Island Queen, 87 Noel Road, Islington, N1 8HD. Tel: 020 7354 8741

Sometimes the best things are right under your nose or rather a short walk from the tube and a couple of right turns. When mentioning The Island Queen we’re greeted with either an over whelming pub-gushing or a complete blank face. For those who haven’t visited, there’s a treat in store. Nestled on a residential street, not far from Angel tube and just up from the Islington tunnel canal turn off, The Island Queen is here to serve her country.

This local boozer, run by Antonia and her dedicated staff, is oozing an old empire, cosy shipwrecked style. The high ceiling, glass frontage and beautiful large wall mirrors, hand painted with tropical foliage scenes, create a welcoming and eclectic atmosphere with an old gin palace feel. Add to that the bookshelves, bird cages, open fire and statue of the queen herself – this establishment is doing its unique pub name status proud.

They’ve recently relaunched their food menu, with a focus on seasonal fresh ingredients, (we can confirm the homemade burger is a treat) with plenty of options for meat eaters and veggies alike. There’s a range of beers and ales with gusto including Sierra Nevada, Fruli, Leffe, Doom Bar and a huge wine list that steers their Monday night Wine Club event (quiz on Tuesdays if you fancy stretching the grey matter). They have a little something for everyone, with a room upstairs for hire and outside drinking for warmer times, however the mulled wine maybe a better option during these nippy months.

A pub brimming with this much character you’ll be expected to share your drinking space with a mix of locals, destinational East Londoners and post-work drinkers during the week, with larger crowds at weekends – all looking for a decent drink with a hearty atmosphere. If you want an Islington boozer at its best, head down The Island Queen, after all it’s only a short walk and couple of right turns.

By Caroline Maddison

King’s Head Theatre, 115 Upper Street, Islington, N1 1QN. Tel: 0207 478 0160

The festive season is upon us and London is our oyster (card) to explore and find places of merriment to celebrate this fine season. But with the stress of present buying looming like a spectre from ‘A Christmas Carol’, most of us get as far as our local pub in search of cheer.

Next time you do make that journey though, go a little less local (unless you are local to Islington)and via Upper Street to the King’s Head. The quirky interior of photo covered walls and inviting easy chairs by the fire should be enough to tempt but it is what lurks in the back room that will keep you coming back.  For as you step through the discreet black doors like a trip to Narnia minus the White Witch, an intimate theatre space unfolds in front of you.  The doors close and the small assembled crowd takes it seat; emerging smiling and, let’s be fair, a little smug at their shared discovery.

On a site that’s history as a pub dates back to the 1500s, even mentioned within the pages of Samuel Pepys’ diaries, the space has previously been everything from a boxing ring to a pool hall and the photos show many a famous face has graced its stage. However, just because its presence is hidden to the casual passer by shouldn’t mean it remains so, after recently being rebranded as London’s Little Opera House, the theatre currently presents classic opera with new interpretations that have been known to spill out even into the pub itself. We went to see La Boheme, and it was bloody brilliant.

For a full bodied bottle of culture with a chaser of history, look no further.  Rumour has it that King Henry VIII, a chap who had a certain reputation for his high standards, used to pop in on the way to visiting his mistress. So please don’t take just our word for it, this one has the royal stamp of approval.

By Tanith Heap.

The Four Sisters Bar, 25 Canonbury Lane, Islington, N1 2AS. Tel: +44 207 226 0955

What do bread and burlesque have in common? Not something you’ve probably considered recently, but The Four Sisters has the answer. Restored to its former pub glory (along with its original name), the previous incarnation as 25 Canonbury Lane cocktail bar is no more. Owned by the people behind the Euphorium Bakery across the road, The Four Sisters brings a hint of boudoir to the top of Upper Street. Which is all very well since they have only gone and flipping launched a monthly burlesque night (every first Thursday of the month since you asked so nicely) ‘Canonbury Cabaret’ looks set to be one of the bar’s highlights if the launch party’s activities are anything to go by (take a peek at the photos on Facebook)

But don’t worry if ladies swinging on hoops above the bar ain’t your bag, the petite pub packs a lot in, its new interior of dark wood panelling reminiscent of good ol’ boozers along with a hint of luxe in its burgundy toned flock wallpaper and heavy framed mirrors – all set off with subtle candle light – means it’s not lacking in charisma.

With a good range of wines, the best of the classic cocktail list and a back bar snug area, you’ll not only get a friendly welcome, but this small pub comes with a big heart;  at the end of the month ‘Skint Sundays’ offers up free roasts to the first-come first-served with live rat-pack tunes as well as complimentary bacon baps on Arsenal home games. Add to that a monthly hip hop night, their recent Halloween smash and a local loyalty card in the pipeline, The Four Sisters are welcoming you into their family with open arms.

By Caroline Maddison

Platform Bar, Netil House, 2nd Floor, Netil House, 1-7 Westgate Street, London Fields, E8 3RL. Tel: 02030959713

Platform Bar – Netil House (illustration by Jack Noel)

You know, we don’t think winter gets anywhere near enough credit. Sure, the boombastic headiness of summer is easy to love, all expansive and pagan with beer swilling and arms aloft in fields. But when the parties are over and the leaves litter the ground like empty Magners cans, the whole shebang gives way to something closer and more intimate. What finer pleasure than holing up from the cold with your nearest and dearest and mulling away the hours without the relentless pleasure to get out there and “make the most of the weather”?

Netil House from the outside is unremarkable; only a few splashes of colour adorning the walls hint at the activity taking place inside. In fact the building is home to over 90 studios where tattoo artists, designers, musicians, tinkers, tailors, solderers and spies (possibly) work under one roof like a big, talented family. It also houses event spaces, a Saturday market, a roof terrace and the jewel in the crown, the Platform Bar.

The entrance to the bar is tucked away down the alley by the railway bridge. Being invited down a dark alley usually signals impending arrival of something amazing or terrible. Here the suspense is broken by the sight of two bouncers who guard a nondescript door and warmly usher you inside.

Once upstairs you find yourself in an long open space housing a kitchen and bar on one side and tall windows giving views of the city on the other. The furniture is the sort of ramshackle collection you might see at a student flat; a rag tag bunch of well loved sofas, kitchen tables, orphan chairs and pot plants. We drank a couple of beers and debated whether it would be better to come here during the day to wile away the hours drinking coffee and eating the croissants (apparently made with love by an ex-city big cheese who jacked it all in for the pastry game), or to visit at night and settle in with the cosy lighting, atmospheric views and occasional drama of the passing train lights.

As the bar filled up we were distracted from this by the sound of Milly Blue, who with a ukulele and a gold tooth sang whimsical songs of love and rooks before ending on a cover of Beyonce’s Sweet Dreams, built entirely from some 8 looped samples that she sang or hummed.

As the night moved on and more bands took to the stage, the bar was a happy throng of yooping and laughter and some fine bedroom dancing.There’s something about the crowd at Netil House, the palpable lack of pretension and sense of community here creates a duvet like cosiness. As the days get colder and the nights draw in we think we’ll be making full use of it…

by Dominic Jones

Cinema Museum, The Master’s House, 2 Dugard Way, SE11 4TH. Tel: 020 7840 2200.

Guided tour price: £7 per adult, £5 for children and concessions.

Think that Michael Bay is the new Steven Spielberg? Perhaps you reckon that Saw VI is the knuckle gnawing treat The Exorcist could only dream of. If the answer is yes to either of these questions then GO HOME because this place is not for you.

Hidden away in the heart of Lambeth, let’s call it Kennington, lies the Cinema Museum. Now don’t be befuddled… the Cinema Museum is no upmarket Planet Hollywood littered with movie props and replicas like a couple of gold bullions from Die Hard with a Vengeance or the adamantium claws of Wolverine. Oh no, The Cinema Museum is a place that celebrates the wonder of going to the cinema itself, the crackle of the reel, popcorn clustered around your toes, the big haired guy in front. Even the building itself has a cinematic background. Although the museum is situated in an old workhouse (The Master’s House, the administration block of the former Lambeth Workhouse, where lived and worked the Master in charge of the Workhouse and the 1,400 destitute souls who occupied the bare and minimal dormitories elsewhere on the site, divided as they were into men and women of good character and bad character), the owners will be quick in telling you that the building now holding this amazing collection for 12 years once housed a certain Charlie Chaplin – and now has a sculpture to celebrate the fact.

“Why would anyone want to go to a museum of cinemas?” the haters may say. “Seen one cinema, seen ‘em all.” Maybe this is the case…if Cineworlds and Odeons are where you go to get your weekly movie fix that is. The Cinema Museum is much more about remembering the joy that the cinema held before the multiplexes took over. Here, you can find authentic collections that encompass every aspect of what going to the cinema was like in its heyday. From old film reels to projectors, paraphernalia from all over, even the scent that was sprayed in cinemas, the Cinema Museum is all about transporting you back to a time when an evening at the cinema was a truly special occasion.

The guided tours instantly make you aware that the place is more than just a museum, it is a place that houses treasures of childhoods. It’s run by volunteers passionate about everything to do with the big screen. Every artefact in the collection has a story attached and the passion for cinema hits you the moment you walk through the door. Regular events take place including Q & As, talks and screenings so there’s always something to keep the movie buffs out there coming back for more. So for the price of a just couple of pints make sure to make yourself a regular at the Cinema Museum.

By Tom Pullen

Back Room Bar, 148B Old Park Lane, Mayfair, W1K 1QY. 020 7514 1700

Back Room Bar entered the world in April 2011, but feels like it’s been around for an age. In an area that can lend itself to the more swanky end of the spectrum, this a little pool of charm with a beating heart and a stratocaster on lead guitar.

Tucked away behind the flagship restaurant on the frankly gorgeous Old Park Lane, The Back Room is located in what was once the Hard Rock café’s souvenir shop. The only giveaway sign that it was in any way connected was the ornate ceiling with the letters ‘HRC’ interwoven throughout. Now, in its place is this new venue for pizzas, cocktails and a slice of nightly blues. Essentially, it’s one room with an attractive exotically-stocked bar, a smattering of tables and a wealth of music memorabilia. We were greeted warmly by bar tender Pedro, who started us off with a couple of well mixed whisky sours. So far so good. And not too pricey either, especially for the most expensive part of the capital. There’s also a good list of pizzas and we indulged in a couple of nicely cooked ‘Napoli’ style creations, again far cheaper than you would expect from a Mayfair establishment.

The live music takes place tucked away in a corner next to the large window looking out on to the street. The night we visited  resident house band Pacifico Blues treated us to a collection of standards and guests, with the odd dose of Van and  Dylan thrown in for good measure. A simple set-up, decent sound and experienced musicians complemented our steady stream of cocktails which were washing down the pizzas very nicely thank you. All in all the room had a laid back, friendly vibe.

But the most interesting element was in the ephemera, arbitrarily scattered around the venue. A giant door attached to a wall turned out to be an Abbey Road 1960s original, although Pedro’s claim that some of the scribbling belonged to Ringo or George left us a little sceptical, but who are we to know?  Likewise an Ivor Novello statuette behind the bar was promised to be a genuine Led Zeppelin number. There’s also enough odd little quirks to keep visitors intrigued – an old black and white TV perched on the bar was switched on and fuzzily tuned in, rather randomly, whilst miniature buddhas mingled with 1970s Top of the Pops LPS. We got  the feeling they really do love their music and the attention to detail was a pleasing touch. As for the punters, the clientele seemed to be a mixture of hardcore musos, couples and friends of the band, a very ‘London crowd’, surprisingly so for the location.

Would we go again? Absolutely. What’s not to like. It’s a great new addition to the London music scene and, better still, there’s no admission charge. Jackpot.

By Ade Berry.

Sipsmith Distillery run tours of their distillery on the first and third Wednesday of every month, priced at a mere £10. It’s the first copper distillery in London for almost 200 years; it’s good news that London, as the home of gin, is reclaiming its fine name…

If you’ve ever been to a distillery (or vineyard or winery, for that matter) and thought to yourself “very nice, but if you’ve seen one you’ve pretty much seen them all” then this place will change your mind. Set, quite literally, in West London suburbia (you definitely are going the right way, it really is just sandwiched between two regular houses) the tiny team of six people at Sipsmith, founded by friends Sam Galsworthy and Fairfax Hall, couldn’t be more passionate about what they do, and through these sessions in their garage-cum-distillery they have set about infusing (nice gin joke there) this enthusiasm into anyone who comes their way.

These guys are true artisans, and an evening spent in their company provides a fascinating insight into the history of gin and its production, as well as a bountiful amount of G&Ts, vodka and a few speciality sips thrown in for good measure. It would be rude not to. Very smooth and full of flavour, big tick.

It’s a tiny, intimate venue with the 300L copper distiller ‘Prudence’ taking pride of place alongside curious paraphernalia and shelves of what seem to be alchemists’ potions (various experimental blends, as they later told us). All these elements combine in a wonderful, friendly, slightly gin-soaked reverie that leaves you praising the hard work of these good folk and sincerely swearing to buy better spirits in future.

And if you need something to soak it all up at the end of the night, you’re only a short cab ride from The Princess Victoria in Shepherd’s Bush. Result.

By Emily Monsell.

Belle Époque run parties that transport you to yesteryear, with no flux capacitor required. We went down to their Hallowe’en special, put our reviewing goggles on, and this is what we saw.

So popular are themed evenings you can’t step out onto London nightlife without glimpsing giggling courtesans slipping through doorways or dashing gentlemen tipping their hats as they walk by. We have, as a city, been passionately engulfed by dressing up and partying the night away in times long forgotten.

However, in between all these glamour fests, Belle Époque (French for ‘Beautiful Era’ pre WW1) stood out like the glowing windmills of Moulin Rouge with the Green Fairy winking from the alleyway. Anywhere that can get me out of my battered Converse and into shiny high heels and red lipstick must be good.

Credit: Lee Pitman

From the organisers of the much hyped Blitz Patry & Prohibition, Belle Époque did not disappoint. The venue was set, perfectly suited inside The Grand Hall across Euston station. As we were welcomed in, the spacious interior, boasting a 10 metre high Art Deco ceiling, was ambiently lit giving it an intimate feel in such a beautiful event space. We were instantly impressed by the effort everyone had made for the evening. The ladies ranged from dazzling showgirls to seductive temptresses dripping with diamonds, feathers and pearls. The men slid by with their freshly pressed suits and capes gliding through the air. Add in the dark magic of Hallowe’en transforming everyone into netherworld creatures and you had an electric atmosphere with the crowd ready to get down.

The evening began with performances from burlesque actresses showcasing their skills as gorgeous gowns slid off, revealing sparkling undergarments. Standing on a centre stage they twisted and balanced receiving raucous cheers from the audience that surrounded them. A swinging jazz band kept everyone dancing while the queues for cocktails, absinthe and champagne swelled. We turned to find areal acrobats dancing above our heads, defying gravity, tumbling down their ribbons making the spectators gasp. Later on, those who were brave enough could step into a hidden room to have their photos taken professionally as a souvenir of the party.

The night wore on and makeups began to run. We stepped back out into the mild London streets, shifting time from a decadent Parisian ball to a few pigeons eating chips on the sidewalk. Back to reality. However during those blissful hours, we had an amazing time.

Keep tabs on them for upcoming events.

By Naz.