235 Upper Street,
Islington,
London,
N1 1RU
0872 148 3203
The ViewLondon Review
The Cedar Room is the place to take someone for a gossip, romantic drink, or a little dance; this bar does well as the last bastion of Upper Street.The VenueJust two minutes from Highbury and Islington station, The Cedar Room is right on the end of Upper Street. It’s pretty much the last bar living up to the Islington trend before the traditional pubs round the station become distinctly more Highbury. It’s decked with cream walls and dark leather sofas, and always looks immaculately clean. Upstairs is a more intimate lounge, which is a good spot for a private party, and outside is a covered terrace, nice on a summer’s evening and a real pleasure for smokers.
The AtmosphereThe Cedar Room is a popular meeting place for regulars who like somewhere grown up and private. It’s really a bit of a girls’ place, with friendly, flirty bartenders pushing the cocktails and space to lounge in comfort. It’s a good location to meet an old friend for a gossip or to go on a first date thanks to the candles, decent drinks and space to have a conversation. The weekends are usually busy but not packed with a varied clientele from smart geezer-type guys and dressed up girls to more laid back drinkers.
The MusicThe weekend evenings offer up quite a mixture of music with different DJs coming in to spin well known hip hop, rock, and pop tunes. There is just enough floorspace to have a bit of dance after midnight as the bar tends to liven up, with more people cramming in, not quite ready to end the night. Sunday nights see acoustic acts drop in.
The DrinkThe cocktails are really the main event at The Cedar Room and they are good. The bar staff keep you entertained without being too flashy – think holiday beach bar rather than Tom Cruise. At happy hour (5pm-7pm) you can get two for one on a selection. The cool, bright red Singapore Sling made with cherry brandy and the sexy and sweet Brazilian drink Caipirinha are recommended.
The Last WordA likeable bar that is not over done or trying too hard, The Cedar Room is worth a look and a cocktail if you’re passing by.