The Drapers Arms in Islington

Really lovely pub for a drink. 3* based on food menu, not a pub for vegetarians, I don’t think the chef likes vegetarians as they’re still serving risotto. It’s not the mid 00s, time to mix it up?

I love the atmosphere in this pub as well as the back terrace. I ve had better roasts. They do hide a few gems in their menus. They have a bigger wine list than a wholesaler 😂

We pre-booked a table for 7 people at Drapers Arms for Saturday 5th February 2022 to eat for 7pm We arrived between 4pm and 5pm for pre -dinner drinks. We were told by a member of staff about 6pm that we would have to move from our table as it was reserved. We told the member of staff, we had booked dinner for 7pm so he said that was OK to stay at the table. Around 7pm we were all asked to go upstairs to our table. We all went upstairs to see a table for 25 people set up. We told staff that was not our table, so we all had to go back downstairs to the bar. We were then given a table by the entrance door and on the bend of the bar. The table had bench seating on one side which moved left and right when any individual moved. We mentioned this to staff and then was given chairs. The entrance door was opening regularly, with a cold blast of wind coming in each time. There were quite a few people coming in with dogs and this meant the person sitting at end chair, nearest to door had to move to allow the dog and owner to get past and there were also people at the bar enjoying a drink.I ordered beef onglet medium. When the meal arrived there was a pool of blood from the beef on the plate. I asked for the beef to be cooked a bit more. The staff then had a problem with a drunk in the premises, which involved all the staff trying to usher this 1 person out (including the chef came down from the kitchen) and some staff were outside talking and waiting for the police to come. Most of my group had finished their meals or just left them and I had to ask where my dinner was . My 2nd beef onglet eventually came and it was even more rare than the 1st so I left the meal. The rest of the party were not impressed with their food either. We discreetly asked to speak to staff and we were not charged for the meal. Just wanted to relay this incident for others to choose whether to eat there or not. None of the 7 in our party will be returning. It felt like we were not expected - even though this booking was made at least 2 weeks prior to attending. It felt like the staff were inexperienced in running a bar/restaurant or dealing with a drunk.

Incredible roast! Have had so many mediocre ones over the years but this was amazing! The steak was delicious, definitely properly medium rare and everything was delicious. Will be back soon!

Shocking service. The staff were clearly stretched but five (5) members of staff prepared drinks for those eating but no one served those at the bar. Three of us waited 20 mins for service. No explanation no apology. A pub to avoid unless you order food.

Sadly, didn't enjoy the Sunday lunch at all. Was barely warm. Yorkshire was cold. Not much gravy. For me, meat was more blue than rare & was almost cold. For the price I expected the food to be hot. My partner's meal was cold. Out of 2 roast potatoes, 1 was hard to cut through. Wr didn't eat the beef, took it home for the dogs, they liked it! Wouldn't have it again. Was given a small discount, so took off service charge as well. Nothing to do with the service, staff were very friendly. It was due to how cold the food was ans we couldn't eat the meat.

A REAL HIDDEN GEM IN LONDON! Best Sunday roast I've had in a while. It comes with the best ever mint sauce as well. Will definitely come again!

The photos of the food lured me in, and although well presented it was bland with no seasoning. The food took over an hour to arrive, which to me isn't acceptable when you are paying that much. We ordered the pie and the fish. The pie was nothing special, but the fish with 'charred' pak choi served with paprika butter was a total flop, slimy, greasy and flavourless. The only redeeming things were the gin martini and scotch egg, but then again you can get decent ones of those anywhere else. I wouldn't recommend unless you want to get ripped off.

We recently had our wedding reception here and were really pleased with everything. The manager was communicative, responding to my many questions. She was flexible and made organising everything very easy. The serving staff on the day were lovely, all very attentive. They ensured the prosecco was flowing and everyone had drinks. The kitchen staff were also incredibly helpful all day,and I really hope the service charge goes to them too. Everyone loved the food, and it was plentiful considering we had sharing platters. Those who were vegetarian were catered for separately, also loving their dishes. The staff even made my family coffee when they set up in the morning.My only criticism is that some of the bar staff were funny about serving whiskey and kept calling them shots, which they are not. I appreciate there were some previous rowdy weddings but we are a mature group and many of the guests are whiskey drinkers (sipping not shots). This caused a little annoyance, considering we are a mature group who were spending a lot of money. That aside, it didn't ruin our evening and we had a wonderful time

It's a great pub, hidden on a back street, and well worth a visit. The garden in the summer is delightful and the main rooms are cozy and warm in the winter. The food is always excellent - the chef at the moment is particularly good. The booze list is also very good. The staff are friendly and helpful, particularly with Covid making everything difficult.