Islington Cocktail Bars

When you think of Islington cocktail bars, a vibrant mix of hidden speakeasies, rooftop lounges, and neighborhood joints where mixologists treat drinks like art. Also known as London cocktail hotspots, these spots aren’t just about alcohol—they’re about mood, music, and meeting people who actually want to talk, not just shout over bass. Islington isn’t just another part of North London. It’s where the city’s drink scene got smarter, quieter, and way more interesting over the last decade.

You won’t find neon signs or bottle service here. Instead, you’ll find bartenders who remember your name, gin that’s infused in-house, and cocktails named after local streets or old book titles. Places like The Blind Pig, a dimly lit, bookshelf-lined bar that feels like stepping into a 1920s library with better cocktails, or The Curtain, a rooftop spot with city views and drinks that taste like summer nights, aren’t tourist traps. They’re where locals go after work, on dates, or just to escape the noise of the city below.

What makes these bars different? It’s the attention to detail. The ice is hand-chipped. The syrups are made from seasonal fruit. The music isn’t played on shuffle—it’s curated. And the staff? They’ll tell you what to order before you even ask. You don’t need a reservation at most of them, but you’ll want to show up before 8 PM if you want a seat by the window. These aren’t clubs. They’re places where time slows down. Where you can sip a smoky mezcal old-fashioned and actually hear yourself think.

And if you’re looking for something more than just a drink? Islington’s cocktail scene pairs perfectly with its food. Many of these bars have small plates—charcuterie, pickled veggies, crispy nuts—that turn a single drink into a full evening. You can start with a gin and tonic at The Angel’s Share, a quiet, candlelit gem tucked away near the canal, move to a whiskey sour at The Little Bird, a retro-chic spot with velvet booths and live jazz on weekends, and end with a late-night bite at a nearby tapas bar without ever leaving the neighborhood.

There’s no single "best" Islington cocktail bar. The magic is in the variety. One night you want something sleek and modern. The next, you want a place with mismatched chairs and a dog sleeping under the bar. That’s the point. These bars aren’t trying to impress Instagram. They’re trying to make you feel at home.

Below, you’ll find real guides from people who’ve been there—tips on where to go after a long day, how to spot a good cocktail without reading the menu, and which bars stay open past midnight when the rest of the city has shut down. Whether you’re new to London or you’ve lived here for years, these posts will help you find the next drink you’ll remember long after the ice melts.