Homeboy Bar

Homeboy Bar is a breath of fresh air in Islington's increasingly homogenized bar scene. This isn't a place for hushed whispers and minimalist design - it's a proper Irish pub that feels like it was plucked straight from Dublin and dropped onto Essex Road. The space is snug and low-lit, with Chesterfield banquettes and dark wood that create an inviting, unpretentious atmosphere. The cocktail menu is built around three pillars: Irish Whiskey (showcasing the versatility of what was once the world's top-selling spirit), Contemporary creations using modern techniques, and Classics that pay homage to timeless drinks.

What really sets Homeboy apart is the atmosphere. On Thursdays and Sundays, live Irish bands take over, turning the place into a raucous sing-along session. The TVs are often showing sports (the Six Nations was on during my visit), and once the music kicks in, it gets properly noisy - in the best way possible. The food is playful home-cooked fare, and their Proper Irish Sunday Roast is just like you'd have at home, with seconds of veg, potatoes, and gravy encouraged. Service is affable and makes you feel like a regular from the moment you walk in. It's a welcome tonic to the monosyllabic, generic-named bars that have proliferated across London.