Where to go for a post-work drink in Islington? Our faves

By abi_silvester | Friday, March 12, 2010, 17:43

It's Friday evening, and almost time to shut down the PC for another week and head out for a relaxing drink with friends. For those who live and work in Islington, the main problem is not finding a suitable venue - there are hundreds to choose from - but knowing which one to choose! Read on for our favourites...

Hen & Chickens Theatre Bar

Keston Lodge, 131 Upper Street.

A trip to the Keston, with its low lighting and resient DJ spinning laid-back tunes, will soon ease you into weekend mode. The bar's retro, shabby-chic interior makes for a welcome change for anyone who's been stuck in an office all week, and there are some cool cocktails to choose from. Despite its central location, it tends not to get too busy - but your best bet is to knock off early and reserve a table.

The Regent, 201 Liverpool Road

For those who like to give the working week a smart, upmarket sendoff, you could do no better than this large gastro pub off Islington's beaten track. While much of the main bar is reserved for diners, staff are accommodating with seating, and there's plenty of room for drinkers at the back. If your post-work drinks continue into dinner time, you might want to tempt your colleagues to one of the pub's renowned pizzas, cooked in their wood-burning oven. Om nom nom...

The Hen & Chickens, 109 St Paul’s Rd (pictured)

You can't beat the Hen & Chicks for a relaxed evening out. Even if you're dropping in on spec without plans to see any frinage theatre or comedy, the atmosphere here is always buzzing and friendly. There's a good selection of wines, beers and ciders, a quiz machine to test your workmates' extra curricular knowledge, and always the chance of rubbing shoulders with comedy talent...

The Camden Head, 2 Camden Walk

Some will accuse Islington of being a little on the pretentious side when it comes to dining and drinking (never!) but there are exceptions to the rule, and the Camden Head is one of them. Down-to-earth and old-fashioned, it's a good place to catch up with friends and colleagues without the distraction of thumping music or crowds. Visit in summer to take advantage of the pub's large beer garden, overlooking the pretty streets around Camden Passage

The Angelic, 57 Liverpool Road

Perhaps one of those 'pretentious' places that come in for the occasional bit of ribbing from non-Islingtonians, the Angelic is a charming and spacious gastro-pub near Angel Tube. The wine is particularly good here, as is the food. Venture upstairs for the most comfortable seating.

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Comments

George: Didn't want to include too many places that were too similar, and the Hen & Chickens is another theatre bar. Kings Head also strikes me as more of a late night place (it does tend to stay open later) so perhaps more of a post-post-work drinks venue! It is fantastic, I agree...

By abi_silvester at 11:14 on 15/03/10
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Why no mention of the King's Head? It's an Islington icon and one of the oldest pubs. Anywhere. People were getting into trouble here when the Americas were nothing but buffaloes. Actually, come to think of it, I haven't been in there for while, and therein lies a story. But maybe not for now...

By GeorgeHA at 15:41 on 14/03/10
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Even a stopped clock, etc! :)

By abi_silvester at 12:03 on 13/03/10
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I've always loved the Camden Head, not just for being down a rather beautiful alley nor for serving a good pint (though both are trur) but mainly because it used to have a broken clock above the bar set at 13:40. When I first worked in Islington this caught me and my colleagues unawares many times as we looked up at the clock, decided we could probably manage a second pint and then discovered it had gone two. Perhaps it's still there. I hope so.

By Seamus_McC at 10:44 on 13/03/10
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