Last Updated on October 28, 2024
Quality pub fare in a historic location
London is filled with historic pubs, many of which are mentioned in works of art and literature, and they make up a core part of the city’s social and cultural history. Tourists and locals alike make their way along ancient winding streets and broad thoroughfares to have a drink or a meal at the location of a historic occasion or point of interest. The Peacock opposite Angel tube station in North London’s Islington neighbourhood is unusual in that whilst it is located on the site of a pub of the same name which stood for nearly 400 years, it is a return to the historical legacy of the site, rather than just a continuation. Standing from 1564 to 1962, The Peacock Inn was previously a landmark of the local area and was even mentioned by Charles Dickens in Nicholas Nickleby. Visitors to the Wetherspoons which stood on this site for many years may not have been aware of the legacy of the location, but now newly opened gastropub The Peacock seeks to emphasise the historical significance of a pub on this site, which sits at the bottom of modern-day Islington High Street.
Opened recently by Urban Bars & Pubs, who have 55 locations in London, The Peacock offers higher-end pub dining, offering brunch on the weekends and a Sunday Roast in partnership with the award-winning butchers HG Walters. I was pleased to be invited to visit on a weekday evening to sample the new offerings. Arriving at The Peacock we were impressed by the smart bar area and the tasteful décor including subtle touches like a peacock feather placed on each table. The pub is large but is divided into areas on different levels so a more private meal can be enjoyed. The menu is varied and offers the pub classics diners would be expecting, plus some clever twists.
We started by sharing some small plates – Korean fried chicken with spring onion and sesame seeds, breaded halloumi with Louisiana hot sauce and lemon mayo, and heritage beetroot carpaccio with English plum and pecan salad. The fried chicken was the highlight of this section of the menu, the boneless chicken pieces were large and juicy with the right level of spiciness. The hot sauce and lemon mayo were excellent accompaniments to the fried halloumi sticks.
On to the mains and the 28-day aged Sirloin steak with triple-cooked chips, watercress and green peppercorn sauce was well-prepared medium rare. The green peppercorn sauce was an excellent twist on the classic steak pairing, providing a burst of freshness. We also enjoyed the fish and chips with cider-battered haddock, triple-cooked chips, mushy peas and tartare sauce. The fish was tasty and flaky, and we commended the thin and light batter. We washed down our mains with the local favourites Beavertown Neck Oil IPA and Camden Hells Lager.
For dessert, the sticky toffee pudding with butterscotch sauce and vanilla ice cream was a faithful rendition of the classic, and the triple chocolate brownie with chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream was rich and chewy.
Conveniently located on the busy Islington High Street and next to Angel tube station, The Peacock is a new offering for those seeking a historical visit to a famous London pub location and those looking for high-quality pub fare a stone’s throw from central London.
Noble House,
3-5 Islington High St,
London
N1 9LQ
02081610311
Looking for other options in Islington? We’ve reviewed and loved the Sunday Roast at the Humble Grape and for seafood, you can’t beat Prawn on the Lawn. Finally, an old favourite that’s overdue a revisit is Trullo – for contemporary Italian food with an emphasis on wood-fired cooking
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