Bustling with plenty of chic bars and fine dining haunts, North London has no shortage of stylish hangouts. From the ever vibrant social scene in Camden to Islington’s lively Upper Street, you’ll always find something going on when living in North London.
So, we’ve wandered around the north of the capital to find the very best places to eat, drink and play for those living in North London. All suitable whether you’re looking for your next cocktail bar or brunch date.
69 Colebrooke Road
69 Colebrooke Road, otherwise known as ‘The Bar with No Name’, evokes the mystery and intrigue of American speakeasies from the 1920s. Oozing exclusivity yet a neighbourhood-minded spirit, the bar is the ideal spot for a date or special occasion for those living in North London. It's nestled just off of Islington’s Upper Street, so easy to get to.
The cocktail menu has been cleverly crafted by the bar’s master mixologist, Tony Conigliaro. So you can always expect something with a little extra pizzazz. If you want to try your hand at cocktail-making, the bar hosts regular masterclasses throughout the year, depending on what your drink of choice is — from gin to champagne to tequila.
Find at 69 Colebrooke Row, London N1 8AA | Follow @69colebrookerow
Hoxley & Porter
Cocktail lounge and restaurant Hoxley & Porter in Islington offers just the right atmosphere, whether you’re visiting for evening cocktails, weekend brunch, or Sunday dinner. The menu boasts modern British cuisine. The chefs pay a particularly close attention to detail when it comes to the presentation, so your taste buds (and eyes) can expect to be treated to a fine dining experience.
Inside, the décor is reminiscent of an exotic Victorian parlour, with its mix of opulent velveteen armchairs, gold leaf furnishings and leafy foliage. The drinks menu perfectly matches the interiors, with the bar’s expert mixologists creating a delectable selection of all of your favourite cocktails.
Find at 153 Upper Street, London N1 1RA | Follow @hoxley_and_porter
Salut!
Tantalise your taste buds at European fine dining restaurant, Salut!. With a regularly rotating menu, the chefs are unafraid of experimenting, interspersing classic dishes like beef tartare and duck breast, with the more acquired fish eggs and wood pigeon. It’s worth indulging your sweet tooth too; the restaurant’s menu of desserts is unmissable.
Located in between Canonbury and Dalston, the restaurant is a hidden gem of the area. The sleek vintage interiors and brasserie style tables beautifully complement the restaurant’s rustic, Parisian air.
Find at 412 Essex Road, London N1 3PJ | Follow @salut.restaurant
Radici
Inspired by the tastes of Southern Italy, Radici serves an abundance of pasta, pizza and salad dishes. You’ll be spoilt for choice with their selection, whether you favour a rustic stonebaked pizza or creamy tagliatelle. The waiters are also available to help you choose the optimum wine for your dish from the extensive wine list.
If you consider yourself something of a chef-in-the-making, sign up to one of the restaurant’s masterclasses and perfect your Italian cooking skills whilst you're living in North London, mastering homemade pasta, pizza and tiramisu.
Find at 30 Almeida Street, London N1 1AD | Follow @radici_n1
Look mum no hands!
You don’t have to be a cyclist to head to Look mum no hands! on Old Street. The café became one of the first cycle cafés, but it’s now much more than that. You can enjoy a delicious selection of coffees, brunch food and local craft beers, whether you turn up on a bike or not.
All of their coffee has been supplied by independent roasteries. Furthermore, their beer menu is a mix of UK breweries and classic German craft beers. The café radiates creativity, playing host to a number of events throughout the year, from pub quizzes and DJ nights, to cycling workshops and race screenings.
Find at 49 Old Street, London EC1V 9HX | Follow @1ookmumnohands
The Gate
Vegetarian and vegan restaurant, The Gate, has become highly acclaimed for its plant-based menu, delighting even those without a meat-free diet. The restaurant’s first venue in Islington is still it’s best and busiest since opening back in 1989.
Choose from their à la carte, weekday lunch, brunch, and Sunday roast menus for delicious dishes around the clock. Expect an eclectic array of flavours, from their root vegetable rotolo to wild mushroom risotto, Bailey’s cheesecake to prune and apple crumble; all proving that plant-based cooking doesn’t lack substance. For a special occasion or date night, try their Secret Vegan Supperclub 5-course menu, complete with vegan wines.
Find at 370 St. John Street, Clerkenwell, London EC1V 4NN | Follow @gaterestaurant
Living in North London
North London offers an undeniably stylish assortment of restaurants and bars, whichever area you choose to live in. You can be right in the heart of North London living in Vantage Point, with Islington’s trendy social scene right around the corner. Have we missed your favourite brunch or dinner spot in North London? Tweet us @EssLiving.
