'Tarmon' means sanctuary, and judging by the number of locals that frequent this friendly, comfortable Islington Irish boozer, it lives up to its name. The interior could use some work, and also a few less grandmother plates and shamrock mirrors.

Not many surprises here, but if you want a perfectly poured pint of Guinness, a quick game of pool, or traditional English pub fare to nosh while watching your choice of sport on one of two big tellies, it fits the bill nicely. The manager is a lovely man and organises live folk and rock bands every Friday and Saturday nights, when this place of refuge turns into a good old North London knees-up