Top N1 boozers

The Island Queen a haven for adventurers.

12 April 2012

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.

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