The best bars in Islington and Angel

‘The bar with no name’, it styles itself – but try telling that to a taxi driver. In reality, everyone knows this place by its address, hidden away from the Upper Street hordes on an Islington backstreet. The look is chic, the space is small and the drinks are lip-smacking, outstanding cocktails a cut above the rest.

Bruno’s can be found gently bobbing away on the Islington stretch of the Regent’s Canal. Opened by brothers Fin and Lorcan Spiteri, you’ll find Bruno’s moored next to their barge-based restaurant Caravel. But Bruno’s is less a boat and more a sophisticated floating booze bistro, with comfy velvet armchairs, flattering lighting and a soul-focused playlist that pumps out low-level Rick James to a well-behaved Friday evening cocktail crowd. As romantic spots go, Bruno’s – named after Fin’s staffordshire bull terrier cross – has got the intimate, but not too intimate, thing nailed. This is ideal third-date territory. 

Irish-run bar Homeboy boasts classic Irish hospitality, a homely setting and tasty drinks without the twee. Though many drinkers tend to stick to Guinness, many-a-whiskey-based drink can be found in this welcoming watering hole. Try an Irish Coffee, Whiskey Smash or a Wogan cocktail with apricot, sugar and citrus.

Deep in the leafy residential swathes of De Beauvoir Town – aka the St Tropez of Islington – you’ll find Goodbye Horses, a wine bar and small-plates affair. It's a former pub with white-washed brick walls, swirling Marc Chagall-esque scribbles across a vast fabric lighting fixture that runs the length of the bar and sturdy, low wooden tables that you can’t quite cross your legs under. Here the grape is king – especially those of the organic and biodynamic variety. Charming and enthusiastic staff seriously know their stuff, and sample sips and sloshes are dished out when trying to find a wine matched to a guest’s mood and fripperies.

Little Bat helps to elevate the cocktail scene in Angel, brought to the area from the team behind Shoreditch bar Callooh Callay. Grab a booth at the rear and work through punchy signature drinks. Staff are attentive, prices are neighbourhood-friendly, and there’s a photobooth at the back for when you’re feeling merry enough to pose.

We all know that Trullo is a very, very good restaurant, but did you also know that just next door they have a very, very good wine bar? Not just a space to while away the moments before your table is turned, this is a destination in itself. A small, simple room with a bar, table and window seats, there's a entirely managable menu of vino, and – excitingly – a small selection of amble, outrageously good Italian-ish snackage; scoff Trullo's famous beef shin ragu in toastie form alongside artichoke fritti and salt cod crostini with your wine; Greek, Spanish, French, German and lots more. It's only open Thur-Sat from 6pm, but that makes it all the more special.

An unlikely tiki paradise lies in wait on Upper Street, brought to the neighbourhood by a former Mahiki bar manager. Kitsch, tropical paraphernalia coats every corner of this bijou bar, and tiki-style drinks are served in custom-made ceramics. Rum drinks are delightful, especially when you can press a buzzer on your table to order them in.

Wine lists can often be hard to decipher. Happily, that’s not the case at Humble Grape, where the menu is peppered with informative and funny descriptions. This unpretentious approach to wine is refreshing for upmarket Islington. There’s a relaxed vibe and staff are friendly and knowledgeable, making sure you’re ordering something you’ll like without ever being patronising. Visit on 'Tasting Tuesdays', where for £16.50 you'll get four mini glasses on a different theme every week.

Hoxley & Porter is a themed bar on Upper Street that hangs on to the petticoats of the 19th-century look. In among the exotic palms, uniformed staff, patterned wallpaper and vintage lighting you’ll find a list of cocktails featuring rum galore and lots of fruity, tropical ingredients. 

This Newington Green offy and deli is relaxed and welcoming; foodie but not stuffy. There’s only a handful of tables and the balance between shop and bar feels right. Yield’s selection of wine and beer is handpicked from around the world. It specialises in organic and artisanal producers: be prepared to explore lesser-trodden winelands on the edge of Islington.