With its bare brick walls, plain dark paintwork, boarded floors and exposed metal piping the Tap Room brings together edgy East End hipsterism, Upper Street presentation and staff with a decent knowledge of the craft beers they are pedalling.
With just a chalk board set up, from the outside, you'd barely know the Tap Room was there. In fact, on my second visit I walked right past and realised I'd missed it. This maybe partly to do with its brand new transition from quirky pop up bar to permanent pub. As typified by venues like the Southampton Arms (Kentish Town), taking pubs back to their raw, uncomplicated roots has proven to be very popular, and the Tap Room brings this to Angels well to do crowd. Benches are arranged around tables with a candle, and should give the whole place a low fi, warm, atmosphere that's as appealing in warm summer, as it will be in winter. This style of seating makes it easy to get a big crowd together around the table, even if getting in and out of your seat is a little more difficult after a few beers. Speaking of which, unless you are a connoisseur of local brews, choosing your tipple is a little difficult, since what's available bares absolutely zero resemblance to the drinks menu at your local wetherspoons. However, the bar staff are pleased (and knowledgeable) enough to enlighten you, and I suspect, could chat about the nuances of the different beers, stouts and ales all day. It would be nice to have a little description by each on the busier or louder nights, for those unsure or too shy to ask. If you still can't decide between the Hackney Hipster or a Red Willow (all around the £4 mark) then you can order a 'Flight' - 3 smaller glasses, equivalent to a pint, that is served on a small, rustic, breadboard like, tray.
Food is also available though you won't be able to order a Hoisin Duck wrap or a Chicken Tikka Masala. Continuing the back to basics style, the food board is mainly 'Meat' or 'Cheese' with a little Gherkin and Eggs thrown in for good measure. Probably not the place for an awkward first date with an upwardly mobile, well to do female, but great for a group you out for a drink, and some nibbles.
Overall, if you are cruising down Upper Street you should definitely check out the Tap Room. Go with a few friends, and an open mind about what you like to drink, and you'll have as good a night as at any other pub in Angel. read more