Promising some of the most credible DJs currently at work in London, The Horatia is an exciting new venture brought to Holloway Road by the team responsible for Shoreditch’s infamous Horse and Groom. And it’s free to get in.

The Venue
What was once The Lord Nelson, a veritable North London local, has been transformed by some of East London’s best known promoters into a DJ pub. Although not the most obvious location for a venue of this sort, it does make perfect sense what with its relative proximity to Islington, Stoke Newington and Dalston, and the nearby London Metropolitan University.

The Horatia is very much a work in progress and there's plenty that needs to be done to the interior. As it stands the venue has been painted black from head-to-toe and there are still a few remnants of the old establishment, which, aside from the toilets, are kind of charming. The seating areas follow the contours of the periphery creating space for the local hordes and weekend revellers but there are still plenty of places to lean and perch a drink.

The Atmosphere
The atmosphere is somewhat variable depending on the time of week. Week nights are definitely more sedate but with such strong electronic music line-ups programmed for every Friday and Saturday night you should be prepared for crowds of switched-on music fans. Naturally, being on Holloway Road, it caters for Arsenal fans so expect it to be incredibly busy on match days.

The Music
Featuring some of London’s most notorious promoters and DJs, such as James Priestley (secretsundaze), Damon Martin (Disco Bloodbath) and Neil Thornton (Lasermagnetic) to name but a few recent highlights, weekend line-ups are The Horatia’s most obvious appeal. Part of the sound system came from what used to be The Cross so despite not being a full-on club, there’s no compromising on sound quality. A free jukebox is also in place for lazy Sundays, or nights without DJs, and this already features new music from record labels, taking in everything from folk and disco to sweet reggae music.

The Drink
Pints come as standard with the selection of lager and cider constantly being improved. Expect to see the likes of Peroni, Staropramen, San Miguel, Fosters, Grolsch and Strongbow, costing from £3.30 upwards. There are no specific wine or cocktail lists as yet but this may change. Plans are also afoot to offer selected ales and beers from around the world in bottles.

The Last Word
With free entry, a late weekend licence (2am Fridays and Saturdays, 12pm Sundays), and strong line-ups, The Horatia definitely possesses all the right elements to become a real party pub. Although you may not expect to see this sort of establishment on Holloway Road, it imbues the experience with a welcome sense of secrecy and novelty, and doesn’t detract from the overwhelming potential.

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