The King of Islington

Head down to Union Street and you'll find yourself in a proper cocktail bar that doesn't take itself too seriously. The King of Islington has that sweet spot where the bartenders clearly know what they're doing—you can watch them work—but won't make you feel like a numpty if you just want a decent gin and tonic. It's the kind of place where locals actually outnumber tourists, which tells you something. The room's got character without being try-hard about it, and with a 4.8 rating from over 150 reviews, people keep coming back for a reason.