Right on Regent’s Canal, this lovely two-storey pub looks out over the water, and has an upstairs balcony where you can sit out and watch the boats go by. Limited seating means regulars – a trendy north London bunch – often spill out onto the towpath with their pints in the hot weather. It’s definitely a summertime pub, but even in colder months The Narrowboat is still a cosy, atmospheric place for a drink.
The grub Light lunches to sharing platters and the all-important Sunday roasts. It’s typical gastro-pub fare, hearty but posh platefuls (e.g, bangers and mash with red wine gravy for £10.95 or the Allotment Board with pumpkin and blue cheese pasties, baked camembert and more for £15.50) and for the most part, done well.
The only downside is that when the pub is busy (on sunny weekends the place is rammed) the kitchen struggles, so expect slow service and some unavailable dishes.
Behind the bar The drinks selection is superb here, with cask ales, craft beers and a lengthy wine list on offer, plus the pub’s bespoke Regent’s Gold brew.
Bill please Beer from £3.50 per bottle, wine from £14.95 per bottle.verdict You couldn’t find a more scenic spot to drink during the summer, so make a visit while the hot weather lasts.
119 St Peters Street, Islington, N1 8PZ
thenarrowboatpub.com
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