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

Cafe Kick - by sokratis

sokratis — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 09:31:12 +0000

Review by sokratis

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7837 8077

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

Tags: friendly, relaxed, young and fun

Celebratory drinks at Cafe Kick last night. Made some new friends: Hunny Bunny and...can't remember the other one, but had rasberry and straweberry. Another great night.Celebratory drinks at Cafe Kick last night. Made some new friends: Hunny Bunny and...can't remember the other one, but had rasberry and straweberry. Another great night.

Colebrooke's - Not all it's cracked up to be by chrisp

chrisp — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 14:48:48 +0000

Review by chrisp

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7226 7517

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

Tags: jazz, live music, posh

A few days ago, Timeout London announced the results of their Eating & Drinking Awards 2009. Like most of these 'best of' awards it's a mixture of the bafflingly arbitrary and downright predictable - there are very few people I know who would argue that the brilliant Harwood Arms shouldn't have won Best New Gastropub this year, but Lola Rojo on Northcote Road for best Spanish Restaurant over any of the Brindisa joints? Last time I went to Lola Rojo I paid Â£10 for a very odd plate of potato soufflÃ©s and tomato foam which they laughably called 'patatas bravas'. It was like tapas re-imagined by someone who'd applied to work at El Bulli but was rejected for being too pointlessly experimental.

But it's the choice of Best Bar that, perhaps inevitably, causes the most controversy. The crucial difference in bars as opposed to restaurants is that you can get pretty much the complete experience just popping in for 15 minutes and ordering a martini, whereas you can't really say you've 'eaten at' a restaurant unless you've sat down to a three course meal over a few hours. So whichever criteria you consider to be the most important in a bar (dÃ©cor, clientele or the way the barman twists his lemon peel), it's likely you have the budget to visit far more of them in the space of a year than you can mid to high-end restaurants. And more customers means more opinion. And more opinion means more controversy.

And there ends my disclaimer for the decision behind this year's Timeout Best Bar, because I really can't see what the judges saw in 69 Colebrook Row. It's perfectly good, of course - a tiny little neighbourhood bar, a well stocked drinks cabinet and staff who if not experts are at least fairly competent. But it was when I saw the barman timidly pouring out a shot of gin into a little metal measuring cup before dumping it in the shaker that I knew this could never be up there with the best of them. The drinks, too, were timid - a bland house martini using Martini Extra Dry and a cerignola olive instead of the far more tasty combination of Noilly Prat and a twist of lemon, and a champagne cocktail which omitted the usual angostura-soaked sugar cube and brandy for a subtle floral note. Maybe it's just that I'm not a Tony Conigliaro fan; I was similarly nonplussed with the praised heaped upon the Shochu Lounge beneath Roka on Charlotte Street - when everyone was talking about molecular mixology all I noticed was overfussy and overpriced fruit cocktails. Or maybe I'm just far more difficult to please these days. I blame Rules.A few days ago, Timeout London announced the results of their Eating & Drinking Awards 2009. Like most of these 'best of' awards it's a mixture of the bafflingly arbitrary and downright predictable - there are very few people I know who would argue that the brilliant Harwood Arms shouldn't have won Best New Gastropub this year, but Lola Rojo on Northcote Road for best Spanish Restaurant over any of the Brindisa joints? Last time I went to Lola Rojo I paid Â£10 for a very odd plate of potato soufflÃ©s and tomato foam which they laughably called 'patatas bravas'. It was like tapas re-imagined by someone who'd applied to work at El Bulli but was rejected for being too pointlessly experimental.

But it's the choice of Best Bar that, perhaps inevitably, causes the most controversy. The crucial difference in bars as opposed to restaurants is that you can get pretty much the complete experience just popping in for 15 minutes and ordering a martini, whereas you can't really say you've 'eaten at' a restaurant unless you've sat down to a three course meal over a few hours. So whichever criteria you consider to be the most important in a bar (dÃ©cor, clientele or the way the barman twists his lemon peel), it's likely you have the budget to visit far more of them in the space of a year than you can mid to high-end restaurants. And more customers means more opinion. And more opinion means more controversy.

And there ends my disclaimer for the decision behind this year's Timeout Best Bar, because I really can't see what the judges saw in 69 Colebrook Row. It's perfectly good, of course - a tiny little neighbourhood bar, a well stocked drinks cabinet and staff who if not experts are at least fairly competent. But it was when I saw the barman timidly pouring out a shot of gin into a little metal measuring cup before dumping it in the shaker that I knew this could never be up there with the best of them. The drinks, too, were timid - a bland house martini using Martini Extra Dry and a cerignola olive instead of the far more tasty combination of Noilly Prat and a twist of lemon, and a champagne cocktail which omitted the usual angostura-soaked sugar cube and brandy for a subtle floral note. Maybe it's just that I'm not a Tony Conigliaro fan; I was similarly nonplussed with the praised heaped upon the Shochu Lounge beneath Roka on Charlotte Street - when everyone was talking about molecular mixology all I noticed was overfussy and overpriced fruit cocktails. Or maybe I'm just far more difficult to please these days. I blame Rules.

Canal 125 - Oh dear by MrEater

MrEater — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 14:18:31 +0000

Review by MrEater

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7837 1924

Tags: international, friendly, good value

Ive been there a few times - the owners are incredibly rude - however, the staff are smiley and friendly.
There are mice upstairs happily scurrying around - on two different occasions Ive seen it (or them!)
Food is good, though...Ive been there a few times - the owners are incredibly rude - however, the staff are smiley and friendly.
There are mice upstairs happily scurrying around - on two different occasions Ive seen it (or them!)
Food is good, though...

Alwyne Castle - by jimmyd

jimmyd — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 16:08:44 +0000

Review by jimmyd

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7288 9861

Tags: live music, posh, relaxed

One of my favourite pubs in north London. It's big, has sofas, lots of outside space, great beers, and a pretty damn good Sunday roast.One of my favourite pubs in north London. It's big, has sofas, lots of outside space, great beers, and a pretty damn good Sunday roast.

The Angelic - decent pub by jimmyd

jimmyd — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 16:05:26 +0000

Review by jimmyd

Rating: 3.00

Tags: cool, relaxed, different pub food

This is an ok little pub just off the madness of Upper Street. It's got some pretty good beers and wines, and free wifi. Better than most of the places in Angel.This is an ok little pub just off the madness of Upper Street. It's got some pretty good beers and wines, and free wifi. Better than most of the places in Angel.

The Wellington - The Welly is great! by brenna

brenna — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 15:53:51 +0000

Review by brenna

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7254 4338

Tags: live music, relaxed, food

Recently refurbished and now with a black exterior, the Duke of Wellington (with no name outside) is a fantastic local pub. Full of friendly people, it has an outside area, board games, a big screen showing sports, a film club and soon to have some live music we hope. Food is very nice and music is also ace, plus its open late...not a bad word to say!Recently refurbished and now with a black exterior, the Duke of Wellington (with no name outside) is a fantastic local pub. Full of friendly people, it has an outside area, board games, a big screen showing sports, a film club and soon to have some live music we hope. Food is very nice and music is also ace, plus its open late...not a bad word to say!

Dalston Jazz Bar - Painfully loud music and rude bar staff by northlondoner

northlondoner — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 19:03:25 +0000

Review by northlondoner

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7254 9728

Tags: live music, food, trendy

Staff were heard telling people to F off. Bar was extremely over crowded and the music was at a dangerously loud level. No chill out or smoking area (other than the street, where you cannot take drinks). Generally full of very drunk 20-25 year-olds moving their heads to the music. And, naturally, no jazz!Staff were heard telling people to F off. Bar was extremely over crowded and the music was at a dangerously loud level. No chill out or smoking area (other than the street, where you cannot take drinks). Generally full of very drunk 20-25 year-olds moving their heads to the music. And, naturally, no jazz!

William IV - Bot very honest owner, how even knows what else by alexaa

alexaa — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 01:21:40 +0000

Review by alexaa

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 3119 3012

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

Tags: friendly, gastropub, young professionals

Had my birthday party there. My saddest ever birthday.

It was supposed to be a crazy night out. However, at 11:30, the music was turned off. The explanation was that the council officers came to ask them to do so because of the complaints they received.

For Fxxx sake, i mean, Since they knew they wouldn't be playing loud music after 11:00, why did they still agreed when i requested. I clearly stated that i wanted to party until 2 am. I would never, ever ever go there again. hate it so much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Had my birthday party there. My saddest ever birthday.

It was supposed to be a crazy night out. However, at 11:30, the music was turned off. The explanation was that the council officers came to ask them to do so because of the complaints they received.

For Fxxx sake, i mean, Since they knew they wouldn't be playing loud music after 11:00, why did they still agreed when i requested. I clearly stated that i wanted to party until 2 am. I would never, ever ever go there again. hate it so much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Trafik - by sillysnake

sillysnake — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 12:44:20 +0000

Review by sillysnake

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7613 0234

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

Tags: cool, bar, food

I had dinner there with a friend and we both decided to grab a pizza. I have to say both of us felt seriously unwell afterwards. It ruined our whole day getting food poisoning from this place and I couldn't apologise enough to my friend for taking her there. WILL NEVER EVER GO TO AGAIN!!

My friends have said it is terrible for a night out also.

STAY AWAY!!!!!!!!!I had dinner there with a friend and we both decided to grab a pizza. I have to say both of us felt seriously unwell afterwards. It ruined our whole day getting food poisoning from this place and I couldn't apologise enough to my friend for taking her there. WILL NEVER EVER GO TO AGAIN!!

My friends have said it is terrible for a night out also.

STAY AWAY!!!!!!!!!

Giovanni's Wine Bar - A really memorable restaurant by Adrianintheuk

Adrianintheuk — Sun, 17 May 2009 11:22:15 +0000

Review by Adrianintheuk

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7638 1324

Tags: relaxed, friendly

I was in London on business and staying nearby and discovered Giovanni's by chance.

This is a proper Italian restaurant with friendly service and a delightful ambience. I really enjoyed my Tricolore starter, pasta with smoked chicken with garlic for a main course, and the awesome chocolate mousse. The house wine was very drinkable.

This is an unpretentious and welcoming restaurant, and if we lived nearby my wife and I would probably be in there all the time! As it was, I was made to feel very at home eating on my own, and will without doubt be returning in the future.

It is as good - if not slightly better - than my other favourite Italian which is Casalingo in Brighton.

A real treasure.I was in London on business and staying nearby and discovered Giovanni's by chance.

This is a proper Italian restaurant with friendly service and a delightful ambience. I really enjoyed my Tricolore starter, pasta with smoked chicken with garlic for a main course, and the awesome chocolate mousse. The house wine was very drinkable.

This is an unpretentious and welcoming restaurant, and if we lived nearby my wife and I would probably be in there all the time! As it was, I was made to feel very at home eating on my own, and will without doubt be returning in the future.

It is as good - if not slightly better - than my other favourite Italian which is Casalingo in Brighton.

A real treasure.

The Junction - Relaxed Place by schessilibam

schessilibam — Sun, 10 May 2009 10:28:09 +0000

Review by schessilibam

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7226 1026

Tags: cool, relaxed, food

I went their a few weeks ago and I really enjoyed it. It was a nice afternoon so me and my boyfriend decided to have a pint somewhere and a friend of mine recommended that place.

They have got some outside seating, but unfortunately it doesnt get afternoon sun (exception is the balcony upstairs but theres not much seating). I liked the selection of drinks they had and the stuff. The atmosphere was very relaxed and prices were decent.

I am definitely going to go back, maybe for food.I went their a few weeks ago and I really enjoyed it. It was a nice afternoon so me and my boyfriend decided to have a pint somewhere and a friend of mine recommended that place.

They have got some outside seating, but unfortunately it doesnt get afternoon sun (exception is the balcony upstairs but theres not much seating). I liked the selection of drinks they had and the stuff. The atmosphere was very relaxed and prices were decent.

I am definitely going to go back, maybe for food.

The Charles Lamb - NOT RECOMMENDED by hatemanu99

hatemanu99 — Sat, 02 May 2009 15:30:20 +0000

Review by hatemanu99

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7837 5040

Website: www.thecharleslambpub.com

Tags: relaxed, independent pub, excellent pub food

DO NOT GO HERE. Upon visiting the pub to ask what time they served lunch we were very rudely told they weren't open yet. We managed to find out that, as they don't take bookings, we should arrive early as the pub itself is quite small. So we arrived in good time (midday) on the day in question, to find no-one else there until half an hour later, not all of whom were eating. We ordered our lunches, one of the group requesting the lamb to be cooked through as she was pregnant. The waiter curtly responded that the lamb comes medium/rare and that therefore our friend did not then have the right to complain if it was overdone. We then were told that the mushroom tart was not in fact a tart but mushrooms on toast, and the new potatoes with the mackerel would be replaced by toast also. One of the group asked if he could have a potato side dish, to be told abruptly "no" as they don't do sides. So we finished our meals (admittedly a mistake) and then decided we would politely ask if our bill could be reduced as half the menu was replaced with toast. The staff were not only extrememly rude in their response but tried to charge us for an extra main, presumably not expecting us to actually check our bill. Like I say, DO NOT COME HERE.DO NOT GO HERE. Upon visiting the pub to ask what time they served lunch we were very rudely told they weren't open yet. We managed to find out that, as they don't take bookings, we should arrive early as the pub itself is quite small. So we arrived in good time (midday) on the day in question, to find no-one else there until half an hour later, not all of whom were eating. We ordered our lunches, one of the group requesting the lamb to be cooked through as she was pregnant. The waiter curtly responded that the lamb comes medium/rare and that therefore our friend did not then have the right to complain if it was overdone. We then were told that the mushroom tart was not in fact a tart but mushrooms on toast, and the new potatoes with the mackerel would be replaced by toast also. One of the group asked if he could have a potato side dish, to be told abruptly "no" as they don't do sides. So we finished our meals (admittedly a mistake) and then decided we would politely ask if our bill could be reduced as half the menu was replaced with toast. The staff were not only extrememly rude in their response but tried to charge us for an extra main, presumably not expecting us to actually check our bill. Like I say, DO NOT COME HERE.

The Marie Lloyd - by owenplanchart

owenplanchart — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 13:14:44 +0000

Review by owenplanchart

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7251 0178

Tags: food, dj, english

The Marie Lloyd offers the perfect blend of the classic and the new that is being spearheaded in the uber trendy Shoreditch scene. With an outstanding selection of drafts, bottled beers and spirits, the friendly and knowledgeable staff will guarantee a fun night whether you are looking for a low key business meeting on a weeknight or a full tilt pre club soiree to warm up your dancing soles on the weekend.

The unique formula of soft leather couches around a fireplace and a great sound system fueled by state of the art dj equipment create a truly relaxed and fun environment for the gentle pub goer and the off-centered trend setter alike.

They are the pioneers of the ultimate drinking game Beer Pong not only in the area but in the UK and challenge you to try a shot from their list of delicious liquid concoctions that cater to every level of drinker.

Their commitment to low-priced, high-quality food made with fresh ingredients is unrivaled in the area.The Marie Lloyd offers the perfect blend of the classic and the new that is being spearheaded in the uber trendy Shoreditch scene. With an outstanding selection of drafts, bottled beers and spirits, the friendly and knowledgeable staff will guarantee a fun night whether you are looking for a low key business meeting on a weeknight or a full tilt pre club soiree to warm up your dancing soles on the weekend.

The unique formula of soft leather couches around a fireplace and a great sound system fueled by state of the art dj equipment create a truly relaxed and fun environment for the gentle pub goer and the off-centered trend setter alike.

They are the pioneers of the ultimate drinking game Beer Pong not only in the area but in the UK and challenge you to try a shot from their list of delicious liquid concoctions that cater to every level of drinker.

Their commitment to low-priced, high-quality food made with fresh ingredients is unrivaled in the area.

Old China Hand - Old China Hand by AmberLight

AmberLight — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 13:19:28 +0000

Review by AmberLight

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7278 7678

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

Tags: relaxed, food, friendly

I really like this place because the staff are so friendly and welcoming. Its got a lovely calm atmosphere too; so good for catching up with friends away from noisy farringdon crowds and banging bar music. Pretty fairy lights and candles. The new chef I have heard is quite good (Malaysian and Dim Sum) though I have not tried menu recently. They have a good selection of ales. Mixed crowd - worth a look in.I really like this place because the staff are so friendly and welcoming. Its got a lovely calm atmosphere too; so good for catching up with friends away from noisy farringdon crowds and banging bar music. Pretty fairy lights and candles. The new chef I have heard is quite good (Malaysian and Dim Sum) though I have not tried menu recently. They have a good selection of ales. Mixed crowd - worth a look in.

Anam - Nice cocktail bar by gilka

gilka — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 19:34:31 +0000

Review by gilka

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7278 1001

Website: http://www.anambar.com/

Tags: young professionals, cool & smart, live music

This is a very nice cocktail bar located in Chapel Market, close to angel tube. The bar tender seemed very professional and the cocktails were really good. The real deal in coming on weekdays between 6-8 when you can get 2 for 1 cocktails- really worth it! We came there around 7pm and managed to get a spacious couch area.

See what I have discovered in their toilets here:
http://www.gilka.co.uk/2009/02/27/anam-bar-close-to-angel-tube/This is a very nice cocktail bar located in Chapel Market, close to angel tube. The bar tender seemed very professional and the cocktails were really good. The real deal in coming on weekdays between 6-8 when you can get 2 for 1 cocktails- really worth it! We came there around 7pm and managed to get a spacious couch area.

See what I have discovered in their toilets here:
http://www.gilka.co.uk/2009/02/27/anam-bar-close-to-angel-tube/

Slim Jim's Liquor Store - well, they have beer... by andybrown

andybrown — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 14:05:44 +0000

Review by andybrown

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7354 4364

Website: http://www.slimjimsliquorstore.com/

Tags: cool, trendy, dj

but everyone in there is... how can i put this delicately... it rhymes with anchor.

yes, they have decent beer, the tunes are good, the doorman is a really nice guy, very interesting, and it's open late, and all these things are important.

But we had to talk to the doorman because he was the only one capable of proper conversation. And that says a lot.

And the decor is terrifying. It's somewhere between pretend American bar and whorehouse and Soviet nuclear submarine and hell. But rubbish.

So, in short, if you want a drink late at night, go there. And chat with the doorman. And make sure when you ask for a drink, be very specific or you'll just get whichever drink the barman can be bothered to make.

Good luck.but everyone in there is... how can i put this delicately... it rhymes with anchor.

yes, they have decent beer, the tunes are good, the doorman is a really nice guy, very interesting, and it's open late, and all these things are important.

But we had to talk to the doorman because he was the only one capable of proper conversation. And that says a lot.

And the decor is terrifying. It's somewhere between pretend American bar and whorehouse and Soviet nuclear submarine and hell. But rubbish.

So, in short, if you want a drink late at night, go there. And chat with the doorman. And make sure when you ask for a drink, be very specific or you'll just get whichever drink the barman can be bothered to make.

Good luck.

The Lion & Lamb - HOXTONS LOCALS by alfie0207

alfie0207 — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 13:57:06 +0000

Review by alfie0207

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7739 5598

Tags: food, friendly, pool

This is a locals pub,but your be made welcome,The staff are friendly,but beware if pat starts singing,sadly it only as one real ale,there,s take your pick on Thursday nights and the prize can reach a grand,all profits go to charity,there,s free sandwiches on this night,the pub as a pool table and is wheelchair friendly,children are permitted till around 7 pm but must be escorted to the toilets which I think is a great idea,it as a great outside seating area in the summer,and the pub as a atmosphere that you dont find often these days,This is a locals pub,but your be made welcome,The staff are friendly,but beware if pat starts singing,sadly it only as one real ale,there,s take your pick on Thursday nights and the prize can reach a grand,all profits go to charity,there,s free sandwiches on this night,the pub as a pool table and is wheelchair friendly,children are permitted till around 7 pm but must be escorted to the toilets which I think is a great idea,it as a great outside seating area in the summer,and the pub as a atmosphere that you dont find often these days,

The Masque Haunt - wetherspoons by alfie0207

alfie0207 — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 13:47:28 +0000

Review by alfie0207

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7251 4195

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

Tags: food, friendly, standard pub food

Its not to often I visit pubs in this chain,as I find that they are boring,But I can say that this one is among the best I have entered,The staff are friendly,polite,well mannered,and the service I found on two visits was great,The pub didnt have the usual all day drinker ,more the ones who wanted a few beers on the way home,and the food was fairly good,Its not to often I visit pubs in this chain,as I find that they are boring,But I can say that this one is among the best I have entered,The staff are friendly,polite,well mannered,and the service I found on two visits was great,The pub didnt have the usual all day drinker ,more the ones who wanted a few beers on the way home,and the food was fairly good,

The Talbot - What a bad place by juliapap

juliapap — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 12:33:30 +0000

Review by juliapap

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7254 2336

Tags: food, pretentious, pool tables

I live in the neighborhood and was initially very happy to find such a chilled, cozy pub. The first two visits for quick pints were ok enough. Then, having some friends over from abroad on a cold winter day, I raved about this great little pub next to my place and we all went over for some food.
The place was pretty empty, as it normally is. We sat on one of the couches and decided to have some fries to manage our hunger while we waited for some other friends to arrive.
To my surprise, even though fries were on the menu as side dishes, we were refused them as snacks. â¬SIf we serve fries thatâ¬"s all that people will have and we will be paying our chef for nothingâ¬, said the sarcastic and rude waiter. Well, I thought, this is supposed to be a pretty grown up pub, and not a teenager hang out den where people will drink tap water all night. Also, I found it extremely irresponsible to deny your customers finger food to help soak up the alcohol of a night out on the pub. I told this to the waiter, who just muttered something under his breath and left.
I resigned myself to a bowl of olives, the only thing other than crisps and peanuts available to us besides the dinner menu.
Once our friends arrived, we decided to stay in our couch and eat there, instead of moving to one of the tables. Note that the place was empty, with loads of couches on offer.
When I asked the waiter for the menu, he told me that I could only have the menu (a printed sheet of paper) if we sat on the table. On the couch, I had to get up and read the menu written on a board across the bar. I was so shocked by such stupidity (and hungry) that we all just moved to the restaurant table (5 steps from where we were sitting).
The food was bland and disappointing (ll of it, but especially the roasts and what was supposed to be horseradish cream but was only double cream), and the waiter kept looking at us with sarcasm.
It is a shame, such a nice place, but such crazy unreasonable rules and rude staff. Not coming back.

I live in the neighborhood and was initially very happy to find such a chilled, cozy pub. The first two visits for quick pints were ok enough. Then, having some friends over from abroad on a cold winter day, I raved about this great little pub next to my place and we all went over for some food.
The place was pretty empty, as it normally is. We sat on one of the couches and decided to have some fries to manage our hunger while we waited for some other friends to arrive.
To my surprise, even though fries were on the menu as side dishes, we were refused them as snacks. â¬SIf we serve fries thatâ¬"s all that people will have and we will be paying our chef for nothingâ¬, said the sarcastic and rude waiter. Well, I thought, this is supposed to be a pretty grown up pub, and not a teenager hang out den where people will drink tap water all night. Also, I found it extremely irresponsible to deny your customers finger food to help soak up the alcohol of a night out on the pub. I told this to the waiter, who just muttered something under his breath and left.
I resigned myself to a bowl of olives, the only thing other than crisps and peanuts available to us besides the dinner menu.
Once our friends arrived, we decided to stay in our couch and eat there, instead of moving to one of the tables. Note that the place was empty, with loads of couches on offer.
When I asked the waiter for the menu, he told me that I could only have the menu (a printed sheet of paper) if we sat on the table. On the couch, I had to get up and read the menu written on a board across the bar. I was so shocked by such stupidity (and hungry) that we all just moved to the restaurant table (5 steps from where we were sitting).
The food was bland and disappointing (all of it, but especially the roasts and what was supposed to be horseradish cream but was only double cream), and the waiter kept looking at us with sarcasm.
It is a shame, such a nice place, but such crazy unreasonable rules and rude staff. Not coming back.

Island Queen - Island Queen Restaurant? Don't you mean pub by a_female

a_female — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 21:40:42 +0000

Review by a_female

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7704 7631

Tags: jazz, cool, relaxed

Calling this place the Island Queen Restaurant is a bit of a stretch isn't it. Nested amongst the fantasy suburbs that is Noel Road, N1, Island Queen Pub is a lovely little local. As with a few other M&B pubs i've been to this place has alot of promise. Get a nice fire and the shabby chic deco just about works. Get the food wrong and allthe is lost. I left Island Queen after a microwaved nut roast feeling like i'd just stepped out of my local NHS hospital - sloppy food and the shabby chic became mould old pub. Shame the music was good.Calling this place the Island Queen Restaurant is a bit of a stretch isn't it. Nested amongst the fantasy suburbs that is Noel Road, N1, Island Queen Pub is a lovely little local. As with a few other M&B pubs i've been to this place has alot of promise. Get a nice fire and the shabby chic deco just about works. Get the food wrong and allthe is lost. I left Island Queen after a microwaved nut roast feeling like i'd just stepped out of my local NHS hospital - sloppy food and the shabby chic became mould old pub. Shame the music was good.