Hate clubs but love clubbing? This trendy yet beautifully decorated DJ pub in Islington could be right up your street.

The Venue
Sat on Essex Road near the Islington Green end, the Old Queens Head has a great location. It's away from hectic Upper Street but is still a comfortable stumble from Angel tube station. From the outside, it looks like a regular trendy pub with a few tables and chairs roped off to form an outdoor area. When you approach, however, you're likely to see a bouncer at the door - a giveaway that this isn't a regular pub. Walk through the door (and cough up £3-£5 if it's the weekend) and you'll enter a fabulous scene.

Bespoke chandeliers and lampshades, a huge reindeer over a fireplace, lavish ceiling decor, wooden floors, mirrors, vintage sofas, wooden tables and chairs, 16th Century fireplaces and a huge wooden bar work well to make up the pub’s aesthetic. Upstairs, you've got much of the same thing with a stage and DJ area for live music and another smaller bar. There's also a beer garden at the back of the pub.

The Atmosphere
Every night is different at the Old Queens Head. There are regular quiz nights upstairs on a Tuesday that cost £2 and a multitude of big DJ acts and bands every weekend, when it's open until about 2am. This pub is rarely not busy.

Full of people in their mid to late twenties, the Old Queens Head attracts a professional crowd who like to let their hair down at the weekend. They're as trendy as East London scenesters (albeit with a toned down style), they've got disposable cash to splash and they like to dance in a clean but cool environment.

The staff here are also friendly – even the doormen are up for a bit of banter and the bar staff are helpful. You might have to queue a while to get a drink but, once you're served, you'll get your beverage pretty quickly.

The Food
You can expect traditional pub dishes at the Old Queens Head. Starters and light bites cost £2.95-£6.95, mains are priced at £7-£12 and there are a few desserts on offer for £4.50 - it's not cheap but it does fit in with the average for the area.

The lamb koftas with mint yoghurt (£5.50) are delicious. The portion is a good size - maybe a bit too much for a starter and probably better as a light bite - and the lean meat isn’t greasy. The mint sauce really complements the meat and doesn't taste too runny or mass produced. The grilled courgettes, halloumi and tomato salsa (£5.50) is another example of a good light bite, as the dish is really big and, for one person, there's probably a bit too much cheese. The grilled courgettes have a delicate flavour and aren't overcooked or greasy and the halloumi is good quality - nicely squeaky and not too salty. The tomato salsa, whilst tasty, has a strong onion flavour and is a little dry - a runnier dip would go better with the halloumi and courgettes.

The main courses are also generously portioned. The fish and chips (£9.50) is a good traditional pick. The fish is well cooked but not overdone and it’s tender enough to melt in your mouth. The batter could be crispier though. The chips are huge potato wedges, which overpowers the fish slightly. That said, they are perfectly cooked - crispy on the outside, soft and hot in the centre. The mushy peas taste amazing and freshly mashed. The homemade tartar sauce is thick and seasoned nicely and is equally tasty. For vegetarians, the options on the menu aren't great and they could do with a few more. You can get a trusty homemade macaroni cheese (£7), although the only strong cheese flavour comes from the grilled layer on top and everything underneath tastes more like white sauce. Leeks, tomatos or even a side salad could add a bit of zing to the dish.

For dessert, there are a few traditional options. You've got chocolate brownies, Knickerbocker Glory and an apple crumble. The chocolate brownie tastes a little processed but it’s more than adequate for a pub of this kind and it comes beautifully presented with a blackberry and decorated with raspberry compote.

The Drink
The Old Queens Head is great at displaying prices, so there's no embarrassment over assessing whether you want to part with your hard-earned cash. They clearly state that house doubles are £6.50.

There are four reds, four whites, two roses and three Champagnes on offer. Wine costs from £14.50-£18.95. Champagne is priced from £8 a glass to £130 a bottle. Recommended is the Soleus Organic Merlot. This full bodied organic red is easy to drink and, while it's not cheap, it tastes significantly nicer than a lot of other wines on the menu and goes really well with most of the food they serve. The pub also offers cocktails, priced at £7.50-£8.50, and they’re well known for their legendary Bloody Marys on a Sunday. The beer selection is pretty standard but more than adequate.

The Last Word
Trendy yet traditional, this North London boozer gets clubbing in a traditional pub setting just right.

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