Looking for things to do in North London? North London has many chain bars however the area still holds some independent gems. Islington is the destination of choice for young professionals. Hampstead is the hub of literary London, featuring numerous up market drinking establishments. Edgy Hoxton on the other hand is a favourite for students.

1) Slim Jims Liquor Store

About 10 minutes from Angel tube station, along Upper Street, youll find a little bit of Americana; Slim Jims Liquor Store, dimly lit by neon and candle light, strewn with American memorabilia, brick exposed walls and a juke box blasting retro rock tunes– youd think youve travelled across the Atlantic and back in time to a 50s style jukebox bar. Self styled as Masterful Purveyors of Good Times, Slim Jims has a friendly, cosy atmosphere, so thats exactly what youll experience. All the usual drink are served along with a reasonably priced selection of cocktails. The music policy is broad but predominantly rock, from AC/DC to Queens of the Stone Age, none of theUpper Street standard House music.

Location: 112 Upper Street, Islington, London, N1 1QN

For more details visit: Slim Jims Liquor Store

2) Round Midnight Jazz and Blues Bar

Just opposite Angel tube station, youll find Round Midnight, serving you the smooth sounds of jazz and blues, mainly live, with your favourite drink – nothing too fancy, all the staples are covered. But dont expect exotic cocktails or anything pretentious as you would from nearby Upper Street, this family run Islington den is much more about the music, you can tell that as soon as you step inside; guitars hung above the bar, black and white pictures of Jazz and Blues stars adorning the walls and theres something else, oh yes the stage! Round Midnighttakes its name from legendary Jazz pianist, Thelonius Monks song of the same name.

Location: 13 Liverpool Road, Islington, London, N1 0RW

For more details visit: Round Midnight Bar

3) Anam

Walking through Chapel Market, near Angel, you are presented Anam, a strange name you might think but Anammeans life and Soul in Gaelic. And thats exactly what youll find, not just homage to North Londons Irish heritage. As most bars in Islington stick to the same homogenised, tired trendy formula, its nice to stumble upon a bar with such soul and passion. Set over two floors, the decor in Anam is retro-tastic; laid back reds, dark wood, curvy lines and mellow lighting. Theres even a fish tank in toilets. A quality vibe is ensured, Anam plays regular host to some of Londons hottest promoters, DJs and artists as well as having their own finely tuned in house music policy.

Location: 3 Chapel Market, Islington, London, N1 9EZ

For more details visit: Anam

4) Albert and Pearl

Situated on Islingtons trendy Upper Street, the Albert and Pearl is a traditional boozer come trendy cocktail bar. The decor is decadent neo-classical; beautiful painted walls, portraits, big comfy leather sofas and an inviting log fire downstairs. Not what youd expect from Upper Street at all. The Albert and Pearl spans two floors, the bar area downstairs and the upstairs room which plays host to a superb range of events and entertainment including DJs and bands. Music styles vary wildling from Classics, Funk, Soul, Hip Hop, House, Rock and Indie. You can expect the very best, in terms of drinks from, the Albert and Pearl, cocktails are made from their homemade juices and sprits are carefully selected for quality.

Location: 181 Upper St, London, N1 1RQ

For more details visit: Albert and Pearl

5) Electricity Showrooms

North Londons Hoxton is stones throw away from Shoreditch often being included in related listings; However we have included Electricity Showrooms in the North London list as it is only a short walk from Old Street and bearing the N1 postcode, is in The Borough of Islington. Set in an old electricity showroom this bar sits on the entrance to Hoxton Square. Decor is Edwardian splendour set over 2 rooms; the bar dinner and the downstairs dancing room. Check out the huge revolving doors at the entrance; they confuse many people, once the alcohol has been flowing. No surprises, Electricity Showrooms attracts trendy 20 somethings looking to drink and smooze, be seen, look cool and to dance, hence the atmosphere is buzzing. Music is a unique mix of 50s rockabilly and electro. There are no fancy cocktails here but thats not the point. Overall, definitely worth investigating one Friday/Saturday evening.

Location: 39 Hoxton Sq London, N1 6NN

For more details visit: Electricity Showrooms

6) The Big Chill House

Housed in a grade II listed building on Pentonville Road, 5 minutes from Kings Cross St Pancras station, The Big Chill House is where you can go to celebrate the Big Chill Festival Spirit without having to be in a field, all year round. As the name suggests, the atmosphere is vey laid back as with its smaller sister, The Big Chill Bar – there are comfortable nooks and crannies, for literally chilling, dotted about the labyrinthine venue. And if you venture up stairs to the roof terrace you will not be disappointed with the views of North London. Musically, expect the usual from the Big Chill franchise, Hip Hop, Funk, Breaks, Disco and House along with live performance and AV. The best thing about Big Chill House is entry is free.

Location: 257-259 Pentonville Road, Kings Cross, London, N1 9NL

For more details visit: The Big Chill

7) The Boogaloo

Whilst not strictly a bar, Archway Road hotspot, The Boogaloo is certainly a choice destination for a lively night out. Just a 1 minutes walk down Archway Road from Highbury and Islington tube station, The Boogaloo is a welcoming place; the staff are friendly and helpful and theres loads of comfortable sofas to lounge on, although it is true to say the decor is aged. But thats not what this North London watering station is all about; no, its the music. The centre piece of The Boogaloo is the huge old-fashioned juke box, and from which plays albums from all genres and are at least 10 years old, to prove they are true classics. And thats a policy strictly enforced. Also the juke box includes celebrity playlists; each month a new music personality selects their ten favourite albums. Past contributors include, Shane MacGowan, Robert Plant and Nick Cave. The Boogaloo is favourite a haunt of indie band members, expect to meet a few celebrities, and as such there is a new playlist by the music elite. As youd expect theres a great range of live music on offer from jazz, rockabilly and punk. Also theres regular quiz nights, but be warned they aint easy. Overall, if you love alternative music, youll have a wild night at The Boogaloo.

Location: 312 Archway Road, London, N6 5AT

For more details visit: The Boogaloo

8) The Oak Bar

If youre looking for something a bit more lively, look no further than Stoke Newingtons dance crazy gay bar, The Oak Bar. Get off the overground at Cannonbury or, if you find yourselves out in Islington, and want to stay out later, its only a 20 minute bus ride from Angel. Ok, so its pretty standard place; the decor is standard, the drinks are standard– but the atmosphere is amazing. The Oak Bar is where the well dressed and the well heeled come here to dance the night away; the bar is a large room with most of the tables taken out so theres room for dancing. Music is varied but great anytime. Theres even club nights and live music. In terms of drinks, a great selection premium lagers and cocktails are available.

Location: 79 Green Lanes, Newington Green, London, N16 9BU

For more details visit: The Oak Bar

9) The Hideaway

Just 5 minutes walk from either Archway or Tufnell Park tube stations youll find The Hideaway proffering an eclectic mix of ear candy; electro, indie, funk, northern soul, rock and roll, breaks and everything in between. Theres live music, comedy, theatre and even magic in the basement most weeknights. The Hideaway is the epitome of a pint sized London venue and is well known for their jazz nights and outstanding pizza.

Location: 114 Junction Road, London, NI9 51B

For more details visit: The Hideaway

10) Viva Viva

Located on Hornsey High Street, Viva Viva is the place to drink great cocktails and check out some of best world music London has to offer. On entering, you are met with pictures of Elvis and Marilyn Monroe intimately lit by candles and fairly lights. As far as the drinks are concerned, you can expect to choose from 12 delicious cocktails at this Crouch End establishment. Also available is a small range of red wines as well as sprits, lagers and ciders. Musically, Viva Viva showcases a fantastic array of world class world music artists, theres something on every night and, as the bar opens late, when the bands finish their sets, theres always a DJ on hand. To get there just hop off the tube at Turnpike Lane, its a 15 minute walk up Turnpike Lane / Hornsey High Street. Alternatively, take the overground to Hornsey.

Location: Crouch End, London, N8 7PB

For more details visit: Viva Viva