The Compass

Set your bearings north to Islington where Penton Street meets Chapel Market and you'll find The Compass pub. Along with a name change (dropping the fishy sounding part of its previous moniker, 'The Salmon & Compass', in June 2009) comes a shift in atmosphere away from party venue to gastro pub. Under the ownership of John Rentsen and Charlie Silver (who also own The Green in Clerkenwell) The Compass exchanges weekly DJs for a seasonally adjusted daily changing menu. The refurbished space has a shabby chic appeal with exposed brick walls teamed with chandelliers and a 30 foot oak panelled bar. At the bar you'll find Alton's Pride alongside Cheddar Valley organic cider as well as bottled beers like Modello from Mexico and Portugese favourite Super Bock. An extensive wine list complements the offerings from the open kitchen - how about a rich glass of Argentinian Malbec to go with your duck scotch egg; or a Muscadet Sèvre et Maine to set off a sea bass based fish stew? On a hungover morning, head straight for the black pudding sausage roll washed down with a bloody mary. They haven't completely done away with the music and DJs - upstairs there's an elegant private room with its own bar, PA sound system, projector and decks.