Coolest Late-Night Bars in Islington (That Actually Stay Open Late)
Islington does “late” in a very specific way: cocktails that are genuinely good, pubs that flip into dancefloors, and a few places that keep the lights on long after most of North London has called it. This guide focuses on spots around Angel Angel and Upper Street Upper Street, where you can go from a polished first drink to a proper 3am finish without crossing town.
Last updated: 18 February 2026 (always double-check on the day—late licences and special events can change hours).
Quick picks (choose your vibe)
- Latest close: The Lexington (to 4am on Fri/Sat)
- Big party pub energy: The Old Queen’s Head (to 3am Sat)
- Rock’n’roll dive bar: Slim Jim’s Liquor Store (to 3am Thu–Sat)
- Karaoke + late bar: Lucky Voice Islington (to 2am Fri/Sat)
- Quiet, serious cocktails: 69 Colebrooke Row (to 2am Fri/Sat)
The late-late ones (2am–4am finishes)
The Lexington
If you want that classic “one more drink” place that accidentally becomes a full night out, this is it. Downstairs has bourbon, craft beer, and a buzzy bar feel, while upstairs brings gigs and DJs—so you can build the night rather than restart it. It’s also a handy bridge between Angel and King’s Cross, which helps when you’re leaving late.
Typical hours: Fri–Sat until 4am; Thu until 3am; other nights later than most locals expect.
Slim Jim’s Liquor Store
This one is for loud music, late pours, and a proper rock bar atmosphere that’s getting rarer in London. It’s divey in the best way, and because it’s on Upper Street you’re never far from a taxi, bus, or the last stretch of the Night Tube on the weekend.
Typical hours: Mon–Wed until 2am; Thu–Sat until 3am; Sun until 1am.
The Old Queen’s Head
A proper Islington institution: cosy pub DNA early on, then comedy, DJs, karaoke rooms, and a full “everyone’s dancing” moment when the night hits its stride. It’s perfect if your group can’t agree—because it does a bit of everything without feeling like a generic chain bar.
Typical hours: Sat until 3am; Fri until 2am; Thu until 1am.
Simmons Bar Angel
If you’re after a bright, shamelessly fun night—happy hour energy, pop music, and the kind of crowd that’s up for a dance—this is the easy win. It’s also great for “we’re meeting after dinner” plans because it gets lively fast, especially on weekends.
Typical hours: Fri–Sat until 3am; Thu until 1am.
The 411
NYC-inspired, games, wings, and a late-weekend party feel that’s more “hangout” than “club”. It works well for birthdays and groups because you can actually do something (pool/foosball) while you drink, and then slide into a later, DJ-led atmosphere.
Typical hours: Fri–Sat until 2:30am.
Late-ish, but cool
(perfect for dates and first rounds)
69 Colebrooke Row
This is the intimate, candlelit option when you want a proper cocktail bar rather than a “night out” bar. It’s small, it’s calm, and it’s ideal for a date or a catch-up where you can still hear each other—however it still goes late on weekends, so you don’t have to rush.
Typical hours: Fri–Sat until 2am; Thu until 1am.
Little Bat Bar
A slick neighbourhood cocktail spot with creative drinks and a grown-up vibe. It’s especially good as a “start here, then decide” place, because it’s close enough to the bigger late-night options while still feeling like a destination on its own.
Typical hours: Tue–Sat until 1am; Sun until midnight.
Little Bat Bar Islington: Why N1 Locals Love This
Homeboy Bar
Modern Irish hospitality done right: great cocktails, warm service, and DJ nights that keep it lively without tipping into chaos. It’s a strong pick if you want somewhere that feels a bit special, but still relaxed enough for a spontaneous night.
Typical hours: Fri–Sat until 1am.
Homeboy Bar on Essex Road Islington
Karaoke that isn’t cringe (unless you want it to be)
Lucky Voice Islington
Private rooms, proper cocktails, and a weekend close that’s genuinely late for Upper Street. It’s ideal for groups, because you can start with drinks at the bar, do a room slot, then spill back out into the crowd energy.
Typical hours: Fri–Sat until 2am.
A simple, walkable late-night crawl
Start (cocktails): 69 Colebrooke Row → Warm-up (stylish): Little Bat Bar → Party (choose one): Old Queen’s Head or Simmons Angel → Finish (latest): The Lexington.
It works because you’re moving from quieter to louder, and you’ve got a reliable 4am option at the end if the night’s still young.
FAQs
What are the coolest late-night bars in Islington?
For a proper late finish, prioritise The Lexington (4am Fri/Sat), The Old Queen’s Head (3am Sat), Slim Jim’s (3am Thu–Sat), and Simmons Angel (3am Fri/Sat). For cocktails, 69 Colebrooke Row and Little Bat are the strongest “cool but calm” options.
Which Islington bar stays open the latest?
The Lexington typically goes to 4am on Fridays and Saturdays.
Where should I go for late-night drinks near Angel station?
Old Queen’s Head, Simmons Angel, 69 Colebrooke Row, and The Lexington are all strong picks depending on whether you want dancing, cocktails, or a late finish.
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