Firstly If the Pocket Islington feels familiar. It is because it comes to you from the same independent pub pros as Gospel Oak’s incredibly good Southampton Arms. Despite appearances, the rustic-leaning Pocket opened by stealth in the spring of 2025. Boasting new-old wood panelling, a 1930s anaglypta ceiling, a nerdishly impressive collection of 1970s pub ashtrays (on the walls alas, not the tables). Not Forgetting a battered upright piano (which gets played three times a week).
Their premise is simple, and, let’s be honest, perfect: ‘No reservations, green food or shit beer. No terrible modern music,’ they say. Ultimately, The music comes from either the piano or a vinyl record player which favours vintage jazz and soul. And the crowd is gorgeous. Beer is priced in order of strength, meaning it’s possible to get that rare thing – a London pint for a fiver.
We are fully in the Pocket’s pocket.
Curated by Islington Local Guide your trusted source for things to do in Islington.
Updated 12th march 2026
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