- Join for free
- Sign In
Helpfulness
To my eternal shame, I'm not actually much of a thatre-goer, although I do like a good pub. There is quite a tradition in London of having theatres above large old public houses, and this is one such place. It is the Old Red Lion theatre pub in Islington. Actually, Islington is well-served for this kind of thing as I know at least three such establishments in the area.
As you can see from the photo, the building was rebuilt in 1899 on the site of a much older establishment, and I think it looks rather grand.
The downstairs is a proper old-fashioned Victorian "gin palace" with lots of atmosphere, although it can get crowded at pre-theatre drinks time and during the interval.
The decor is a bit battered but I think it just adds to the charm of the place, and you meet a right assortment of people in here. In the past, habitues have included Charles Dickens and Lenin, would you believe.
Updated Apr 4, 2011
Address: 418 St John Street, London EC1V 4NJ
Phone: 00 44 (0) 207 837 7816
Helpfulness
On my regular rambles round Islington, this is another place I like to pop into for a pint or two. I find it less pretentious than some of the other pubs further down Upper Street. Although it looks narrow from the front, it extends back for a huge distance, and is furnished with very comfortable chairs and sofas. Service is good and friendly and the locals seem more "local" than most of the other watering holes hereabouts.
Written Sep 3, 2006
Address: 153, Upper St, London, N1 1RA
Phone: 00 44 (0)207 226 0808
Helpfulness
This is another example of an Islington theatre pub (see also my tip on the Old Red Lion) and to be honest I could probably just cut and paste the other revue, as it is so similar. Like the nearby old Red Lion, it is a lovely old (19th century) building, which serves as a rather scruffy (in an appealing way) pub downstairs, and upstairs houses a 115 seater theatre. Again like the Old Red Lion, I've never actually been to a production here (memo to self - go to the theatre more!) but I really must.
The attached website is for the theatre rather than the pub, although the telephone number is for the pub.
When VT member Bilimari visited London recently I took her here for a drink and she loved it.
Written Sep 2, 2006
Address: 115, Upper St, London, N1 1QN
Phone: 00 44 (0)20 7226 0364
Website: http://www.kingsheadtheatre.org/
Written Oct 18, 2008
1 - 4 of 4
Reviews and photos of Highbury attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Highbury sightseeing.
This is another example of an Islington theatre pub (see also my tip on the Old Red Lion) and to be honest I could probably just cut and paste the other revue,...
1 member lives in Highbury
Our members can help!
1
OK, let me explain what the title means, in case you were wondering. London is divided into 32 Boroughs (effectively administrative areas) and one of these is the London Borough of Islington. Although...
2
Now sadly Highbury has been redevloped into luxurious apartments,but Arsenal have moved half a mile in to a magnificent new 60,000 all seater new stadium. Its a wonderful arena in which to be...
3
....Change here for the North London line
I mean, why Highbury and not neighbouring Holloway or Islington. I mean, Angel Islington is famous. It's on the Monopoly board. More to the point, it has a sense of being a place, a focus. Highbury...
Build your own Highbury page
