Time Out have named the 200-year-old Islington watering hole one of London’s top gastropubs.
When Orwell was laying out the perfect pub in his 1946 essay, the author was living in nearby Canonbury Square while working on 1984.
He’s said to have frequented The Compton, and his pub criteria are pretty specific: It should be Victorian, down a backstreet, near a bus stop with quiet corners, draught stout in pewter pots, and affordable food like sandwiches, pies and sausage served by a friendly barmaid.
The Compton Arms certainly ticks many of Orwell’s boxes – including a communal atmosphere away from modern distractions – but punters have also been drawn to its backstreet charms by some of the capital’s emerging chefs.
From Four Legs serving its Dexter Cheeseburger, to Belly LDN’s beer-battered cockles and lamb ragu, and Dara Klein’s rustic Italian dishes at Tiella – it’s been a wild high ride for foodies.
As luck would have it, the latest residency Rake celebrate their first anniversary at The Compton this month by bringing back old favourites to the menu.
Jay Claus and Syrus Pickhaver who have 20 years combined experience in the kitchen, offer up the likes of crispy ray wing crumpets and treacle tart.
Indeed Jay (ex Quo Vadis, Smoking Goat, BRAT and Acme Fire Cult) was named as one of Time Out’s best young chefs in October 2025, while Syrus has worked with Robin Gill and Ben Tunnicliffe before ending up at Dalston’s Acme Fire Cult.
They are set to remain at the Compton Avenue pub for another six months and this week they are serving their aged beef tartare with St George’s toast, while next week it’s the Cornish fish pie ham hock and peas.
Four Legs went on to open The Plimsoll and Tollingtons, while Dara Klein takes Tiella to a permanent home in Columbia Road this month.
Rake runs at The Compton Arms Wednesday to Sunday at 4, Compton Avenue, N1.
