King Edward VI (EDVI), Islingtonback to pub details please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
passed it last week and from the look of it (though i can't find any independent confirmation) it's gone the way of many of london's rather tired gay venues, ie, closed down.
the rating reflects the ambience when it was open, because, and only because, i can't find a methodology to evaluate the ambience of a closed down pub.
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This bar has been gay since the late 1970s so deserves marks for endurance. Its present incarnation is not its nicest, however. The rather weird lighting makes the customers a funny colour and the seating round the island bar is not laid out well: the confortable area seating is too cramped and the stand up and cruise areas are too spread out. The horrible logo over the door and generally naff decor seem intent on makes it feel more like a club than a pub. It would do better turning itself back into a nice local gay pub - heaven knows there are enough comfortably off gay men and lesbians in Islington these days. Sadly, real ale is not always available.
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Timely call at this venue on 22nd August 2008 for the first time since the 1990s. The pub has undergone a modern refurbishment since that time.
The standard range of lagers, spirits and a few wines were available; sadly the Flowers IPA cask ale I supped all those years ago was gone. Nevertheless I enjoyed half a pint of Staropramen that was perfectly drinkable having built up quite a thirst walking along the canal from Kentish Town.
A spacious split-level beer garden accommodates smokers throughout, but tables are not over-crammed together.
DJ equipment was seen though obviously not in use at 1945hrs! Staff seemed very friendly towards newcomers as well as regulars some of the latter appearing rather cliquey in comparison to those at other gay venues I have visited.
But I was glad to see it still stands and remains in reasonable shape.
5/10
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Excellent long running gay pub. Great atmosphere. How the scene used to be before all the pubs were run by chains (Think its the only independent gay run pub in North London). Late opening, good food and friendly people. Try it!
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Forget Doctor Who - you can travel back in time to the gay culture of the early 1980s by simply visiting the King Edward VI, where you will experience tacky disco music at top volume, lager and 100% male clientele. In my case, the experience lasted all of 10 seconds.
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The upstairs restaurant is great. Really friendly and helpful and the food is lovely.
Pippa - 10 Nov 2004 11:12 |
this used to be the ultimate local gay venue...charming, welcoming staff. The garden still kind of works in the summer despite the awful makeover.
The problem really lies in the fact that this venue now sees itself more a west end bar than a local pub.
This results in loud and pointless house music during the early evening when people are meeting for after work drinks, why is conversation so discouraged?
The bar staff are also some of, it not, the rudest and in the whole of north london.
It's not surprising that the local straight bars are full of gay men... at least they are welcoming.
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