An American lounge and whiskey bar in Islington sounds pretentious, but the laid back Lexington manages to pull it off. It’s an option to consider if you want a something relaxed but a little bit different.

The Venue
On the busy crossroads of Penton Street and Pentonville Road, The Lexington is pretty easy to find. Angel tube station is nearby and it’s easily accessible by bus. Previously called Clockwork, The Lexington has shed it’s dubious drum and bass past with a complete renovation. The outside is unassuming and appears to be just your regular, run-of-the-mill pub. However, walk inside and it may surprise.

The huge wraparound windows are draped in heavy, dramatic red curtains and there’s a distinct whiff of previously loved furniture. The decor is an eclectic mix pulled together under the guise of being an American lounge bar. The well-stocked bar runs the length of one wall, and there is booth seating under the windows. Moving into the middle of the impossibly high-ceilinged room, there is mismatched furniture with small tea-lights glowing on each table. There’s a football table in one corner, two small fireplaces to warm the otherwise drafty room and a jukebox.

Upstairs is a live music venue, which has played host to some credible names. Up here is a second decent-sized bar, a mezzanine level and a stage with plenty of room to dance and let your hair down. This is definitely an authentic music venue - there are no frills or tea lights up here; exactly how it should be.

The Atmosphere
The lighting in The Lexington is dim and the venue is vast. It’s easy to feel like you have to hold hushed conversations as it has the tendency to feel like you’re being watched by the bar staff and overheard if it’s on the empty side. Throughout the night though the place fills up with local residents and regulars who love the quirky style. Despite being an American-style lounge bar, it actually feels very London in here: it’s edgy and alternative and a little bit dirty (although, be assured, it’s actually very well-kept). The bar staff are efficient without being full-on.

The pervading feeling at The Lexington is come in, try it on for size, relax and enjoy, and it’s unapologetic about its alternative style. If you’re after a glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc and something mainstream, and perhaps predictable, this bar is not for you and it won’t try to conform to convention to suit you.

The Music
Downstairs, the music is pretty low-key but suits the mood of the bar. It seems like someone with an alternative and knowledgeable taste in music has stuck their iPod on shuffle.

Every Monday there’s a Rough Trade pop quiz held in the main bar. Upstairs is where the music takes precedence over everything else. The management are obviously passionate about music and everyone who works there talks about it with enthusiasm and a glint in their eye. They have different nights on offer with Friday playing host to their main night - White Light Club. The bar has lots of eager music types keen to host their own nights, and each evening offers something different within the alternative music scene. Those in the know will also be treated to secret gigs and guest DJs.

The Drink
An American whiskey bar indicates that whiskey takes priority here, and one look at the vast list only confirms this. There are rare bottles, small batches and aged whiskeys, and there are also the standard bourbons including the bourbon snob's nemesis, Jack Daniels. A small whiskey on the rocks will set you back about £3.50 for a middle of the range name.

There are also bottled American beers like Anchor Steam and Goose Island, which aren’t watered down, sub-average American beers – they are delicious, different and wholeheartedly recommended. A bottle will leave you about £4 poorer. Mainstream draught beers are available, as is wine – the prices are reasonable but when you’re here there seems little point in sticking to what you know. This is the place to try something different.

The Last Word
The Lexington is exciting, quirky and offers a pleasant hybrid of America and London. Edgy and unapologetic yet welcoming, this place is perfect for trying something different.

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