With more and more bars and pubs opening in Islington, the borough offers the perfect drinking social scene of north London.
There’s no better way to celebrate the end of the working day or week than by heading to a trendy bar with your coworkers. From hip and chic bars to chilled outdoor terraces and premium happy-hour cocktails, we’ve walked the streets to find the best bars in Islington for after-work drinks.
Hoxley & Porter
Hidden away on Upper Street, the Hoxley & Porter pub is inspired by colonial explorers, decked out with shadowy foliage, middle-eastern antiques and vibrant patterned wallpapers. An excellent place to meet after work, Hoxley & Porter has the right balance of nighttime elegance and laid-back pub vibe. The exuberant interiors really inject class into the venue, making it far more than just a run-of-the-mill pub.
Treat yourself to a cocktail from their exclusive menu, which was put together by a team of expert mixologists, and toast the weekend. If you fancy a bite to eat too, the dishes combine all the best of fine dining, with British classics fused with continental Europe and the Orient.
Brewhouse & Kitchen (Angel & Highbury)
Offering two separate locations – one in Highbury (by Highbury & Islington Tube station) and one just behind Angel Tube station – Brewhouse & Kitchen know a thing or two about beers. The micro-brewery has a vast collection of home-brewed beers and ales, satisfying any palette.
The faint smell of hops outside both the pubs will welcome you into the industrial, contemporary interiors with rough wood benches, exposed pipes and a view of the brewery itself. You can’t beat relaxing after a long day in the office with a pint of speciality beer in hand.
Little Bat
This new Angel cocktail bar is the latest neighbourhood hangout for afterwork drinks. From the creators behind Shoreditch’s ultra cool Callooh Callay, Little Bat offers up its own unique style. Step down the rabbit hole into Wonderland in the part-speakeasy, part-cocktail-bar.
Lounge in one of the deep leather armchairs, sip one of their sweet cocktail blends, and share some complimentary popcorn and light-bite bar snacks. The vibe is fun with a dash of sophistication, soothing you into the weekend.
Be At One Islington
The friendly, party-like atmosphere at Be At One makes it the good place to start a Friday night from work and make the most of happy hour. It’s never too early to indulge in their delightful cocktail list, which totals about 160 different drinks, including all of the favourites you’d expect to find in any decent establishment.
Serving up a soundtrack of all the latest chart-toppers and older dance tracks, this cocktail hangout will ease any stress from the past week and instantly get you in the party mood.
The Vineyard
The Vineyard, with its outdoor beer garden, is the perfect place to relax on a pleasant spring or summer’s day. Affectionately nicknamed ‘the garden of Islington’, the pub-cum-bar offers a chilled atmosphere, letting you unwind after a stressful day.
The retro interiors, exposed brick walls and vault ceiling all ooze a quaint charm, and with a craft beer in hand you’ll soon forget about the office. Drinks are pocket-friendly as are their traditional bar snacks, which are perfect for sharing with the whole table.
Do you have a favourite after-work drinks bar in Islington? Tweet us @EssLiving to share your go-to place.
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