Best Bars in Islington: Where London’s Party Girls Go After Dark

When it comes to best bars in Islington, a mix of historic pubs, underground cocktail spots, and music-filled lounges that draw locals, not just tourists. Also known as Islington nightlife hotspots, these places aren’t just about drinks—they’re where friendships spark, stories get told, and nights turn into memories. This isn’t the West End. This isn’t Soho. This is where people who actually live in London go when they want to skip the crowds and find something real.

Think of Islington nightlife, a scene built on character, not chain branding. Also known as local pub culture, it’s the kind of place where the bartender remembers your name, the playlist shifts from jazz to house without warning, and you might end up dancing on a stool at 2 a.m. because someone dropped a banger and no one cared about the rules. You’ll find London bars, from tiny wine cellars to loud, glittery karaoke dens. Also known as hidden drinking spots, they’re the reason people say Islington has more soul than any other part of the city. These aren’t tourist traps. These are the places where party girls London, women who know how to have a good time without trying too hard. Also known as real London night owls, gather after work, before clubbing, or just because the weather’s nice and the gin’s cold. They come for the vibe, not the sign. For the laughter, not the logo.

What makes Islington different? It’s the mix. One minute you’re sipping a negroni in a dimly lit room with vinyl spinning, the next you’re shouting lyrics in a basement karaoke bar with strangers who become friends by the third round. You’ll find best bars in Islington that serve craft beer from local breweries, cocktails made with house-infused spirits, and whiskey neat with zero pretense. You’ll find places open past 2 a.m. because they know people aren’t done yet. You’ll find walls covered in graffiti, not menus with 50 options. And you’ll find women—groups of them, solo, laughing loud, ordering one more round—because this is where the night doesn’t end when the club closes, it just changes rooms.

What you’ll find below isn’t a list of the most Instagrammed spots. It’s a collection of real experiences—where the drinks are good, the music is loud, and the energy is unmistakable. Whether you’re planning your next girls’ night, looking for a pre-club drink, or just want to know where the locals go after work, these posts have you covered. No fluff. No fake hype. Just the bars that actually matter.