Old Queens Head

When sat at home pondering over where to go out, The Old Queen’s Head is just the kind of venue that pops into your head with its ability to accommodate all the criteria of a good night on the town. New music? Yes. Live bands? Indeed. Gastro cuisine? Why of course. Karaoke room? Certainly. Aaaand enough of the Q&A! You get the picture - it’s a mighty grand, all encompassing fun house.

Located on Balls Pond Road on the adjacent strip to Upper Street, the large Victorian building certainly stands out. A clutch of picnic tables sit outside and there’s enough pavement for cramp free standing. Inside, the classic look is touched up with the trimmings of modernity – piled board games, irreverent pictures, disco ball – you got it. The vast ground floor deals primarily with the eaters and drinkers and it’s off up the stairs to the second floor for live bands and all you can sing karaoke (starting from £20 per hour).

When it comes to lineups, the Old Queen’s Head is no amateur hour talent show – big bands and DJs never outgrow a desire to play here. The XX debuted some shows, the Nextmen spin records, and pop in towards the end of the week and you’re likely to get a DJ set from Mystery Jets – or some other jangly indie band – along with your pint.

The Sunday Social is always a good time, with roast dinners, bloody Mary and board games for fun, alongside those weighty newspapers. The food for the rest of the week is good quality pub fare with the likes of ham, egg and chips and beer battered fish and chips keeping with tradition. There’s a solid range of beers and a surprisingly good cocktail menu – two for one on Monday evenings.

The Old Queen’s Head rarely disappoints – parties are wild, people are young and pretty and the atmosphere embraces you.