please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Would have liked to enter this pub on Sat evening with to friends, But the arrogant doorman goes �4 to enter. will never pay to enter a pub no matter what the location.
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I really do love this pub and come here quite a lot, as my friends love coming here - we do the quiz, visit on Friday nights.
I have seen a change in the effort the management are going to include more beer in this pub. I do enjoy a pint of ale - and even though it's not my favourite tipple I can definitely appreciate a pint when its available at the bar.
The Queens Head now serve an ale that they change regularly which never used to be available. I know they used to sell it in bottles which isn't really the same - but they have upped their game and you can get a pint pulled for you.
It shows the effort they are going to cater for the range of customers that have through their doors.
I had even mentioned the change to the manger who was serving me - and he was pleased to be able to have an ale on the bar.
Each time I went to the bar, I was approached by a chatty member of staff who seemed interested in talking to me and having a bit of banter. This is a nice touch, as not all venues are like that.
I like to be given the time of day, even if it's having a well earned pint after work.
The Old Queens Head is only on the up in my opinion, and a decent lively pub in Islington which doesn't mind change.
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Everyone has something different they want from a pub ... and Angel has a lot of pubs in a very close proximity.
I love the Queens Head as it has something different going on everyday ...It's not just a drinker�s pub. It gives you the option to see a variety of music /DJ's & Bands without traveling to far.
I prefer beer over spirits, and there is a good selection here. I have also noticed that they have put ale on tap here - to accommodate ale drinkers. They are versatile and try and cater for everyone, whatever the age.
I love drinking here and will definetley continue to do so. Top marks!
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Very busy when I went in there on a Friday night and the atmosphere seemed cordial. However, there wasn�t a bouncer when I went in. He turned up later. The food seemed good (even though I was not eating) and the furnishings were comfortable. However, if you like real ale and good conversation, this will not be the pub for you. There was only one choice of ale, even though there were loads of lagers and spirits available. You also had to shout at the person next to you to be heard as the music was very loud. This pub also work on the idea that when the clock strikes ten, the volume of the music has to go up. Do people who run pubs not realise that people might like to talk in the pub, not shout at one another? Enter with caution.
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Crap. Just crap.
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Busy on a Tuesday night with a fairly odd quiz that people seemed to be enjoying and a gig upstairs. The upstairs bar only serves bottles and there is no ale on tap downstairs although they had Old Peculiar and one other in the fridge in bottles. Seems to have plenty going on in the way of entertainment so good for an evening out but I'd go elsewhere if you just fancy a quiet pint of ale.
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I've been here a lot, it's around the corner from work. During the day (lunchtime & early evening) it's not too busy and is nice enough, but then later on, as other reviewers have noted, it turns into a magnet for fools with bouncers, handstamps & all that. I'm highly dubious at the claim that they serve real ale here, unless it's bottled in a box in the basement. Guinness doesn't count. You can get beer on tap here but this pub's not going to sneak into any CAMRA guides any time soon. Food's not bad though.
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Nice bar with good music that used to be free, but suffering badly from its own reputation for a number of years now. I mean It is techincally still good, but once inside if you stop to ask yourself if you are really enjoying the place, more often than not that answer's gonna be a NO. Pretentious f*&ks inside nowdays too. Not friendly.
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You're a Dj - with Dj mates - Your mates are set to play at a venue - You go to support them....
At 29 years of age and going with an older friend, the last thing you expect is to be asked for I.D.
That's what happened to us at The Old Queens Head. Found the bouncer very rude, far from the best doorman I've come across. We didn't get passed the door, ever with the �4 entrance fee. Almost ruined our night!
There are better places in Islington to go...
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Every thing I loath about London thrives here. Thank you for keeping all these pretentious wannabes in one place.
Seriously, Thank you x
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Turn up after 9pm and they try and charge you �4 to get into an already rammed pub with music so loud you can hardly hear what your neighbour has to say. Plenty of better alternatives in the area.
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Out for a stroll with the wife on a saturday night, tried to get into this place but there was a queue and bouncers and the same at nearly every pub we tried along essex road and upper street. The ones that didn't have had banging loud music and were packed. Then we tried to get in to the 'Alma' in Newington Green but it was closing 11.30ish!!!!
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A lovely old bar in Islington, The Old Queens Head is one of my favourite live music venues in London. The food is easy going and not expensive as well as being delicious. Try their Sunday Roast. Am here often on my way back home (fortunately or unfortunately) and enjoy their cosy seating areas as well as drinks. Recommended.
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Got refused at the door by an ignorant doorman who said "mixed couples only". Since I was out with my brother and seeking a simple pint this was upsetting. You should avoid this pub at all costs on the basis of that pathetic door policy.
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Old Queens Head. Been a few times now and thought id would share my thoughts. A wicked night out with great lineups on the weekends, staff are very friendly. Atmosphere is really lively defo reccomend it to anyone looking for a good night out. One of the best if not the best pub in the area 10/10
MB
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The door policy in this place stinks so badly that you would be forgiven for vomiting on your shoes at 100ft.
A half empty venue ( I later found) on a saturday night, yet two guys get turned away because it's "mixed groups only". To make it worse, there was a group of girls behind us (obviously that's not mixed either) but lo! that's fine. So by "mixed" they mean "not guys-only". Wtf!? I though that crap was what happened in crap-house late-license bars in the 'burbs, along with "no trainers" and "no jeans".
Blatant sexism of the highest degree. If you think two guys is somehow an excuseable reason, I witnessed an extremely smartly dressed guy, alone, walking up (there was also no queue) being turned away for the same reason. What the hell is wrong with this place!!! Are they stuck in 1990?
The two witches minding the 'guest list' near the door also bitched feverishly to each other about other women standing nearby smoking or in the queue.
Hideous!
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LOVE IT! just had a great night at the OQH in angel. was totally unexpected as we only went in there for a post-sunny-walk pint, but ended up staying for fat roasts and a wicked line up of bands upstairs.
They really know how to pull off a good sunday, and my god are the bar staff cute!!
- perfect end to a surprisingly sunny weekend!
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Tried to get in here on Saturday 17th January to be told they wanted 4 quid each to get in. Erm....sorry but i don't pay money to get into a pub thanks, think it's a bloody liberty to be honest. Fair enough a quid to cover the cost of a bouncer on the door but can't justify 4 of us paying �16 so we got a couple of rounds over at the Kings Head opposite which was a great night so sod ya Queens Head
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Odd pub that is far from the worst I've ever drunk in, but isn't one I'd head back to very often. The place is a little pretentious and has a confused decor which muddles the atmosphere a little. There is a dentist chair in the corner for no discernable reason, the impressive fireplace is Eastern themed and clashes somewhat with the lampshade made of antlers that hangs near it, parts of the rest of it look gothic but an incongruous pink neon sign paints yet another different picture of what they were thinking of when they decorated. Still at least the chairs and tables are more uniform and comfortable in a posh pub/low-end Soho members club type of way.
Music shifted in volume but not style throughout the night and was generally pretty listenable indie stuff but became a bit too loud towards the end of the evening making conversation difficult.
Service at the bar was fine, it was very busy upon my visit but waiting times were never long and the bar staff were reasonably friendly, which is more than can be said for a few of the self-satisfied punters.
Prices were cheap for the beers in comparison to similar places in the neighbourhood, and the beers were good. Cocktails not so much as my Mojito seemed to be 99 parts ice to 1 part drink and it's fair to say the price didn't reflect this.
Food was very good, we had a mixture of starters and sides which were very pleasant if not overly generously portioned, however the Chicken Satay is highly recommended.
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I have been to this pub on two occassions, once in the evening and once for a friends birthday during the day. Both times I was completely stunned at how rude the bar staff are, it's as though they are paid to be as surly as possible, to the point of offence, I felt impelled to write about this as my memory was jolted by a friend who went there this weekend and complained of the same treatment. The lady who served me refused to give me a single bloody mary, insisting that she could only charge me cocktail prices and nothing less even if I was to have a single. She then forgot the order and immediately began to serve someone else, when I asked what the issue was she offered no apology and instead stuck her nose up at me. All the punters surrounding me were also visibly shocked by her attitude, if you don't like dealing with people, don't work in a pub. The only upside was that the food looked quite nice, other than that I'll never visit again and will advise my friends the same.
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This pubs does exactly what it say on the tin, great music, great people and great times. I always have a brilliant night out whenever I'm there. Excellent stuff!
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I am a regular at The Old Queens Head, bar staff are always great and me and my friends frequently visit the pub for the DJ's at the weekend. Highly recomended for a quiet drink in the day or a massive party at the weekend!
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I love this Pub, it is so easy to pop in for a drink and get carried away and end up in there for hours!
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Good music, comfortable quirky interior upstairs and not too bad down, beer ok considering London prices but Fullers London Pride had run out. Got talking to Germans and a Canadian. Friendly atmosphere.
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Sat night really wanted to go out but without having to commit to the full night of raving till 6 in the morning . . . after a few bars and pubs ended up in the queens head, it�s got that party atmosphere, music was on point . . . . . finished around 2.30 a bit early for me but perfect for going out without having to go all out. . . .
Solution to early closing time, lil get there earlier next time
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Am at my desk, just minutes away from the weekend, waiting for the time to pass where I can meet my mates at my local
That is how much I love this pub
anonymous - 2 Nov 2007 18:31 |
Just read that Weatherall's playing down here on Sunday 26th August.
Islington needs more of this - DJ legends playing on Sunday afternoons for free!
Even if you don't know what he looks like, you can't miss out!
Pub's really nice too.
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Been here a few times for the music they have upstairs.
Not I hasten to add for the people, who can be too cool for school.
Did finally get to hear Andrew Weatherhall DJ.
Though I had to have him pointed out to me.
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The Old Queens Head has to be my favourite pub in the Islington area. If you're into your music there is literally nowhere else you can go along and see DJs of that calibre playing in a pub.
Along with that, I've never had a bad experience with the staff or service there and would definitely rate the food. The speed dating night is always a laugh aswell.
It also has a really cool crowd of people and a lot of hot women!
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In context, this is an excellent little place. Yes it's popular, and as with most places that have a queue after a certain time you should get there early. It also costs nothing this way, and a member of staff stamps your hand if you're sitting out the front. The outside space is sufficient for a pub in this location, but get seated early to avoid disappointment or loiter with intent.
The club upstairs is a comfortably intimate venue with a good mix of professionals and student types, and a cosmopolitan vibe. bar service is acceptable (smile - don't wave a twenty) as is the choice of music.
Only major complaint is that one of the DJs the night I was there was truly dire and amateurish. I'm just glad I didn't pay to get in. Good venue if you're organised.
duffy - 12 Jun 2007 20:25 |
Queues literally 20 feet long to get into a pub at 9pm mean its become a victim of its own success. The only winners in this situation are the owners. There better, less crowded places nearby.
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The pub looks fantastic and is a relaxed place to go on a sunday. However, the bar staff are slow and the kitchen is disorganised and far too pricey for the food served. Very disapointing. It used to be better.
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Used to be fantastic. Less so now, still a great bulding with lots of chacater but often crowded, with bouncers and pay on the door at weekends. Better on a quiet afternoon when you can sit down (or at least stand unjostled) and enjoy yourself.
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A great pub in most respects, one of the best in the area, although the food is pretty average and there being nothing on tap upstairs is a bit of a pain.
Oh, and this place DOES NOT have Sky TV.
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Not my favourite place in the area... I found it very overpriced and pretentious. Lots of posers when I went in.
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This is an outstanding boozer. It's a bit funky and has lots of character. Gets going on Friday nites with good tunes and some good looking ladies. It also does excellent food.
Don't listen to the morons who complain about it overly trendy and too like Hoxton. That's what makes it good in the first place. Thank god the ben-sherman shirted hordes tend to shy away from here. (Though the odd one or two seem to stumble in here and do their best to look sour faced.)
All in all, the pick of the bunch on Essex Road.
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this pub has become a firm lunchtime favourite for me, quick service & food is great value for money. It also suits for those after work bday celebrations especially on a fri when there is DJ's and dancing upstairs.
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I enjoy drinking in this pub, it has lots of charm that is carried by the good mix of people inside. the trendy kids sit side by side with the less fashionable folk (myself included) & dont feel out of place!
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All these reviews seem a bit negative! This Boozer is great place to drink day or night. It takes more than real ale to make a pub! This place hosts Live music & Dj's to suit all music tastes, has a great wine list and a tasty menu too.
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Terribly up its own arse place where even the non-alcoholic drink is frighteningly expensive, no real ale, very different to the Winchester down the road.
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Is a little bit of Hoxton, in Islington, such a great thing? If you want Hoxton then just go to Hoxton.
I wasn�t all that sure if this was a gay pub. It was full of well-dressed-max-effort and groomed blokes (tight adidas tops, expensive haircut, dainty hand hang of a cigarette), and like below mentioned, a small sprinkling good looking women. Beer selection contained all the imagination of an interview with a footballer though.
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More flange than you can shake a stick at.
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A little bit of Hoxton in the heart of Islington. Gets packed at weekends thanks to its 2 a.m. licence. The bouncers might want to consider being slightly more proactive at turning away the big groups of drunken lads but generally the atmosphere is good.
anonymous - 1 May 2006 03:51 |
Reopened on 09/02/06. New telephone number: 020 7354 9993. No real ale. Will do bottled beers soon. Kitchen not yet up and running. Will start doing food in mid to late March 2006.
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I am a fan of this place but recently have been disappointed by the lack of any real ale. The tap is always off. This is a great shame because the rest of the pub is grand.
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I think it is a gem.
anonymous - 16 Aug 2004 16:15 |
This boozer is at the bottom of Essex road and is an easy way to escape the chain establishments of newrby Islington Green. Bit pricey but they do have Pride on and the interior is cool. Benches outside for those warm eveings.
Dan - 14 May 2004 10:47 |
This pub has Brave New Word upstairs each month - an evening of music and poetry, with an open, humourous vibe. The downstairs isn't that cosy though and I only drink there when I get the wrong night for BNW! bravenewword.co.uk
Joe Campbell - 9 May 2004 19:16 |
Going rapidly downhill. Now has bouncers on the door and consistently fails to stock enough of any beer except lager. Try the Mucky Pup down the road for a far better pub experience.
deb - 20 Jan 2004 09:20 |
I'm happy to report that draft London Pride is now available. A huge improvement.
kelly - 15 Dec 2003 11:50 |
I used to work here...and since it is an Arsenal favoring pub-its my fav place to be during a game or after. I miss all my regulars.
Lynn - 3 Nov 2003 05:02 |
Was here last Friday. I don't usually go out around Upper St cos it's too busy (how sad!) but this nice little boozer had just the right number of people in to be lively but not uncomfortable. Very impressed I was. And I could get a bus home.
G - 16 Jun 2003 16:06 |
A very cool and laid back pub, one of the best in the Islington area. Busy, with a cool vibe most evenings. Nice place to read the paper on a Sunday. Shame it doesn't sell draught bitter.
Alex - 15 Jun 2003 12:48 |
