Key Points
- The Pocket in Islington is crowned the best new pub in London for 2025 by Time Out, the only new establishment to feature in their updated top 50 pubs list.
- Opened in March 2025 on the site of the former Four Sisters pub on Canonbury Lane, Islington.
- Owned by Pete Holt, who also runs the Southampton Arms in Highgate Hill, another top 50 pub known for ales, ciders, open fires, and a piano.
- The Pocket occupies a former carriage house, offering local ales and ciders, bar snacks like scotch eggs and sausage rolls, a piano with regular music sessions, and a no-nonsense vibe.
- Time Out’s five-star review highlights its mantra: “No reservations. No green food. No shit beer. No terrible modern music,” with beige snacks, vintage jazz and soul on vinyl, a stylish crowd, and pints priced by strength starting at £5.
- Amid a trend of pub closures outpacing openings in London, The Pocket’s launch is celebrated as a rare and welcome addition.
- Emphasises traditional pub elements: open fire (implied via sister pub), simple food, quality drinks, and live or vinyl music.
Why Is The Pocket the Only New Pub in Time Out’s Top 50?
Time Out’s latest ranking refresh spotlighted The Pocket as the exclusive new entry, as detailed in their article by Leonie Cooper. She noted:
“New pubs don’t open up as much as new restaurants. In fact, it’s likely that more pubs in London are closing down than opening up, which makes the launch of new boozers in the capital something to celebrate.”
This scarcity elevates The Pocket’s status. Pete Holt’s involvement adds credibility; his Southampton Arms, also in the top 50, exemplifies the old-school ale house with its emphasis on quality cask and keg options. Cooper highlighted how The Pocket mirrors this: local ales, ciders, and straightforward snacks, all in a cosy, historic space.
The review emphasises sensory appeal—the crackle of vinyl jazz, the clink of piano keys, and the unpretentious crowd. No modern intrusions disrupt the vibe, aligning with a backlash against trendy, overpriced venues.
Who Owns The Pocket and What Is Pete Holt’s Background?
Pete Holt owns The Pocket, extending his portfolio from the Southampton Arms. As per Leonie Cooper of Time Out London, the Southampton Arms “features in our pubs top 50” and is
“an old school ale and cider house with an open fire and a piano.”
Holt’s vision for The Pocket revives the Four Sisters site, dormant for years. The former carriage house now pulses with life, stocking local brews and baking fresh sausage rolls and scotch eggs daily. Regular music events foster community, much like Hampstead Heath gatherings at his other pub.
While Holt has not issued personal statements in covered reports, his establishments speak volumes through their consistent ethos.
What Makes The Pocket’s Atmosphere and Offerings Unique?
The Pocket’s charm lies in its deliberate simplicity. Time Out’s five-star verdict from Leonie Cooper states:
“The bar snacks come in various shades of beige (scotch eggs, sausage rolls, pasties, and pork pies), the music comes from either the piano or a vinyl record player which favours vintage jazz and soul, and the crowd is gorgeous. Beer is priced in order of strength, meaning it’s possible to get that rare thing – a London pint for a fiver.”
No reservations streamline entry, while the “no green food” rule keeps menus hearty and traditional. Cider enthusiasts find ample options, complementing the ale lineup.
Patrons rave about the piano sessions, turning quiet afternoons into lively gatherings. The venue’s Islington location, near Canonbury’s leafy lanes, attracts locals seeking respite from urban hustle.
How Does The Pocket Fit into London’s Declining Pub Landscape?
London’s pub trade faces headwinds, with closures accelerating due to rising rents, energy costs, and shifting habits post-pandemic. Leonie Cooper of Time Out observed:
“One pub however stands pump and cask above the rest; The Pocket in Islington, which we have crowned the best new pub in London for 2025.”
Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) data supports this; 2025 reports indicate over 500 pubs shuttered nationwide, with London hit hard. The Pocket bucks the trend, proving demand for authentic experiences persists.
Its March opening timing aligned with spring optimism, drawing early buzz. Time Out’s endorsement amplifies visibility, potentially safeguarding it amid economic pressures.
What Do Reviewers Say About The Pocket’s Beer and Food?
Beer selection shines, with pricing by ABV ensuring value—milder pints at £5 defy London’s £7+ norms. Local producers dominate taps, prioritising cask freshness.
Food mirrors pub classics: scotch eggs with crispy exteriors, flaky sausage rolls, Cornish pasties, and pork pies. As Leonie Cooper reported:
“The Pocket’s premise is simple, and, let’s be honest, perfect.”
No salads or “green food” appear, focusing on satisfying, beige staples. Vinyl soul and jazz enhance meals, creating an immersive backdrop.
Where Exactly Is The Pocket and How Do You Get There?
Nestled on Canonbury Lane in Islington, N1, The Pocket revives a historic corner. Nearest tubes: Highbury & Islington or Canonbury Overground. It’s a short stroll from Union Chapel’s gigs or Chapel Market’s bustle.
The former Four Sisters site now boasts the carriage house’s arched charm, with outdoor seating for balmy evenings.
Is The Pocket Similar to Pete Holt’s Southampton Arms?
Yes, synergies abound. Time Out’s Leonie Cooper links them: “Owner Pete Holt also runs the Southampton Arms on Highgate Hill by Hampstead Heath.”
Both prioritise ales, ciders, pianos, and fireside warmth. Southampton Arms offers similar snacks; The Pocket adapts for Islington’s vibe. Top 50 status for both cements Holt’s reputation.
What Music and Events Happen at The Pocket?
Piano-led afternoons and evenings headline, with vinyl filling gaps—vintage jazz, soul classics. No “terrible modern music” policy ensures timeless appeal.
Open sessions invite punters to play, fostering impromptu talent. This mirrors Southampton Arms’ traditions, building loyal followings.
Why Has The Pocket Received Five Stars from Time Out?
Perfection in execution earns the rating. Leonie Cooper encapsulated: “The Pocket stands pump and cask above the rest.” Affordability, quality, and atmosphere converge rare in 2025 London.
As the only new top 50 entrant, it symbolises resilience. Early reviews praise consistency; no dilutions for hype.
Will The Pocket Influence Future London Pub Openings?
Its success spotlights viability of back-to-basics models. Amid closures, Holt’s formula—local focus, no frills—offers a blueprint.
Time Out’s crowning may inspire imitators, though authenticity remains key. Islington’s gentrifying scene welcomes such anchors.
