Latest reviews for Bars & Pubs in Islington, London, United Kingdom

Duke of Cambridge - The "Fresh and Wild" of gastropubs by chrisp

chrisp — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 10:55:55 +0000

Review by chrisp

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7359 3066

Website: http://www.sloeberry.co.uk

Tags: gastro pub, independent pub, expensive

If there can be any such thing as a "pariah gastropub", then it's the Duke of Cambridge in Islington. Opened as the UK's first 100% organic gastropub in 1998 it remains a solid, dependable place for a bite to eat but for some reason has in recent years attracted the kind of vitriolic backlash from foodies normally reserved for Â£95 burgers or when Delia "goes cheat". Part of the reason could be that while other food pubs in the capital have matured into rustic French restaurants or gone all "St. John" and started serving spleen and chitterlings, the menu at the Duke has remained steadfastly gastropub-traditional and is aimed squarely at wealthy Islington locals - think Feta Salad, mushroom risotto, Italian sausages - safe, comfortable and familiar. Not that there's anything wrong with that in itself, but the problem with limiting yourself to all organic ingredients is that you suddenly find you have to charge Â£15 for rabbit stew to make the numbers work.

It was a perfectly good rabbit stew - good deep flavours and a nice variety of herbs and veg, if very slightly overcooked rabbit meat and a bit tricky to dissect from the many tiny bones - but all the while there's that nagging knowledge that rabbit is vermin, and a very very cheap meat, and charging Â£15 for a stew that basically involves chucking the carcass in a big pot with some bay leaves and veg and boiling it for an hour is, well, a bit cheeky.If there can be any such thing as a "pariah gastropub", then it's the Duke of Cambridge in Islington. Opened as the UK's first 100% organic gastropub in 1998 it remains a solid, dependable place for a bite to eat but for some reason has in recent years attracted the kind of vitriolic backlash from foodies normally reserved for Â£95 burgers or when Delia "goes cheat". Part of the reason could be that while other food pubs in the capital have matured into rustic French restaurants or gone all "St. John" and started serving spleen and chitterlings, the menu at the Duke has remained steadfastly gastropub-traditional and is aimed squarely at wealthy Islington locals - think Feta Salad, mushroom risotto, Italian sausages - safe, comfortable and familiar. Not that there's anything wrong with that in itself, but the problem with limiting yourself to all organic ingredients is that you suddenly find you have to charge Â£15 for rabbit stew to make the numbers work.

It was a perfectly good rabbit stew - good deep flavours and a nice variety of herbs and veg, if very slightly overcooked rabbit meat and a bit tricky to dissect from the many tiny bones - but all the while there's that nagging knowledge that rabbit is vermin, and a very very cheap meat, and charging Â£15 for a stew that basically involves chucking the carcass in a big pot with some bay leaves and veg and boiling it for an hour is, well, a bit cheeky.

Cocomo - welcome break by ben1982

ben1982 — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 16:51:15 +0000

Review by ben1982

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7613 0315

Tags: cosy, food, relaxed

Dirty (in a good way) and dark, this small bar has a lot of charisma - especially in the basement where a range of battered old sofas are clustered. The cocktails ordered on previous visits have been pretty badly thrown together, so maybe go for something that's harder to screw up, but doubles are often cheap. It represents a nice change from the more contrived scene around the corner in hoxton square.Dirty (in a good way) and dark, this small bar has a lot of charisma - especially in the basement where a range of battered old sofas are clustered. The cocktails ordered on previous visits have been pretty badly thrown together, so maybe go for something that's harder to screw up, but doubles are often cheap. It represents a nice change from the more contrived scene around the corner in hoxton square.

Clockwork - Eclectic setting by ben1982

ben1982 — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 14:54:31 +0000

Review by ben1982

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7837 5387

Tags: bar, pizza, dj

A good fun bar to spend a friday night, there is a wide ranging decor swinging from film memorabilia to seventies splashes of colour. An expansive bar serves a good choice of drinks and regular gigs on the first floor mean you can stumble upstairs and catch some bands later in the eveningA good fun bar to spend a friday night, there is a wide ranging decor swinging from film memorabilia to seventies splashes of colour. An expansive bar serves a good choice of drinks and regular gigs on the first floor mean you can stumble upstairs and catch some bands later in the evening

The Angelic - Classy boozer by ben1982

ben1982 — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 14:50:59 +0000

Review by ben1982

Rating: 4.00Wooden floors, substantial tables and cherubs and other classical flourishes make a great setting for a few beers. Well located behind the main shopping streets, it has a less feisty atmosphere than the more obvious pubs and bars in the area, although it is still packed over the weekend.Wooden floors, substantial tables and cherubs and other classical flourishes make a great setting for a few beers. Well located behind the main shopping streets, it has a less feisty atmosphere than the more obvious pubs and bars in the area, although it is still packed over the weekend.

Dalston Jazz Bar - Steamy late night action by ben1982

ben1982 — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 17:33:20 +0000

Review by ben1982

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7254 9728

Tags: live music, dj, food

The first thing you often see are the steamed up windows as you turn the corner to the dalston jazz bar. Free entry and a late close ensures that this tiny bar is always full to bursting, and although drinks are very pricey, it is a great late night option, although don't go expecting to hear much in the way of jazz - it tends to play a huge variety of stuff, all of which is great to swing limbs to as the rum takes its inevitable effect.The first thing you often see are the steamed up windows as you turn the corner to the dalston jazz bar. Free entry and a late close ensures that this tiny bar is always full to bursting, and although drinks are very pricey, it is a great late night option, although don't go expecting to hear much in the way of jazz - it tends to play a huge variety of stuff, all of which is great to swing limbs to as the rum takes its inevitable effect.

The Nobody Inn - by larakiara

larakiara — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 13:42:15 +0000

Review by larakiara

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7249 6430

Tags: food, traditional english

Fun bingo pub quizzes on a Sunday, TV's for the footy, friendly bar staff and a nice decor. The only one downside is that it does live up to its name- the majority of the time there's nobody in there!Fun bingo pub quizzes on a Sunday, TV's for the footy, friendly bar staff and a nice decor. The only one downside is that it does live up to its name- the majority of the time there's nobody in there!

Hemingford Arms - My favourite pub by RobD

RobD — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 10:12:22 +0000

Review by RobD

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7607 3303

Website: http://www.capitalpubcompany.com

Tags: live music, thai, food

I had the fortune to have this as my local (to work) pub for over five years - and it became my trusted friend; for lunch time eats, after-work sloshing, leaving do's, quiet / chilled drinks - the lot. Tucked away in the backstreets of Islington / Cally Road it has become a favoured haunt of the odd celeb too (Mighty Boosh, Frank Skinner - and I tell no lies I have bumped into Kate Moss in there and Johnny Borrell took Kirsten Dunst in one time)- probably because it is an honest-to-goodness real pub. No pretence, proper beer - and none of this gastro bar nonsence. With all manner of bizarre antiques and oddities hanging from the ceiling and on the walls, real fire in the winter, TV for the sport, 'pub music', proper pub seating (i.e no leather sofas here!) and satisfyingly aloof bar staff; this is probably my favourite pub ever. Has a function room upstairs that they open when they can be arsed, the 'burger and pies' menu turns into a decent thai kitchen after 6pm, and they get traditional Irish musicians entertaining bewildered post-workees sometimes on a Friday night. Seek this little-known gem out if you are in the area - forget Upper Street.I had the fortune to have this as my local (to work) pub for over five years - and it became my trusted friend; for lunch time eats, after-work sloshing, leaving do's, quiet / chilled drinks - the lot. Tucked away in the backstreets of Islington / Cally Road it has become a favoured haunt of the odd celeb too (Mighty Boosh, Frank Skinner - and I tell no lies I have bumped into Kate Moss in there and Johnny Borrell took Kirsten Dunst in one time)- probably because it is an honest-to-goodness real pub. No pretence, proper beer - and none of this gastro bar nonsence. With all manner of bizarre antiques and oddities hanging from the ceiling and on the walls, real fire in the winter, TV for the sport, 'pub music', proper pub seating (i.e no leather sofas here!) and satisfyingly aloof bar staff; this is probably my favourite pub ever. Has a function room upstairs that they open when they can be arsed, the 'burger and pies' menu turns into a decent thai kitchen after 6pm, and they get traditional Irish musicians entertaining bewildered post-workees sometimes on a Friday night. Seek this little-known gem out if you are in the area - forget Upper Street.

Barrio North - Indoor Street Party! by VickieMac

VickieMac — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 13:54:02 +0000

Review by VickieMac

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7688 2882

Website: http://www.barrionorth.com

Tags: cool, friendly, trendy

I LOVE this place!! The music is totally street party perfect - sort of a fab mix of samba, salsa, pop and house.

The staff are friendly and welcoming and always smile to say hello. It seems to me they actually enjoy their jobs. This also means there's no pushing and shoving at the bar because the big oaf beside you thinks the bartender hasn't noticed them standing there becuase they don't make eye contact. They DO make eye contact and they SMILE!!

The drinks are also FANTASTIC!! They make a mean Manhattan and their Mojito's are super tasty! No water and sugar flavoured cocktails here.

This is practically my new local.I LOVE this place!! The music is totally street party perfect - sort of a fab mix of samba, salsa, pop and house.

The staff are friendly and welcoming and always smile to say hello. It seems to me they actually enjoy their jobs. This also means there's no pushing and shoving at the bar because the big oaf beside you thinks the bartender hasn't noticed them standing there becuase they don't make eye contact. They DO make eye contact and they SMILE!!

The drinks are also FANTASTIC!! They make a mean Manhattan and their Mojito's are super tasty! No water and sugar flavoured cocktails here.

This is practically my new local.

Cafe Kick - Back of the net by ben1982

ben1982 — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 13:44:49 +0000

Review by ben1982

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7837 8077

Website: http://www.cafekick.co.uk

Tags: friendly, relaxed, young and fun

Small and invariably overcrowded after work, this portuguese bar has an edge over many other local bars through the release of office stress possible through thrashing colleagues in table football. This plus cheap continental bottled beer during happy hours makes for an enjoyably rowdy atmosphere.Small and invariably overcrowded after work, this portuguese bar has an edge over many other local bars through the release of office stress possible through thrashing colleagues in table football. This plus cheap continental bottled beer during happy hours makes for an enjoyably rowdy atmosphere.

The Marquess Tavern - by joslyoung

joslyoung — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 14:41:23 +0000

Review by joslyoung

Rating: 0.00

Phone: 020 7354 2975

Website: http://www.youngs.co.uk

Tags: gastro pub, relaxed, food

Yet another review I wrote that the site deleted instead of saving. Grrr. Anyway the much shorter version of what I was saying about this pub is: why the hell doesn't it open on a Saturday lunchtime?! They must be losing a fortune in potential business, while every other pub and restaurant on Upper St and Essex Road makes a weekend killing. It's their loss I suppose, but it seems a shame. I've eaten dinner here a couple of times and would love to pop by for lunch, but twice now I've tried to visit at the weekend and found it closed (with members of staff sitting around outside smoking fags. S'funny, they're THERE, they're just not working!). The food's good, the prices are toppy but not hideous, and apart from the hideously loud acoustics in the dining room, I couldn't fault anything else about the place. Like the other reviewer, I really would love to love it - they've got good food and outside tables, I've got an appetite and a dog. I just want them to make me lunch at the weekend, damn it!Yet another review I wrote that the site deleted instead of saving. Grrr. Anyway the much shorter version of what I was saying about this pub is: why the hell doesn't it open on a Saturday lunchtime?! They must be losing a fortune in potential business, while every other pub and restaurant on Upper St and Essex Road makes a weekend killing. It's their loss I suppose, but it seems a shame. I've eaten dinner here a couple of times and would love to pop by for lunch, but twice now I've tried to visit at the weekend and found it closed (with members of staff sitting around outside smoking fags. S'funny, they're THERE, they're just not working!). The food's good, the prices are toppy but not hideous, and apart from the hideously loud acoustics in the dining room, I couldn't fault anything else about the place. Like the other reviewer, I really would love to love it - they've got good food and outside tables, I've got an appetite and a dog. I just want them to make me lunch at the weekend, damn it!

The Angel - fine by abcjess

abcjess — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:13:23 +0000

Review by abcjess

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7837 2218

Website: http://www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk

Tags: live music, food, relaxed

Although itâ¬"s a J.D. Wetherspoons chain pub, it does have a rustic and less modern feel than most. Its warm and earthy and the staff are always friendly and precise. The food is standard good pub food, the prices are slightly cheaper than the Wetherspoons further into the centre of London so itâ¬"s also a mini bargain. The food came quickly even though it was quite crowded. The outside area is very narrow and falling into the busy (and also narrow) pavement is hard to avoid, especially when theres a lot of smokers about.

But a thoroughly nice but average pub. Its got a good vibe and I would happily go there for drinks after work.
Although itâ¬"s a J.D. Wetherspoons chain pub, it does have a rustic and less modern feel than most. Its warm and earthy and the staff are always friendly and precise. The food is standard good pub food, the prices are slightly cheaper than the Wetherspoons further into the centre of London so itâ¬"s also a mini bargain. The food came quickly even though it was quite crowded. The outside area is very narrow and falling into the busy (and also narrow) pavement is hard to avoid, especially when theres a lot of smokers about.

But a thoroughly nice but average pub. Its got a good vibe and I would happily go there for drinks after work.

Old Red Lion Theatre - Best pub in Angel (if not London) by rokobabarovic

rokobabarovic — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 11:07:15 +0000

Review by rokobabarovic

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7837 7816

Tags: food

There really is not a bad word I can say about the Old Red (as its affectionately known)If conversation is your thing you will be hard pushed not to strike one up with its eclectic mix of customers who range from the locals to Theatregoers (from both Sadlers Wells and its own Theatre upstairs) from soap opera celebs to the occasional film star
and all in between, I do believe it has the best mix around!

The selection of ales is great and the rest is not bad either.

The staff are some of the friendliest you can meet and always seem to be having a good time which helps create an atmosphere hard to match.

And lets not forget its famous upstairs theatre which shows some of the best fringe theatre in the UK today.
The walls a littered with photos from plays down the years with many actors of note who have performed there through the years.

If you have never been you must go to sample what your missing out on and if you have... then im preaching to the converted!There really is not a bad word I can say about the Old Red (as its affectionately known)If conversation is your thing you will be hard pushed not to strike one up with its eclectic mix of customers who range from the locals to Theatregoers (from both Sadlers Wells and its own Theatre upstairs) from soap opera celebs to the occasional film star
and all in between, I do believe it has the best mix around!

The selection of ales is great and the rest is not bad either.

The staff are some of the friendliest you can meet and always seem to be having a good time which helps create an atmosphere hard to match.

And lets not forget its famous upstairs theatre which shows some of the best fringe theatre in the UK today.
The walls a littered with photos from plays down the years with many actors of note who have performed there through the years.

If you have never been you must go to sample what your missing out on and if you have... then im preaching to the converted!

The New Rose - Deservedly popular local by niamh49

niamh49 — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 14:52:59 +0000

Review by niamh49

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7226 1082

Website: http://newrose.co.uk/

Tags: real ale, relaxed, great food

A few years ago this was a grotty old men's pub, albeit with rather nice green tiled exterior - the sort of pub that closes by the dozen every month.
Now, with a judicious overhaul, it's been transformed into a buzzing and trendy young hangout, featuring loads of music, djs, decently priced grub, and is always buzy.

This pub deserves to be popular because of the way the original features have been preserved and enhanced. Yes it's good wooden floors and comfy leather seats (everyone likes these). But it has bags of character - check out the stained glass in the women's loos, and joy of joys, a real fire.
This is a pub to enjoy a quiet pint in by day, and have a fun time out at night.
A few years ago this was a grotty old men's pub, albeit with rather nice green tiled exterior - the sort of pub that closes by the dozen every month.
Now, with a judicious overhaul, it's been transformed into a buzzing and trendy young hangout, featuring loads of music, djs, decently priced grub, and is always buzy.

This pub deserves to be popular because of the way the original features have been preserved and enhanced. Yes it's good wooden floors and comfy leather seats (everyone likes these). But it has bags of character - check out the stained glass in the women's loos, and joy of joys, a real fire.
This is a pub to enjoy a quiet pint in by day, and have a fun time out at night.

William IV - Great boozer by eviltwin

eviltwin — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 17:59:53 +0000

Review by eviltwin

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 3119 3012

Website: http://www.williamthefourth.co.uk/

Tags: friendly, young professionals, gastropub

Nicely done out, pub cat, open fireplace, piano, good food and nice owners. Well worth frequenting.Nicely done out, pub cat, open fireplace, piano, good food and nice owners. Well worth frequenting.

25 Canonbury Lane - Too, Too Gorgeous by Hazzer

Hazzer — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 11:07:19 +0000

Review by Hazzer

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7226 0955

Tags: cool, friendly, relaxed

Simply divine little bar, has a lovely gay vibe, although a real mixed crowd. Always full of beautiful men - one of my favourites!Simply divine little bar, has a lovely gay vibe, although a real mixed crowd. Always full of beautiful men - one of my favourites!

Mem & Laz - by spacekadet

spacekadet — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 09:35:37 +0000

Review by spacekadet

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7704 9089

Tags: lively, turkish, romantic

Mem & Laz rules. The food is delicious - I highly recommend anything with grilled halloumi and the stuffed pepper dolmas. The good house red wine is made great by its unbeatable price. The atmosphere is cozy - be prepared to squeeze between tables to get to your seat. But somehow the candlelight and the theatre posters make the venue feel more snug rather than overcrowded.

Get there before 6pm for the 2- or 3-course meal deal (Â£6.95 or Â£8.95 respectively). It's an amazing deal for the quality.Mem & Laz rules. The food is delicious - I highly recommend anything with grilled halloumi and the stuffed pepper dolmas. The good house red wine is made great by its unbeatable price. The atmosphere is cozy - be prepared to squeeze between tables to get to your seat. But somehow the candlelight and the theatre posters make the venue feel more snug rather than overcrowded.

Get there before 6pm for the 2- or 3-course meal deal (Â£6.95 or Â£8.95 respectively). It's an amazing deal for the quality.

Bar Aquarium - this bar has it all by glenburg1

glenburg1 — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 11:48:22 +0000

Review by glenburg1

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7253 3558

Website: http://www.clubaquarium.co.uk

Tags: cool, food, relaxed

This is great for food ,drink ,sports ,atmosphere and excelent place to go before a night out what more can you need from a bar.
It is centrally located to old street/the city so easy to get to and home from ,it ajoins the club (aquarium which has apool).
upstairs is great to chill in and whatch the sports on the screens or have a game of pool,it also does food and has a balcony /beer garden.
downstairs they have a dj on fri/sat nights and a great time is had by all.This is great for food ,drink ,sports ,atmosphere and excelent place to go before a night out what more can you need from a bar.
It is centrally located to old street/the city so easy to get to and home from ,it ajoins the club (aquarium which has apool).
upstairs is great to chill in and whatch the sports on the screens or have a game of pool,it also does food and has a balcony /beer garden.
downstairs they have a dj on fri/sat nights and a great time is had by all.

The Litten Tree - great for the footy by glenburg1

glenburg1 — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 11:15:09 +0000

Review by glenburg1

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7336 8310

Website: http://www.sfigroup.co.uk

Tags: food, dj, friendly

This is a great place to watch the footy,or any sport realy ,(loads of big screens)although realy this is a great alround pub.
FRi and Sat nights they have a dj and its full of young kids,in the week its maily city bods.
This pub also does great food and is wonderfull for a chilled lunch on a weekend(before the sport comes on)Loads of choice and nice atmospherThis is a great place to watch the footy,or any sport realy ,(loads of big screens)although realy this is a great alround pub.
FRi and Sat nights they have a dj and its full of young kids,in the week its maily city bods.
This pub also does great food and is wonderfull for a chilled lunch on a weekend(before the sport comes on)Loads of choice and nice atmospher

Glass Works - ok late night drinking by glenburg1

glenburg1 — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 10:49:13 +0000

Review by glenburg1

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7354 6100

Website: http://www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk

Tags: cool, food, relaxed

ok place for late night drinking
not bad prices ,atmosphere can be so, so at times.
best to go here before going on somewhere although its open until 2 or 3 am,it can get a little rough later on and after around 11 pm there are quite often long quees to get in.
always have a dj on on the weekend and most week nights,
mixed range of music ,good cocktails (love the jugs)small dance floor which is usually packed (as is the bar)
can take a while to get served ,but if theres a group of you GLASS WORKS can equall a great night outok place for late night drinking
not bad prices ,atmosphere can be so, so at times.
best to go here before going on somewhere although its open until 2 or 3 am,it can get a little rough later on and after around 11 pm there are quite often long quees to get in.
always have a dj on on the weekend and most week nights,
mixed range of music ,good cocktails (love the jugs)small dance floor which is usually packed (as is the bar)
can take a while to get served ,but if theres a group of you GLASS WORKS can equall a great night out

The Angel - Great Pub by johnCaulfield

johnCaulfield — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 00:36:36 +0000

Review by johnCaulfield

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7253 3753

Tags: relaxed, trendy, food

One of the last traditional pubs in the area. FRIENDLY staff, pool room good conversation.

We come from Mouse training around the corner in Worship St and pass three pubs on the way with no characterOne of the last traditional pubs in the area. FRIENDLY staff, pool room good conversation.

We come from Mouse training around the corner in Worship St and pass three pubs on the way with no character