'Proper old Islington boozer' voted best pub by readers

The Lamb pub was crowned the readers' favourite, followed by fellow short listers The Wenlock Arms on Wenlock Road and Tommy Flynn's on Holloway Road.

The award-winner was saved by its punters during the coronavirus pandemic when restrictions threatened it's survival.

Anji Clarke, whose husband, Ade, is The Lamb's landlord, said: "The award is just lovely because it's readers, it's real people. It feels really nice and it means a lot. We're honoured really we are."

Anji described the wet-led pub that does not serve food as a "proper old boozer", one that welcomes a "massively diverse range of people, from the elderly to the young".

Ade Clarke, landlord of The Lamb pub in Holloway Road. (Image: The Lamb)

She added "We take care of people and hope that they feel looked after. It's not fancy and my husband always makes a point of hiring really nice people – I think it makes a difference."

The pub also supports local artists by letting them display their art for free.

"It brightens our walls," said Anji.

It also showcases the musical and Irish heritage of Holloway Road with two different Irish sessions held on Tuesday and Sunday evenings. On Thursday nights the bar hosts singalongs around a piano played by the pub's house pianist Dave the Keys.

Anji added: "We think it’s really happy place and we’re so glad other people feel the same."

The Gazette is celebrating Islington's 2021 Hospitality Heroes for National Hospitality Day which falls on September 18.

National Hospitality Day has been organised by four charities after a challenging 18 months for the industry, during which thousands of jobs have been lost, businesses have closed and owners forced to shut their doors for weeks at a time.

Now, the borough's eateries and drinking spots are back open and we're encouraging everyone to support them by booking a table on September 18.

Learn more about The Lamb pub on Holloway Road at www.thelambn7.co.uk