The Old Queen's Head

SquareMeal Review of The Old Queen's Head

Sir Walter Raleigh is rumoured to have romanced the Virgin Queen at this large, handsome pub. The imposing, original 17th-century fireplace now looms over a lively crowd, lured by regular comedy nights, big-name DJs & live bands. In the past, Lenny Henry, Annie Mac, the Kooks & Foals have all visited. Shot racks at £15 fuel the fun, & there’s Doom Bar, Sagres, Birra Morretti & Symonds cider on draught. Slinky cocktails such as the Queen’s Vesper (Bombay Sapphire, Grey Goose, Grand Marnier & Noilly Prat) further lubricate proceedings. Food is fairly straightforward pub grub at equally unthreatening prices, though on Saturdays there’s a good brunch selection – from fish-finger sandwiches to steak, egg & chips. On Sundays, diners with king-sized appetites load up on a roast with all the meats, plus an extra Yorkie, for £19.50.

Good to know

Average Price
££££ - Under £30
Cuisines
Pubs
Ambience
Cool, Cosy, Dark and moody, Fun, Lively
Food Occasions
All day dining, Dinner, Lunch, Sunday roast
Special Features
Live music or dancing
Food Hygiene Rating

Location

44 Essex Road, Islington, London, N1 8LN

020 7354 9993 020 7354 9993

Website

Opening Times

Mon-Sun 12N-12M (Thurs -1am Fri-Sat -2am)

Reviews

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4 Reviews 
Food/Drink
Service
Atmosphere
Value

James J

01 February 2012  
Food & Drink 4
Service 4
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
LOVE.THIS.PUB I always have such a great time here – great service, always a packed dance floor on a weekend. I have just found out they have a karaoke room … It spells danger! But I can't wait to get in there and have a go. James

Danny D

16 November 2010  
Food & Drink 4
Service 4.5
Atmosphere 5
Value 4.5
After living in islington for many years I still have not found any where to go as good as this. It has everything you need from a venue, it feels like a pub/bar and live music venue. I have been in midweeks for the quiz which is hillarious. I have seen loads of great bands and d.js and have had my best sunday roast not including my mums here. I just hope it keeps doing what its doing.

Alan B

12 February 2010  
Food & Drink 4.5
Service 4.5
Atmosphere 4.5
Value 4.5
My best friend was leaving town; because of a boy. Angry & upset though I was, it dawned on me that I should throw her a leaving do so marvellous that she would not want to leave. So I picked up the phone and called the Old Queens Head. I got through to a happy cheery voice to who I ranted about my unfortunate friend & her new partner & why leaving London was such a mistake. And so I explained to her my devious plan. We needed an area for about twenty of us, near the fireplace & had to have some cocktails & canapés. The booking process was smooth & effortless. The bookings manager said she would ensure that the night was my friends best ever. And so it was. We were made to feel special. As we entered the venue, we were shown our areas. There was champagne waiting for us & glasses lay out neatly. The tea lights all around added to the quirky yet pretty decor & the atmosphere was just right. The music was at the right level & though we could get up from those comfy sofas and sway whenever we wanted, we could also talk at a comfortable tone (OK sometimes it got a bit loud). The canapés arrived at the right time, lush & absolutely delicious & the cocktails were perfect. And what about my friend? Well, she still decided to leave, but before going she did say that the night was perfect & she couldn’t have wished for anything better. Now it may sound like I’m blowing my own trumpet, but this wouldn’t have been possible without the efficient planning & help from everyone at the Old Queens Head. Thank you guys!

Doreen S

04 February 2010  
Food & Drink 4.5
Service 4
Atmosphere 4
Value 4
This North London boozer is an institution. Hardly an evening goes by without it being packed out – testimony to it's great line up of DJ's, live music events & an amazing atmosphere. I wanted to reserve an area on a Tuesday & couldn't believe it was booked up! So eventually I booked for Wednesday & celebrated a belated birthday as my friend (the birthday girl) couldn't be bothered to go anywhere else. It was a good decision as there was a night called Magpies Nest on tha Wednesday with some lovely folk music – perfect to celebrate the night. We ordered some bar food – grilled courgettes with halloumi, fried chicken, bruchetta & lamb koftas and they were simply gorgeous. We stayed till close with none of us wanting to leave. Twas a good night spent in the company of good friends in a brilliant venue.
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020 7354 9993 020 7354 9993

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