The Old Queens Head in Angel & Islington, London

Fluid Eating's Review of The Old Queens Head

Dave’s mobile disco will be waiting a long time before he gets a booking here. The elite picked to play at The Old Queen’s Head in recent times include: Vampire Weekend, Noah and the Whale and The Kooks.

N1, fashionable bands, cover-charge post 8pm – of course you’re going to get a gaggle (correct collective noun?) of hipsters. Anyone outraged by being confronted by this crowd should save their money and stay away as the skinny jeaned have quite clearly marked their territory here.

There’s a friendly feel considering it’s on the cutting edge of cool. The décor is eclectic and warm, it’s more hunting lodge than minimalist art lounge. Stuffed animals, chandeliers, old fireplaces and candles make things cosy and the over keen glass collectors – hold on tightly to drinks – and chatty bar staff add a familiar touch. The angst ridden bouncers here are not quite as keen to give you a big cuddly wuddly welcome, but then again, it might actually be more worrying if they did.

The music acts may be varied but the menu isn’t quite as diverse. The lack of choice is compensated for with the size of the portions, and the meals are all of a hearty, homely disposition. Much recommended are the immense American style burgers and homemade macaroni cheese. There are some quality wines and a decent choice of cocktails too. Those seeking real ale, a variety of beer and daringly different cuisine will be disappointed- but maybe they got the wrong end of the stick after seeing Bombay Bicycle Club advertised on the window?

Upstairs is popular and quickly gets packed, not surprising for such an intimate venue which has played host to The Kooks, Jack Penate and Micacu and the Shapes over the last few months. From Monday to Sunday there always seems to be something to make a night of here, whether it's techno DJ, pub quiz, or secret live stand up from legends such as Steve Merchant.

A great venue for anyone looking for something a little bit different to accompany their alcohol. The Old Queen’s Head is the perfect place to follow London’s up-and-coming acts as well as enjoying the a few safely established bands; bad news for Dave’s mobile disco, good news for us.

Reviewed by Deborah James.

DESCRITPION: The Old Queens Head is a Bar in Islington & a North London pub. Party Venue in Islington with function rooms & Private Hire bar in Islington. (Updated 08/11/2010)

The Old Queens Head Food & Drink Menus

Listed below are few sample food and drinks items available at The Old Queens Head. These lists are not enhaustive, but are instead designed to give you an overview of the venue's offerings and assciated prices.

The Old Queens Head Food menu

Item	Price
8oz rib eye steak with homemade wedges and green salad	£11.50
Edamame beans with soy and lemon dressing	£2.80

The Old Queens Head Drink menu

Item	Description	Price

The Old Queens Head Map

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“I absolutely love this place. The food isn't bad and there's a fairly decent, if a little bit pricey, range of drinks, and the downstairs part is full of good looking chaps and lasses. But the main reason we came here was the upstairs section where they have all kinds of performances. We went last night to a Music Hall Variety style show that had all kids of musicians, magicians, dancers and perfromers. We had such a great time for only a fiver!! I'm definitely going back. They have some famous indie bands doing DJ sets there too. Top!” Rating: — Leigh, Tooting (12 Feb 2010)

“Went here on a Friday after work to meet friends, was surprised that it wasn't rammed that time of week and had the bonus of being able to get a table and seats quite easily. It's got those beer pumps here that have the beer names etched in the handles so it is tricky to work out what they have but in the end it was okay and the John Smiths was fine. We got some food which took a while to emerge from the kitchen but was worth the wait as the burger was well big and the chips were huge. weird that they started charging 4 quid so early at 8pm to get in here but that did stop it getting too packed. Beer garden shut at 1030 which wasn't great and you can't drink outside the front from 10pm but all in all it was an okay night. Didn't hang around for the indie diso upstairs but it seemed pretty popular.” Rating: — Dean Williamson, Croydon (27 Oct 2009)

“I think the review above is a little dated. The Old Queens Head has had a kinda gothic refit and there are now DJ's & Live music upstairs. A nice little local in Angel. I like.” Rating: — Emma, London (21 Aug 2007)

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