The Wilmington

You’ll find the Wilmington on a corner of Roseberry Avenue adjacent to the entrance of the slightly haughtier, Exmouth Market and once you’ve gained the knowledge of this pub-cum-restaurant wrapped up within a live venue, it’s quick to endear itself as one of the best places locally.

A grand building, filled with natural light that streams through the huge windows, it’s an instantly pleasing place to be and while it bears all the hallmarks of the modern pub with its reclaimed chesterfields and heavy farmhouse furniture, there’s personality too. There’s the collection of Polaroids pinned up like fliers and FHM hotties in a teenager’s bedroom, as well as a troop of Mr. Potato Heads lined up above the bar and a discerningly handpicked free jukebox. Despite its size- a spacious area born out of two adjoined rooms- it still retains an intimacy that’s partly accommodated by a small number of private booths.

The food is simply well done and the menu offers the usual staples of fish and chips, bangers and mash and the always comforting, Pie Minister pies. Beers on draught include Budvar, San Miguel, Becks and Peroni and there’s always special emphasis on rotating their cask ales. Pump action.

As if its other qualities weren’t enough, it continues to sell itself with the live space behind the bar. Groups like Mumford and Sons and Noah and the Whale have played it in the past if you like that sort of folk thang and it continues to showcase up and coming bands. There are also big name comedy nights, DJs and open mic which means I can probably end by saying that the Wilmington is pretty much as multifaceted as they get and a true individual.