earn consistent praise, though weekday small plates show variable execution in portions and temperature. Service ranges from genuinely helpful to brusque depending on crowd levels, and peak-time crowding can overwhelm the space—solid neighborhood favorite rather than destination dining.

Restaurant Summary

Set on a quiet Islington street near the canal, The Earl of Essex feels like a neighborhood haunt polished for modern craft-beer fans. The room is light and airy, the back garden is a pleasant escape, and the bar lists an impressive range of cask and keg. As one happy regular put it, "I come here often for drinks because the beer selection never disappoints." Expect a lively crowd in the evenings, especially when the garden closes and everyone funnels indoors. The kitchen leans gastropub rather than experimental—think roasts on Sundays and elevated traditional small plates during the week. The culinary approach feels ingredient-driven and classic: roasts earn raves when on form, while weekday snacks can be a touch inconsistent on temperature or portions. Beer is the star here, with tasters and smaller pours making it easy to explore styles without committing to a full pint. For families, daytime is your friend. The garden provides breathing room, and there are simple snacks kids will eat like chips or halloumi fries, though there is no dedicated kids menu shown. Evenings get quite loud, so sensitive diners and little ones may prefer earlier visits. Vegan and vegetarian snacks exist, and gluten-free beer options appear on tap; strictly gluten-free food choices are not clearly labeled on the current menu snapshot.

At a Glance

Deep, well-kept craft beer list with tasters and smaller pours
Pleasant garden and polished interior with neighborhood charm
Sunday roasts often praised and worth seeking
Loud and crowded at peak times; service can feel brusque when busy
Weekday food can be inconsistent in portion size and execution

What Sets It Apart

rotating_craft_beer_lineup
leafy_garden_terrace
strong_sunday_roast_reputation

What People Love

Rotating cask and keg choices that reward repeat visits
Friendly staff who offer tastings and guidance
A relaxed neighborhood vibe that turns buzzing at night
A garden that feels like a little hideaway

Points of Concern

Loud on weekend evenings; conversation can be difficult once the garden closes
Service tone varies by shift and crowd level; some reports of brusque interactions
Weekday food noted as average or small by some; roasts are stronger than snacks
Early closing or door policies occasionally frustrate late-evening guests

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost£24-32 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

Pair halloumi fries (£6.50) with a citrusy pale ale to cut richness
Vegan sausage roll (£6.50) works well with a crisp lager or light bitter
Padron peppers (£6.50) are a low-commitment snack while sampling flights

Perfect For

Exploring craft beers with friends
A sunny afternoon in the garden
Casual Sunday roast meetups
Pre- or post-canal walk drinks

Location Insights

Area: Leafy residential streets near Angel with a mix of young professionals and long-time locals; relaxed by day, buzzy at night.

Safety: Generally safe, well-lit, with steady foot traffic along canal routes and side streets.

Nearby: Close to Angel Station, Regent's Canal towpath, and Upper Street's dining corridor; strong pub and dining scene.

CanonburyA charming residential area with a mix of Georgian and Victorian townhouses, featuring a sophisticated dining scene with independent restaurants, cafes, and gastropubs that attract a cultured and discerning crowd.

Upper Street FringeA dynamic sub-area characterized by eclectic dining options, boutique shops, and a progressive urban atmosphere that blends residential comfort with creative energy.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday12:00–23:00 Tuesday12:00–23:00 Wednesday12:00–23:00 Thursday12:00–23:00 Friday12:00–00:00 Saturday12:00–00:00 Sunday12:00–23:00

Available: Reservations, Outdoor seating

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