clubs, islington, london, music, nightlife

Things to do in North East London when you’re dead – Islington

Everyone knows Angel is haemorrhaging with bars and restaurants but my tip is to ignore the chainy glare of Upper Street and take a stroll down Essex Road, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Old Queens Head – this place has been going from strength to strength over the last couple of years and is a major player in the local scene, attracting auteur acts from across the musical spectrum to its unfeasibly small upstairs room.

The New Rose – officially my first local in London, hence I will always have a soft spot for this perennially packed boozer with perks. The food is good, the jukebox is not bad (although not as good as the jukebox at the Enterprise in Camden) and it attracts a fair amount of hotness for those sifting the market like a frugal East End granny.

Le Mercury – bustling French restaurant with the winning combo of ambience and affordability.

Salmon & Compass – dive in here at the bottom end of Chapel Market for booging and mayhem.

If I was making a perfect Angel-based cocktail the ingredients would be:

The Chairman’s winning Angelic Cocktail

1 meal in Le Mercury/S&M Café (Essex Road)
2 civilised post dinner drinks in Old Queens Head/New Rose
1 small slice of karaoke at Carling Academy (‘Feeling Gloomy’ nights only)
1 free pouring of rave at either Electrowerkz (Torrens St. behind Angel station) or Salmon & Compass at the end of Chapel Market.

The Chairman’s fucked up Angelic Cocktail

1 boozy lunch on Upper Street (the Bull perhaps?)
1 afternoon session (served on the rocks) flitting between the New Rose and Old Queens Head
1 zesty jaunt up to Upper Street (again) to the Hope & Anchor and Buffalo Bar to check out some bands
1 small shot of a journey on the 43/271 bus up to Nambucca for free-poured portion of rave
1 messy taxi to Shoreditch with undefined destination (54 Commercial Street, Turnmills/Fabric, Departure, the Gutter).

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