King's Head, N1

This is another institution on Upper Street and as Roger well describes below this is a pub with a theatre bolted on behind. Fortunately with the theatre saved from closure by many famous thespians including the ones listed below, the pub remains largely unchanged and has resisted the urge to regenerate as this area of Islington has become gentrified. Cannot really add to Rogers description except to add that the Kings Head is very popular late on due to the live music and late licence (usual to 1.00AM) and the old pre-decimal till is still there in view. The beers on during my visit last week were Abbots, Adnams, Youngs Ordinary and TT Landlord, and the Landlord was a very nice pint.

Not to be confused with the Kings Head in nearby Essex Road, there has been a Kings Head here since the mid 16th century although the current Victorian pub's main claim to fame came in 1970 when it opened Britain's first Pub Theatre in a small room to the rear. Today the Theatre's Patrons and Presidents make an impressive role call; Joana Lumley, Tom Stoppard, Maureen Lipman and Victoria Wood to name just a few. Whether any of them can be seen regularly knocking back the Guinness's on a Saturday night is debatable but as far as the pub side of things go, it is quite a bustling, lively and interesting little joint. Furnishings appear quite Spartan and with its dark polished bare floor it comes across s a bit dim and dingy but there are many interesting features such as the marble fireplace (with laden coal scuttles ready and waiting), double bay window frontage and working gas lights. As one would expect, there is a strong Theatre theme to the pub with walls plastered with thespian pictures (many of whom have appeared in the pub), old theatre seats running down each side, posters and selection of stage lights hanging from the high ceiling. Note also the old photo from the 1900's taken inside the pub of the (presumably) land lord and wife. At the rear to ne side is a dart board and in one corner, a small stage where live bands play at weekends. Things can be noisy and music at high volume when the DJ's are at full pelt so it isn't a place for a quiet evening out. The beers are a bit pricey but it is worth paying the extra just to soak up the ambience of the place. 4 Ales available on my recent visit; Youngs, Adnams, Abbott and 6X. One useless fact about the place is that a previous owner was against the introduction of decimal currency and the prices were all shown in shillings and pence until the early ‘90's. The pub won't appeal to everyone (how many do?) but it is certainly an interesting and historic part of London's pub circuit and for that alone, worth paying a visit.

This is another popular pub on Upper Street that had a good atmosphere during my week night visit. During my visit there was a selection of premium lagers alongside adnams, abbot and Youngs Ordinary. I found the staff to be nice enough and there was a young student type crowd. I would go back here again.