The Artillery Arms, EC1

Authentic Gem with Rich Local Charm

Stepping into this pub, nestled just a few minutes' walk off Old Street, feels like stepping into a charming embrace of history hosted by London's past. The practical varnish of its historic elegance remains marvelously intact, proving to be one of its finest assets amidst today’s rapid urban shuffle. Despite the evolution of its patrons from intrepid journalists to earnest office workers and bustling students, this stalwart establishment holds firmly onto its roots as a quintessentially classic London boozer. Here, the repetitive clink of glasses offers a friendly symphony, met harmoniously with the laughter that darts across rooms filled with the pattering of nearby board games. Fortified by a genuine camaraderie fostered by diligent bar staff like Hannah and Emma, it’s clear why the gentle allure of this traditional pub beckons locals and wanderers alike.

This warm refuge on cold evenings crafts an atmosphere that is both vibrant and comforting. Amidst the cheerful chaos of a Tuesday evening swelled with aficionados of both beer and night-time pursuits, the appeal lies in its simplicity—where pints are poured competently and savored contentedly. With its varied selection of traditional ales that delight aficionados and charming discounts for CAMRA members, this pub offers a temple of good taste, disregarding any unnecessary frill. Notably missing was the vexing presence of a formal kitchen, transformed instead into an attraction where food is whimsically ordered through an app—a clever throwback to tech-savvy times gone awry, perhaps not favored by those keen on traditional service. Nevertheless, such curiosities do little to deter the establishment's steadfast charm. Indeed, one finds it impossibly easy to overlook this when one considers not just the place itself, but the memories it conjures and the stories inherently etched within its aged wooden walls. — Jasper Griddle