Plonked in the middle of no-man’s-land between Archway and Tufnell Park stations is The Hideaway. Walking along Junction Road to try and find the place, you might think that the address is incorrect as it is not near anything lively or noteworthy. Well, except the hardware store - if you consider that interesting.

The Venue
Its name is incredibly apt, as not even someone who knows the area well is likely to know this quaint and hip bar exists. Junction Road is not a typical area for a night out, but once you have found The Hideaway you will be pleasantly surprised. Upon entering, you are welcomed by two large leather sofas and many tables and chairs. It is as if you are in someone’s living/dining room and they happen to have a bar at the end of it. Venturing downstairs is the basement bar, which is available for hire, where most of the different music nights occur. In the back is the small but perfectly formed beer garden, where the smokers can sit back and relax in the candlelight and not disturb the non-smokers.

The Atmosphere
In the main upstairs bar, the attitude is very relaxed and chilled out. Upstairs is where you have a drink with friends, and you will be able to hear what they are saying to you, as opposed to the basement bar where the music is louder and more lively. The basement bar serves as more of a club on the weekend but still maintains its relaxed attitude. The bar staff are a notable mention as they are knowledgeable, friendly and very welcoming, which makes you want to come back again and again.

The Music
Nights at The Hideaway include ‘Broken Toy Music’ which features many local, up and coming bands showcasing their material to the unsuspecting North London audience. Other weeknights alternate between jazz, blues or open mic nights. Fridays and Saturdays are electro nights with DJs.

The Food
The Hideaway may seem like your typical bar with a few olives with pitta bread and hummus for nibbles and pizzas for mains but it is done so differently. The stonebaked pizza is light and crispy with homemade ingredients, and shows up the processed stuff from other pizza places as the greasy, unhealthy rubbish it clearly is. The toppings are different but ever so delectable and tasty, which makes it a must-try experience.

The Drink
The draught beer is of a very good quality - Amstel and Heineken priced at around £3 a pint, and there is a large selection of bottled beers, even Duvel which is 8.5% ABV. Bottles of wine are reasonably priced, starting at £12.50 and the bar has a good selection to choose from. Their cocktails, starting at £5.50 are especially good - particularly their White Russian, which has the right consistency of cream and spirits. House spirits are likewise of a high quality, Stolynichaya being the house vodka. Their whiskey, rum and tequila section is also impressive.

The Last Word
The Hideaway is a place you go if you want to wind down after a hectic week with some friends and drink good quality cocktails with pleasant, unobtrusive, lounge music. Interestingly, it says on the menu that if they do not have a spirit you like you can let them know and they will order it on for you - now that’s service.

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