Recommended Islington Bars

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Islington Bars

The best bars in Islington can be found not only on the main throughfare of Upper Street but also in the squares and small streets in the surrounding area. Gastro pubs, wine bars and late night bars are just some of the drinking dens on our list of the best bars in Islington.
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Barrio North
45 Essex Road, Islington, N1 2SF
  • A Latin inspired bar with a warm & friendly atmosphere
  • The best cocktails and flair bartenders in North London
  • Book an area or even La Caravana
  • Full events program with DJs, live music & dance events
  • Free entry, drinking & dancing until 2am at the weekend
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The Ladybird is a funky cocktail bar based on Upper Street.
70 Upper Street,
Islington,
London,
N1 0NY
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69 Colebrooke Row
Found on the site of the previous Colebrookes, 69 Colebrooke Row is a welcome addition to Islington offering with a 'speakeasy' theme and an extensive range of cocktails.
69 Colebrooke Row,
Islington,
London,
N1 8AA
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The Albion
(British, Gastro Pub Food)
Beautifully re-furbished, The Albion is a sumptuous Georgian style public house and restaurant on Thornhill Road.
10 Thornhill Road,
Barnsbury,
London,
N1 1HW
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Alwyne
(British)
A proper local on St Paul's Road, this good old stalwart of the Islington pub scene is friendlier than most and offers a great craic on a summer’s day.
83 St Pauls Road,
Islington,
London,
N1 2LY
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Great cocktails and a location slightly off the beaten track makes this trendy, Manhattan-style bar one of the best party hotspots in Islington.
3 Chapel Market,
Islington,
London,
N1 9EZ
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The Angelic
(British, Gastro Pub Food)
Chilled during the day and nicely boisterous in the evenings, the Angelic has a Heaven, Earth and Hell theme with classy decor and dungeon-like toilets.
57 Liverpool Road,
Islington,
London,
N1 0RJ
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Barrio North has managed to create a venue that, despite its Latino flavour, fits into the Islington location perfectly with quirky decor, outstanding cocktails and service with a personal touch.
45 Essex Road,
Islington,
London,
N1 2SF
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The Canonbury
(British)
The Canonbury in Islington offers a varied menu of simply prepared food and a wide selection of drinks including British and Continental beers. The large garden allows you to enjoy alfresco drinking and dining during good weather.
21 Canonbury Place,
Islington,
London,
N1 2NS
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The Chapel Bar
(Mediterranean)
This multi-level venue, including a enclosed roof terrace, is fitted out with a state of the art Turbosound system.
29a Penton Street,
Islington,
London,
N1 9PX
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The Charles Lamb
(British, French)
After a subtle makeover to The Charles Lamb, a young arty crowd mix with the locals making this hidden gastro pub a welcome alternative to the main strip of bars in Angel.
16 Elia Street,
Islington,
London,
N1 8DE
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The Compass
(British)
The Compass embodies the friendly, approachable side of gastro pubs. Formalities and pretension are left at the door in favour of great food and a welcoming atmosphere.
58 Penton Street,
Islington,
London,
N1 9PZ
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The Crown is a lively, upbeat venue popular among locals and visitors to the area alike, with comfortable seating areas and classic decor.
116 Cloudesley Road,
Islington,
London,
N1 0EB
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Cuba Libre
(South American)
Islington's Cuba Libre restaurant is an energetic affair with authentic tasting Cuban food and cocktails.
72 Upper Street,
Islington,
London,
N1 0NY
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The Drapers Arms
(Gastro Pub Food)
After undergoing a change in ownership and an extensive refurbishment The Drapers Arms in Islington has opened its doors once again, serving a daily changing menu of classic British cuisine using fresh seasonal produce.
44 Barnsbury Street,
Islington,
London,
N1 1ER
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Sip a creative cocktail in sophisticated surroundings at the famous Embassy Bar on Essex Road.
119 Essex Road,
Islington,
London,
N1 2SN
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The Grand Union
(American)
This bar comes complete with a DJ, late licence until 3.30am at the weekends and some of the best burgers you'll have ever tasted!
153 Upper Street,
Islington,
London,
N1 1RA
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Hanbury Arms
(Delicatessen)
The Hanbury Arms has a laid-back atmosphere much like its popular sister pubs The Lauriston and The Regent. They offer a menu of freshly prepared stone baked pizzas and a wide choice of drinks including wine, cider, draught lagers, fruit beers and organic ales.
33 Linton Street,
Islington,
London,
N1 7DU
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Hemingford Arms
(International)
The Hemingford Arms is a rare London find, a traditional yet eccentric old-school boozer with an eclectic clientele to match.
158 Hemingford Road,
Islington,
London,
N1 1DF
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Hope and Anchor
Towards the Highbury and Islington end of Upper Street is this no-holds-barred rock venue where you could have seen Madness play a live gig in 1980 for £3. (A bit steep if you ask us.)
207 Upper Street,
Islington,
London,
N1 1RL
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The House
(British)
This is a relaxed gastro pub peddling wondrous comfort on Canonbury Road.
63-69 Canonbury Road,
Islington,
London,
N1 2DG
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Island Queen
(Pub Food)
With a picturesque setting, friendly bar staff and a great food and drink offering, Island Queen has an old gin house feel accentuated by its classic original decor.
87 Noel Road,
Islington,
London,
N1 8HD
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The Junction
(Pizzeria)
The Junction is a friendly bar offering a good choice of drinks and a menu of homemade pizzas made to authentic recipes. There's plenty to keep you entertained including Sky Sports, free WiFi and DJs every Friday and Saturday.
2a Corsica Street,
Highbury,
London,
N5 1JJ
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Keston Lodge
(British)
Popular with North London's young and trendy crowd (or 'yendies' as they prefer to be called), this impressive bar and restaurant on Upper Street run regular DJ nights and have an extensive cocktail menu.
131 Upper Street,
Islington,
London,
N1 1QP
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The Kings Head
One of the few real boozers left on Upper Street, The Kings Head is a solid, traditional pub serving ale and beer to discerning Islington drinkers.
The Kings Head Theatre,
115 Upper Street,
Islington,
London,
N1 1QN
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The Lexington
An American lounge and whiskey bar in Islington sounds pretentious, but the laid back Lexington manages to pull it off.
96-98 Pentonville Road,
Islington,
London,
N1 9JB
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The Lord Clyde
(British)
The Lord Clyde is a refreshing surprise amidst the growing popularity of gastro pubs.
340-342 Essex Road,
Islington,
London,
N1 3PB
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Lucky Voice Islington
(Snacks)
Fancy yourself as a popstar but feeling a bit shy? Then head to Lucky Voice where you can book a private karaoke room and warble away to your heart's content.
173-174 Upper Street,
Islington,
London,
N1 1RG
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The Marquess Tavern
(British)
It is unusual to see such an untouched authentic pub in London, but the Marquess Tavern prides itself on its traditional values.
32 Canonbury Street,
Islington,
London,
N1 2TB
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The Mucky Pup
The Mucky Pup is an intimate pub with plenty of character.
39 Queens Head Street,
Islington,
London,
N1 8NQ
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The New Rose
(British)
The New Rose is all very new; its ideas deserve applause and the overall gleam of the venue’s quirky nuances keep people smiling.
84-86 Essex Road,
Islington,
London,
N1 8LU
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The North Star
(British)
The North Star is the archetypal gastro pub on New North Road.
188-190 New North Road,
Islington,
London,
N1 7BJ
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The Old Queens Head
(British)
The Old Queens Head, a splendid gastro pub on Essex Road, offers a spectacular setting with its bespoke chandeliers and its 16th Century fireplaces.
44 Essex Road,
Islington,
London,
N1 8LN
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O'Neills Islington
This chain of Irish bars is renowned for fun and frolics and that little bit of Emerald Isle charm.
59 Upper Street,
Islington,
London,
N1 0NY
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Public House
(Modern European)
New to the Islington scene in September 2008, Public House belies its name and is actually a very upmarket, romantic bar.
54 Islington Park Street,
Islington,
London,
N1 1PX
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Rosemary Branch
(British, Pub Food)
The charming Rosemary Branch is a popular destination for all. Whether you're looking for a quiet drink in a cosy atmosphere or a traditional Sunday lunch with the family, the Rosemary caters for all. The upstairs theatre plays host to various live events that are regularly changing.
2 Shepperton Road,
London,
N1 3DT
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Slim Jims Liquor Store
Slim Jims Liquor Store is the first LA style dive bar in Islington, and it's a funky addition to Upper Street.
112 Upper Street,
Islington,
London,
N1 1QN
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The Snooty Fox
(British)
Located just down the road from Finsbury Park, on Grosvenor Avenue, The Snooty Fox serves a variety of beers, wines and spirits alongside a food menu of traditional British light bites and main meals.
75 Grosvenor Avenue ,
Highbury,
London,
N5 2NN
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The Talbot
(Pub Food)
The Talbot on Mortimer Road is an upbeat gastropub-cum-local.
109 Mortimer Road,
Islington,
London,
N1 4JY
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The Vineyard is another gem on Upper Street full of Islingtonians , with a great atmosphere filled with chats and good laughs – an ideal spot for a casual, vibrant atmosphere accompanied by cheap food and drinks.
179 Upper Street,
Islington,
London,
N1 1RG
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You can enjoy the finest cocktails, beers, champagnes and other delectable concoctions while enjoying the music played by the regular DJs or other live acts.
144-145 Upper Street,
Islington,
London,
N1 1QY
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Wenlock and Essex
(British)
Wenlock and Essex is a stylish gastro pub brought to you by the Barworks chain. Wenlock and Essex offers a menu of British dishes prepared by head chef Will Pugh, dishes may include venison pie, haddock fish cakes and traditional Sunday roasts.
Suncourt House,
18-26 Essex Road,
Islington,
London,
N1 8LN
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The Winchester is a vibrant pub that offers a variety of drinks alongside a food menu of British meals and traditional Sunday roasts and snacks. Regular DJs at weekends make this an ideal choice for a fun night out.
2 Essex Road,
Angel,
London,
N1 8LN
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