The great thing about Pubs is that they're both familiar and unfamiliar at the same time. You can stroll in and order a pint of beer like a regular or you can sit down with a potentially new friend and lose yourself in the hustle and bustle of the place, knowing there's nothing expected of you.

The Steam Passage in Islington is a pub that provides the three key ingredients to a good pub: good alcohol, decent price and a decent fish and chips or burger.

Ok, they're not healthy but who goes to a pub to be healthy? When it comes down to it, they serve a cracking home-made (or back-of-the-counter-kitchen) plate of food and you're sat in a place that plays cheesy pop, is filled with 20 somethings and maybe the odd 30+ couple, no kids running about and there's new carpet on the floor that looks relatively well kept.

You feel comfortable, you feel welcome. You feel like you're in a good pub.

I've given the quality of service "It's Average" simply because it IS a pub - what are you expecting - a waiter with a towel over his forearm? Not likely. It's note-the-number-on-the-table and get-up-and-order service. And it's alright. Not prompt but then when you're at The Steam Passage you're not supposed to be in a rush. Enjoy yourself... take in the dark wooden interior and speckled lighting. Listen to the groups of young professionals sharing jokes and business tips. You're definitely in London...!

If you're looking for a pub to share a drink with some buddies, go here. If you're looking for a pub to sit down with your kids and granny... give it a miss.