The Kings

You'll find The Kings tucked away on Essex Road in Islington, the sort of place that feels like it's been there forever without trying too hard about it. It's got that easy-going pub atmosphere where you can grab a drink solo at the bar or settle in with mates for the evening without anyone making a fuss either way. The crowd skews local—regulars who know the bartenders' names, groups catching up after work, couples after dinner—and the drinks selection suggests someone actually cares about what's being poured. It's the kind of pub you'd stumble upon and think, 'Yeah, I'll be back here.'