A slightly shabby Islington gay bar that’s popular with its regulars.

The Venue
King Edward VI (EDVI or The Eddie as it is known by locals) is situated away from Islington’s main thoroughfare of Upper Street, down a back street opposite a car park. This gay bar’s dark and rather shabby mauve interior is in direct contrast to the upbeat Euro-pop that blasts out here all day and night: the combination gives the place the air of a tired old drag queen.

A layer of black paint has seemingly been sloshed everywhere to provide a dark canvas for disco lighting, although the effect is more Lily Savage than Chaka Khan. A mirror down the full length of the back wall allows punters on the pull a 360 degree view while the smoking area out the back, which is little more than a concrete slab with a smattering of cheap garden furniture, provides an area for them to get to know each other better.

The Atmosphere
Its seedy backstreet feel doesn’t deter the regulars and this place is normally pretty busy on evenings and weekends; the late licence does much to increase its charms. However, unlike other Islington gay bars, King Edward VI isn’t very straight, or even lesbian, friendly. The clientele are chiefly gay men from their twenties to their sixtiess, most of whom seem to know each other. It’s not an unfriendly place, especially for guys who want casual company, although the crowds of posing smokers who often crowd the entrance can be intimidating for newcomers.

The Drink
Although the bar’s choice of music suggests alcopops, cocktails and fizzy wine, the choice of drink is actually more about beer. On draught is Becks, Staropramen, Stella, Guinness, Strongbow and Castlemaine (all between £3.20-£3.40), plus Bulmers, Stella, Bud and Corona in bottles (all £3). The wine list is brief to say the least, giving you a choice of white (£3.30) or red (£3.40).

Shorts are better value: house specials of doubles with a mixer at £3.70 is good value, whilst shots of various party spirits (tequila, vodka, sambuca) are on sale for £2.50.

The Last Word
If you’re out, proud and on the look out for a date, King Edward VI might be an option.

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