Upper Street cocktail bars: Best spots, vibes, and what to order

When you think of Upper Street cocktail bars, a lively stretch in Islington known for its mix of local pubs, hidden speakeasies, and modern bars with serious drink credentials. Also known as Islington’s drinking corridor, it’s where Londoners go when they want more than just a pint—something crafted, thoughtful, and worth remembering. This isn’t just another bar street. It’s where bartenders know your name, ingredients are sourced locally, and the cocktails aren’t just served—they’re explained.

What makes these spots different? It’s the craft cocktails, drinks built from scratch using house-made syrups, infused spirits, and seasonal produce—not pre-bottled mixers. Also known as artisanal cocktails, they’re the reason people wait 20 minutes for a table on a Friday night. You’ll find bar scene Islington, a tight-knit network of venues that share staff, suppliers, and even cocktail recipes. Also known as Islington’s drinking community, it’s where bartenders move between bars, bringing new ideas with them. One place might specialize in smoky mezcal drinks, the next in gin tonics with foraged herbs. No two bars feel the same, but they all share one rule: quality over quantity.

And it’s not just about the drink. It’s the vibe. Some spots are dimly lit with velvet booths, perfect for quiet chats. Others have open kitchens, live jazz, or rotating art shows. You can walk in at 7 p.m. and end up staying until 2 a.m., moving from one place to the next without ever feeling like you’ve left the street. That’s the magic of Upper Street. It doesn’t try to be a nightclub. It doesn’t need to. It just knows how to make a good drink, in a good space, with good people.

What you’ll find in the posts below are real, tested recommendations—not ads. From the best cocktail tasting experiences you can get without booking a class, to the one bar where the bartender remembers your favorite gin, to the hidden spot that only opens on weekends. You’ll learn when to show up, what to order, and how to avoid the tourist traps that look good on Instagram but taste like sugar water. No fluff. No hype. Just what works.