Top N1 boozers
The Island Queen a haven for adventurers.
Drinking Guide: Whether an afternoon cocktail tickles your taste buds or you prefer a pint of real ale you'd be hard pushed to find a better mix of watering holes than in Islington. A fine selection of uber-trendy wine bars sit side-by-side with down-to-earth pubs. Here's our selection of the best...
The Island Queen
87 Noel Road, N1. Tel: 020 7704 7631
The Island Queen is a haven for adventurous Islington drinkers not too afraid to journey away from Upper Street. Sail away from the crowds and moor up in this pleasant pub for a quiet afternoon pint of real ale or fruit beer, feast on the surprisingly exotic menu, and relax in trendy gastropub surroundings without the Upper Street prices.
- The Jay Cubed 73 White Lion Street, N1. Tel: 020 7837 1892Laid-back young Islingtonians come to The Jay Cubed for reasonably priced drinks, friendly staff and DJs playing funky tunes. Not to mention the late licence and free entrance till 1 on weekends - what more can you ask for - a pool table? They have one of those too!
- Keston Lodge 131 Upper Street, N1. Tel: 020 7354 9535 Get in there early because this trendy Upper Street bar, decked out with retro wood for late night shimmying and surrounding by comfy sofas for a chilled out Sunday afternoon drink, is extremely popular. Not only does it provide a superb selection of vodka, wines and cocktails, but this is definitely one of the the places to be seen in N1.
- The Nag's Head 12 Upper Steet, N1. Tel: 020 7226 3756If mojitos and cosmopolitans don't tingle your taste buds, this proper 'old man's pub' situated conveniently close to Angel station is the ideal place to sup a pint of beer while you relax with the newspaper. But be warned, seats can be like gold dust at peak times as it's often chocca.
- Bierodrome 173-174 Upper Street, N1. Tel: 020 7226 5835 If you know your Staropramen from your Leffe the Begian chain of Bierodrome bars, as the name suggests, is a good bet for a finest bottle of continental beer. A popular choice with discernable drinkers, the revamped bar may look like it's been decked out by Ikea, but it's a fine venue for an early evening drink before embarking on a meander down the drinker's paradise also known as Upper Street.
- 25 Canonbury Lane25 Canonbury Lane, N1. Tel: 020 7226 0955This cosy and compact bar is a treat for cocktail lovers and a favourite with clued-up locals. Tom Cruise himself could learn a trick or two from the staff who's middle names must be 'shaken not stirred' and there is hardly a mixed drink challenge they cannot rise to! The bar snacks are also a good buy and should not be missed.
