70 Upper Street,
Islington,
London,
N1 0NY
0872 148 1235
Note: Calls cost 10p per min plus network extras.
The ViewLondon Review
Much like its namesake, The Ladybird is a bright, shiny gem, unpretentious and deliciously unique in character. Offering a comprehensive range of masterfully made cocktails and an eclectic but on-point music policy, the venue, located in the bustling environs of Upper Street, is a must for north London’s cool and casual clientele.
The Venue
Upon entering, you are greeted by an 80s NYC-style neon pink sign glowing brightly in the window, a classic 8-bit computer game Outrun on a TV screen ahead, and a staircase leading up to the main bar. Inside, the walls are painted black, stencilled in part, and dim yellow globular orbs cast a slightly sleazy, late night aura around the room. The small, functional bar is a mixture of classy and cool, retro and relaxed, smart and sexy.
The Atmosphere
The Ladybird’s inhabitants are lively; the staff are quick, attentive and skilled at the task in hand. You can book a table and cosy up, talk voraciously at the bar or dance the night away underneath the disco ball in the club downstairs (£3 entry after 11pm with a free cloakroom).
The Music
Boasting a music policy that ranges from rock'n'roll to reggae, disco to dubstep, there’s a soundtrack from every era at The Ladybird. If you like surprises, sit back and soak up the sounds on Jukebox Wednesdays, or Saturday night’s piece de resistance, the ‘dance-floor crushing selection of disco-boogie-electronic-house-funk’.
The Drink
Ranging from £6.50-£9.50, choose your signature cocktail from the cinematically themed originals (American Psycho, Moulin Rouge), the sweet and creamy (Alice In Wonderland), or bitter, sweet and bubbly (The Perfect Lady, Velvet Blanket). Alternatively opt for wine (approx £4.80 a glass) or one of the two draught beers (Bitburger and Asahi). The Hemmingway Daiquiri is a personal favourite – an intoxicating mix of El Dorado Blanco 3-year rum, maraschino liqueur, lime juice, maraschino cherry juice and fresh grapefruit juice, it really hits the spot. Drinking with friends? Share a gregarious Phucket Bucket, served in plastic sandcastle bucket for around the £22 mark.
The Last Word
The Ladybird’s credible music policy marks it out as a go-to bar for those who like a quality and varied soundtrack to accompany their nights out on Upper Street.
The Ladybird has been reviewed by 14 users