Archway isn’t necessarily where you’d expect to find a bar that promotes itself as a rock venue. Dusk Till Dawn doesn't agree.

The Venue
You can normally tell when a pub is a pub or a bar is a bar. Something in the lighting, the font of the name or, in some places, the smell. From a distance, Dusk Till Dawn seems content in appearing nondescript. It could be a bar, a pub, a club or even a strip-joint. It’s only a one minute walk from the tube, which could be useful for jaded commuters unwilling to venture to pubs in Tufnell Park or Highgate.

There is a terraced area outside with lots of seating and the building itself has a domineering presence of a large pub (it was previously known as the The Archway Tavern). Inside, there is an extremely small stage and some seats as well as a modest bar. There’s also an upstairs that showcases occasional live music.

The Atmosphere
Dusk Till Dawn can’t decide what it wants to be. There are posters of John Lennon and Jimi Hendrix but the three (unnecessary) plasma screens sometimes show scantily dressed women in RnB videos. It’s frequented by a mix of curious scenesters, tipsy locals and Holloway’s finest eccentrics. The bar staff are quick and polite but not always in the loop about the time of last orders or the price of admission upstairs. They regularly host open mic and acoustic nights as well as showcasing bands.

The Drink
The beer is cheap for the area. Staropramen, Fosters, Strongbow, Guinness, John Smiths and Becks Vier are all on tap and prices range from £2.70-£3 a pint. Bottled beers include Corona, Tiger, Budweiser and Peroni.

The Last Word
Dusk Till Dawn has potential but seems confused as to what it wants to be. It’s open until 3.30am on weekends, which is good if you’re in the area and everywhere else is closing. The beer is also very reasonably priced. Has potential.

venue information venue map view london review user reviews (4)