The Draper's Arms is that laid-back neighborhood gastropub that you wish was down the street from where you live. Well if you happen to live in London's residential district of Islington, you're in luck.
The pub is housed in an 1830s Georgian building in the north end of Lonsdale Square; the building was renovated from its neglected state back in 2001. A few years into business, The Draper's Arms was taken up by Ben Maschler (he's the son of restaurant critic Fay Maschler and formerly worked at Soho House) and partner Nick Gibson. The duo teamed up with head chef Karl Goward, who added unexpected off-cuts to the menu and earned a Bib Gourmand from Michelin in 2010.
The space includes into a downstairs pub and a more formal dining room upstairs, where the restaurateurs host events such as the local Beer & Cider Festival, Movember, and the upcoming St. George's Day (Welsh Elwy lamb and laverbread included). For more information, visit The Draper's Arms.
Above: A minty dining room with gold accents and dark bentwood chairs.
Above: The Draper's Arms, at 44 Barnsbury Street in Islington, is the perfect spot for enjoying a sip and a paper.
Above: The downstairs is accented with a bright kelly green bar and modern globe pendant lights. Photograph via London Chow.
Above: Beetroot, barley risotto, and crème fraîche. Photograph via Jelly Good Food.
Above: The upstairs dining room, empty before the diners arrive. Photograph via Jelly Good Food.
N.B.: Looking for more restaurants in London? See 116 other places to visit in our London City Guide.