Islington Arts Club, N1

Notes this venue had swapped to the intriguingly named Islington Arts Club so thought I would revisit in its new guise. First thing you notice is how austere the interior is. Retained the wall panelling but now all painted white with some dim wall lights. The bar lights are pretty dim also and it felt pretty dark inside even on a bright evening. The dark wood furniture adds to the gloom inside, literally nothing on any of the tables to punctuate the blandness of the decor. Indeed only feature is the fire grate on the wall at the far point from the door with a simple mirror on the wall above. Appears to have a screen in front of said wall presumably pulled down for live sport, or given the name, maybe a live screening of a NT or Globe production. The two hand pumps appear non functional and so just a half a dozen or so taps Kicking out fairly standard pub offering. I plumped for a pint of Guinness as it felt appropriate on a chilly evening.

Official site of Islington Arts Club - www.islingtonartsclub.co.uk

Official site of Islington Arts Club - www.islingtonartsclub.co.uk

Corner pub decked out in dark panelling, giving a laid-back feel, added to by the jazzy background music, although the limited furnishings and prominent fire doors do not add much. The small bar at the back has a few craft taps and a couple of handpumps, usually alternating between Hog's Back TEA and Sambrook's Pumphouse Pale. Boxed cider available also. At the front is a small stage, occasionally used for live music. It might have a bit of atmosphere when busy, but was rather lacking at a quiet lunchtime.