The Taproom

I’m not a fan.
Expensive, thinking its striped back and cool, but not actually nice to sit in.
It does have a large screen showing sport… I watched some tennis whilst drinking cider and eating a ‘beer stick’ (think pepperoni type skinny stick to chew on).
There are so many lovely places along Upper Street, to suit all tastes, I certainly won’t be returning here again.

Horrendous prices for very ordinary beer. No revisit.

Just so achingly Portland. It almost hurts.
I didn’t expect much when a friend suggested we go here, after all Upper Street is a blah street of chains, chains and old man pubs. But Taproom is awesome, and craft beery and Portland-​esque. It has all the tattooed, plaid-​shirted wonder that you can expect from a hipster brewery and plenty of seats to soak it all in.
Get your beer, get your hipster on. You’ll love it.

Ahhh, an oasis of cool calmness amongst several trying-​to-​be-​trendy spots along Upper Street.
Escaping the throngs from the pavement, you walk into what looks like… well… the serving area in brewery. Long wooden tables and benches, a roughly hewn floor, every changing art on the walls and a bar backed by a stack of kegs on display create a casual and visually interesting atmosphere. On the wall a long list of wines beckons you — whites, red, rose, some by the glass and some by the bottle. You can even check out the list ahead of time on their website.
But of course the focus is a fantastic selection of ales, ciders, and lagers from a wide variety of microbreweries. Staff are friendly and willing to let you taste the beers before you buy (within reason!). I haven’t yet tried the food boards but they look scrumptious, purportedly created by some Heston Blumenthal chefs. It’s another reason to return, not that I needed one.

We’ve been here a couple of times since my last review, most recently this past weekend. The place has really grown into its own and has a nice, cozy atmosphere. I almost always love the music they’re playing and there is always some new beer or cider for me to try. They also have wine available, along with a few standard tap staples if you’re not feeling adventurous. There were flyers out for upcoming events, there’s art on the walls, and it just feels so warm and welcoming! Previously, we would only stop in here en route to somewhere else, but the Taproom is now a place where I’d ask someone to meet me as a destination in its own right.

Popped in for a quick beer.
It was getting crowded, but the bar staff were nice and quick. Yeah! I really liked the stripped down vibe of this place.
Don’t half step. Come here for casual, hip drinks.

What a great bar! Fantastic choice of beers in a very cool and friendly place. Highly recommend to anyone who enjoys quality craft beers. Visited on a thurs and was busy but not too busy to get served. Not sure if this is a chain but doesn’t feel like one. If your looking for an alternative to a lot of the same old, tired bars on Upper Street try this place.

i love this bar and i’m not even a beer drinker (although i am definitely getting more into it with the rise of craft beers… i love one with a strong grapefruit punch)
firstly, the bar staff are super friendly. they gave my dog a beer stick just cos he is cute, which is a really nice touch. they also are happy to give you tasters and recommendations for beers which is awesome, if, like me you need some direction. from what i saw, they have a great selection.
their food is limited to meat and cheese boards and cheese toasties, but please don’t let that put you off. all their meats and cheeses are sourced from borough market and their toasties are a work of art. apparently designed (is that the right word?!) by one of heston blumenthal’s chefs. i’m not really sure if cheese toasties require a chef… but these taste REALLY good so i’m not complaining.
fun, laid back atmosphere and great for meeting groups of friends. i love it — definitely coming back.

The exterior looks like the place is about to shut down and inside it is also pretty bare. But look past that and you have a wonderful selection of drinks and relaly friendly and helpful staff.

Pop-​up bar turns permanent bar!
The Taproom looks a little slapdash and bare but that suits this bar just fine, especially as they have only just opened. Some décor is in place now along side the long tables and benches such as some signage on the windows and artworks on the walls (local artists work which I believe is for sale). And a Christmas tree, which most likely is temporary.
But most importantly, they have some great beer. Several taps on the bar — with a few different ciders, too — plus a much wider range of bottled beers in the fridges behind the bar. On top of all this there are another eight or so guest ales all in kegs in display cases behind the bar at head height. A large majority of the Taproom’s beer selection are craft beers and are, again, largely from the UK.
The music varies as it seems to be controlled by any given member of staff on their iGadgets (that’s not an official thing) but in the main the choices were good. On occasions, great. Last orders don’t get any better than when they’re soundtracked by AC/​DC (their early stuff in particular) blasting out at you.
The Taproom has won me over, fo’ sho’!
TTFN,
Ian

over thirty beers on tap, sausages, super nice service!
Someone knows how to do things well! Urban, cool & hip kind of place, but relaxed and real chilled hang out!

Totally unconditioned pint of five point pale, left it on table and walked out, never gonna go back.

With its bare brick walls, plain dark paintwork, boarded floors and exposed metal piping the Tap Room brings together edgy East End hipsterism, Upper Street presentation and staff with a decent knowledge of the craft beers they are pedalling.
With just a chalk board set up, from the outside, you’d barely know the Tap Room was there. In fact, on my second visit I walked right past and realised I’d missed it. This maybe partly to do with its brand new transition from quirky pop up bar to permanent pub. As typified by venues like the Southampton Arms (Kentish Town), taking pubs back to their raw, uncomplicated roots has proven to be very popular, and the Tap Room brings this to Angels well to do crowd. Benches are arranged around tables with a candle, and should give the whole place a low fi, warm, atmosphere that’s as appealing in warm summer, as it will be in winter. This style of seating makes it easy to get a big crowd together around the table, even if getting in and out of your seat is a little more difficult after a few beers. Speaking of which, unless you are a connoisseur of local brews, choosing your tipple is a little difficult, since what’s available bares absolutely zero resemblance to the drinks menu at your local wetherspoons. However, the bar staff are pleased (and knowledgeable) enough to enlighten you, and I suspect, could chat about the nuances of the different beers, stouts and ales all day. It would be nice to have a little description by each on the busier or louder nights, for those unsure or too shy to ask. If you still can’t decide between the Hackney Hipster or a Red Willow (all around the £4 mark) then you can order a ‘Flight’ — 3 smaller glasses, equivalent to a pint, that is served on a small, rustic, breadboard like, tray.
Food is also available though you won’t be able to order a Hoisin Duck wrap or a Chicken Tikka Masala. Continuing the back to basics style, the food board is mainly ‘Meat’ or ‘Cheese’ with a little Gherkin and Eggs thrown in for good measure. Probably not the place for an awkward first date with an upwardly mobile, well to do female, but great for a group you out for a drink, and some nibbles.
Overall, if you are cruising down Upper Street you should definitely check out the Tap Room. Go with a few friends, and an open mind about what you like to drink, and you’ll have as good a night as at any other pub in Angel.