The Myddleton Arms
On one mild and lazy Sunday afternoon, J and I felt like going out for lunch. We landed at The Canonbury Tavern which is fabled for its large beer garden. While the garden was lovely, the experience was absolutely crap. They forgot J’s dish and garnished my £12.50 glass of pinot with someone else’s lipstick stains. It was chaos, and clearly not their day, so we left. We were a little dejected and wandered through the leafy streets towards home.
Then we came across a small, green, rickety-looking freehouse on the New Road called The Myddleton Arms. We entered cautiously, fearing more disappointment as the clock on our Sunday afternoon ticked down, but this pub picked up our anxiety like an old coat and hung it by the door. The main bar area was cosy and filled with warm spring light that flowed through an enormous bay window of antique glass. It was busy, but sort of hummed peacefully rather than clamoured noisily. I ordered the house red, something light, smooth and modestly priced, and J had a Guinness. We sat at an old school table with worn timber, borrowed a chess set, and let the remaining hours of our weekend melt away. At some point around 4pm, three people set up in a corner and began playing folk music, which added to the quaint and tranquil setting.
Go to The Myddleton Arms for a lazy afternoon. Go with someone who brings you peace, with whom you can discuss the world’s problems, or just sit comfortably in silence. I’m not sure what the food’s like, but I’d have skipped lunch to gain an extra hour in this gem.
52 Canonbury Road, Islington, N1 2HS
https://www.myddletonarms.co.uk/