Struggling to find a cocktail in Finsbury Park? Look again – Chapter One Bar has a huge selection on offer.

The Venue
Situated on Stroud Green Road, Chapter One Bar is relatively easy to find, even if you’re not from the area. From Finsbury Park tube station it’s about a ten minute walk and there are plenty of buses that run straight to the bar.

In comparison to the smaller, older restaurants on Stroud Green Road, Chapter One Bar stands out. The outside decor is sleek and modern, and with someone on the door most of the time you could be mistaken for thinking that the place is a members’ only bar. One inside, it’s all rather refreshing. The modern look is mixed up with retro coloured mood lighting that changes alongside the music, patterned paper on the ceiling and walls, and funky bar stalls. This place is far cry from the pop-themed venue it previously was.

The Atmosphere
Whilst other stylised bars have an air of pretension, Chapter One Bar really doesn’t. Expect to find young local professionals popping in for an after work drink, flying by for a warm up cocktail before they head into town, or – because this place is open until 1am in the week and 2am at the weekends – getting a last order in before they head home and hit the sack.

The bar hosts a variety of nights, catering to everyone’s tastes. There are jazz nights, salsa classes and live entertainment alongside regular DJs who bang out eclectic funky house beats Thursday-Saturday. Staff are cheery and willing to go out of their way to ensure everyone gets served fast – there’s even a few entertaining barmen who have some great bottle spinning skills.

The Food
Food at Chapter One Bar is impressive – there is a large selection of tapas dishes, everything from bruchetta and calamari to Mexican enchiladas and a mix and match style set menu serving hot and cold dishes. This set menu includes European favourites like Greek salads and tartlets, alongside traditional English dishes such as shepherd’s pie, and popular Italian food like gnocchi.

Whilst similar bars shun serving traditional roast dinners on a Sunday for a more pretentious selection of foods, this venue serves a Sunday Roast with a choice of four meats – beef, pork, lamb or chicken and a vegetarian option for a reasonable £7.95.

The Drink
When it comes to drinks, this bar really is one of a kind for Finsbury Park. Chapter One Bar offers a huge selection compared to other bars in the area. Cocktails include the classics like margaritas, daiquiris and caipirinhas alongside house specials, like the popular Senorita (fresh raspberries, blueberries, cranberry juice, fresh lime, tequila and gomme syrup), or the Capital Bull (vodka and cranberry shaken with Red Bull). All are averagely priced between £6 and £7.

There is also an extensive variety of wines – prices start at £14.50 for a bottle rising to £69.00 if you choose the most expensive Champagne. Again, this is a similar price to what you’d pay in any of the neighbouring restaurants.

The Last Word
A perfect place for Finsbury Park residents in search of a stylish Manhattan-esque cocktail bar in an area where these are few and far between.

venue information venue map view london review add a review