William IV pub in Old Street, Islington, opens dining room

Named after the Georgian "sailor King", the William IV near Old Street first opened in 1838 and was reportedly saved from demolition in the 1960s.

It has now been "meticulously" refurbished by Lee Godwin and Mike Harrington with original period features and nautical touches throughout.

The pub has been restored to its former glory with original features, open fires and nautical touches (Image: Becca B Jones)

The duo have ten years experience at Barworks, where they helped to grow  venues like Hackney's Mare Street Market, and the Well and Bucket pub near Brick Lane.

They have launched The Dining Room upstairs at the pub in Shepherdess Walk, which channels the essence of British dishes and pub culture.

Founder Lee Godwin says their shared passion for quality food, drink, and pubs means they serve affordable, flavour-driven modern British cooking.

The upstairs Dining Room and downstairs pub fare are high quality but affordable say the founders (Image: Becca B Jones)

"We’ve always believed that outstanding food and drink should be within everyone’s reach," he said,

"That’s why we’ve teamed up with top-tier suppliers to deliver the highest quality ingredients and culinary excellence at William IV, all at a price that’s affordable.

"In today’s economy, indulging in luxury every day isn’t practical, so we’re committed to offering a premium dining experience for everyday dining. We’re excited to create a space where guests can enjoy both beloved pub classics and elevated dishes under one roof."

Sourcing seasonal produce from premium suppliers, the daily changing menu includes oysters, seafood from Wright Brothers, and heritage meat from Swaledale Butchers.

The daily changing menu features oysters, British classics and Sunday roasts. (Image: Becca B Jones)

British classics include Guinness-glazed beef short rib (cooked for 48 hours), lemon sole with tarragon sauce & dill oil, pork chop with anchovy & wholegrain mustard butter, butterflied mackerel with ravigote sauce and samphire, Denver steak with Café de Paris butter, whipped smoked cod roe, tabasco, crisps, and hogget chops with anchovy sauce.

Downstairs, the less formal menu offers a refined take on classic pub dishes like slow-cooked mutton pie braised in Guinness stock, or snack dishes such as anchovy parmesan fries, pickled mussels, rarebit crumpet, and fried pork belly.

On Sundays, the William IV will serve a classic roast across both floors featuring 28-day dry-aged beef top rump, fennel and rosemary porchetta, and heritage breed chicken breast.

In addition to European and British beers on draught including "the perfect pint of Guinness in London," there's an extensive list of fine wines, natural wines, vintage whiskies, vermouths, and rare bottles, and classic cocktails including the 2:1 Coastal Martini, a Martini shot served with a single oyster and Barolo Negroni.

The pub’s nautical decor pays homage to the adventurous spirit of its namesake with maritime touches including ship wheels and nautical artwork.

Elegant Georgian interiors include large shuttered windows, original features and cosy roaring fires on winter days, alongside contemporary artworks by the likes of Billy Childish and Feliks Topolski.

William IV is at 7 Shepherdess Walk, Islington.