The Bar With No Name

This place is a big nope for me. While it tries to give the appearance of a swanky cocktail bar (staff in crisp white jackets, dim lighting, music playing) this place is way, way too crowded. As in, there are physically too many chairs and tables scrunched up together so that you are within about 4 inches of your neighbor. The service isn’t great and frankly for such a small place the music is way too loud which makes everyone else talk louder which means you’re almost yelling to your date sitting just across from you.
The drinks aren’t that great — the only standout is the Rye Rye — everything else is just «meh».
The only positive thing I can say about this place is that once you order your drinks they do come out quickly.

A nice cocktail bar with a range of unusual cocktails «invented here» a indeed, these are the only ones listed on the cocktail menu. Not sure whether the Piano player is always there, but two out of two nights I have been there (both on weekdays) may suggest that is the case. Last time I went the drinks were all a little on the sweet side, and the sweetness tastes more of Stevia than sugar — rather strange. The drinks were still very nice (Rye Rye was my favourite) just that little bit sweeter than I normally go for. Try the Prairie Oyster, it’s worth it! And it’s not sweet! :-)

Went here with the delightful Hannah M, and had an absolute blast. The staff was brilliant, sparkling, and full of good humour — even on a Tuesday evening. The cocktails were unique, made with skill, and bloody lovely. I highly recommend the Rose Lipstick for champagne lovers, and the Lime Plus if you’re after something with kick.
Most of all, when a table of middle-​aged men started to hassle us at the end of the night, not taking our rejection well, the staff stepped up. They swooped in and informed the chaps that they don’t have that sort of behaviour in their bar and that was that.
Atmosphere is cosy, classy, and jazzy. Dress up, bring a date, and an open mind. You can request a classic, but really, just trust them. Your palate will thank you.

The cocktails here are those of quality and innovation, however the venue is small, lacking atmosphere and space. Its over exclusive nature is off putting and the bar certainly does nothing to gain it. A venue contributes just as much in a social drinking experience and this place hasnt done enough to justify prices.

Awesome speakeasy in Islington also known as «The Bar With No Name.» Everyone usually associates this place by its address so make sure to know it before venturing out. Entrance is through a corner door along a rather quiet part of Colebrook Row. For an easier way of finding its location, look for either a lantern with the number «69» on it or a red awning marked with the Martini logo.
The bar itself is quite small so reservation is highly suggested. Came on a whim, however, and was luckily accommodated by the staff. Dimmed lighting and soft jazz playing in the background made the ambiance perfect for an intimate date night. We also thought it was pretty dope how we were seated right in the corner with an upright piano as our table.
Mixologists certainly put great thought into creating the bar’s menu as majority of the cocktails were relatively unique. Decided to go for the Port Habana while she enjoyed the Coral Fizz. Drinks were well-​made but not as stiff as I would’ve liked especially since each cocktail costs £9.50. To our surprise, the server brought out complimentary Prarie Oysters which happen to be their own version of deconstructed Bloody Mary. Menu also changes every season so make sure to watch out for their new concoctions.
Overall, 69 Colebrooke Row is one of those few bars that everybody should check out in London. From atmosphere to libations, there is very little not to like from this joint. I will definitely be back next time I make it out around the area.

Let me start off by saying that I really wanted to like this place, I had read the reviews and heard wonderful things from people I knew.
The location: The outside is nothing to look at, and doesn’t give off a speakeasy vibe like I had imagined in my mind. It is indeed very small inside, as others have indicated, and the music is very loud and you have to shout at the people next to you and the wait staff. There was a man paying the piano in the corner at one point, but you would have never known due to the other noise level. There was alot of people standing around, and lingering on the stairs which was very distracting, I would have assumed such a small place with such a good reputation would have had a no standing policy.
The cocktails: Average. The menu had some interesting combinations that I was excited to try, but when they came out they were too sweet and not strong enough for my liking. The prices are great, and very affordable for London standards. I must admit that the Prarie Oyster is quite imaginative, its a little shot served in a shell that is the consistency of an egg yolk but is made of tomatoes and such. An experience but I wouldnt be returning for it, due to the fact it was 5.50 for about 1ml of alcohol and the shallots on it were overbearing.
The service: The service was very quick, and the staff were friendly and dressed in all white like butlers which was a great touch. One thing to note though — a reservation here is limited to 1 ½ hours, which is maybe why the drinks come out so quickly as they kick you out soon after.
Overall, I wanted to love this place, but don’t. I am not sure why people compare this place to Nightjar, Happiness Forgets, Callooh Callay, or Evans and Peel. For me, I would take any of those places over this one and would spend the entire evening enjoying their creations. This place… not so much.

I was bummed by the atmosphere at 69 Colbrooke. I absolutely love cocktail bars, but the music was so incredibly loud that I had to shout to hear my companions.
The drinks were tasty, but I honestly won’t go back because of the noise level. The bar is tiny and could be a cute date place, if only you could hear your date…
I had the Raspberry and Violet Bellini which was very sweet and tasty. My companions tried the Port Habana and the Rhubarb Gimlet. My husband also ordered an Old Fashioned which came in the shortest glass ever!
Though the drinks were decent, I have other places I’d prefer to go.

A lovely, tiny bar to sneak into and feel like you’ve been whisked into another era.
The menu isn’t very extensive, but everything is unusual and extremely delicious.
The waiters serving at the tables make it more of am experience, and the music helps to create a great mood.
At £10 or more a cocktail it isn’t the cheapest, but I really liked it for a girlie treat with a friend.
It’d be a really cute place to get dressed up a little and go with a date.

Tip #1 make a reservation. After that just relax and enjoy. Going on a Friday or Saturday will give you that busy vibe. If you go on a quieter night it makes a great date spot with cool drinks, candlelights and great service.

This find is tucked away on a quiet residential street just off Upper Street, but inside it is buzzy and as popular as ever. It’s best to book ahead, especially on a Friday or Saturday night, and the bar even wants you to text them if you are running a bit late. Inside, there are maybe 20 seats, with no standing room, and with live music it gets quite loud so perhaps not the easiest place to have conversation with more than 2 or 3 other people. We had a booking for 9 pm and you only get a table for an hour and a half, and people have to sit/​stand on the stairs to wait for their tables as there is literally no other standing room.
As for the drinks, they definitely know their stuff as they distill a lot of their own alcohol. I tried the Terroir, which has a taste I can only describe as earthy… it is interesting but not exactly my preferred type of cocktail (it’s strong, is like a smooth alcohol, but I was chasing that with water). For my second drink I got something off-​menu that the waiter suggested, where they mix an apricot syrup with the preferred liquor of your choice (I chose vodka). I really enjoyed that drink and I think it’s so great that the waiter is able to come up with drinks to meet your preferences. They were also very attentive with refilling water… and really, I can’t think of another place where I’ve had a waiter at a bar… definitely a unique experience!

I’m not sure if it’s standard but the night we went to this place, an older man played the piano for quite some time. This made the experience just so much better and more memorable. Definitely try to go when live music is on, though I’m not sure how you can verify that.
I always love these dark, intimate ‘David Lynch’ kind of places that you need to know beforehand (it’s a bit hard to find so I doubt people stumble upon this bar by coincidence) without being «the latest trendy spot» people line up for. The bar itself is quite small (you better make a reservation) and you’re sitting pretty close to your neighbors’ table, but the ambiance makes up for that: Cozy, relaxed and intimate. Unlike other cocktail bars, the music is chill, which makes the place such a great spot for a talk instead of a creating more of party environment. It also feels like you’re sitting in somebody’s living room which enhances the feeling like you’re at home.
Cocktails are very well made. I had a St James’ Gate and a Red Clinquant which were both amazing and probably among the best cocktails I’ve had so far in London!

— bar with no name; even if you know the address you might not find it because you think the house must be empty/​uninhabited
— very friendly and helpful staff (knows everything about the drinks and the taste/​flavors)
— small bar (reservation recommended); seating is a little bit uncomfortable; but atmosphere is great
— Tony Conigliaro is one of the UK‘s pioneering drinks creators: that‘s why the drinks are not just drinks but drinking experiences
— not that many, but unusual/​eccentric drinks on the menu such as Prairie Oyster
Tomato yolk, Horseradish Vodka, Oloroso Sherry, Shallots, Pepper Sauce, Celery Salt and Micro Herbs (9.50 GBP); I also loved the non-​alcoholic cocktail: Lime, Orgeat and Vichy Water (4.50 GBP) which was sour but in the end not that sour at all (as I said a drinking experience even with the non-​alcoholic drinks!)
Highly recommended!!! It is all about drinks!

Otherwise known as «The Bar With No Name». There’s a typical pub/​bar in the front of the building on Essex Rd but if you go up Colebrooke Row there’s this place on back corner. There’s no sign on the door.
I found out about this place though the World’s 50 Best Bar list (
). I bookmarked a bunch of places in anticipation of my trip to London but knew I would probably end up here since it was in my old neighborhood.
It didn’t seem like anything special when we stepped inside. Just plain Parisian style café with staff to match. We didn’t have a reservation (didn’t realize it was that kind of place) but luckily they were able to seat us for an hour.
WOW. I’m no rube but admittedly I haven’t been drinking in NYC either. This place seriously blew my mind. The drinks aren’t just tasty but crafted to evoke scenes, memories, emotions. Am I imbuing these drinks with too many magical powers? It’s not just the interesting combinations of ingredients and flavors but also the fact that many of them must be created in-​house.
My friend got the Prairie Oyster (tomato yolk, horseradish vodka, olarosso sherry, shallots, pepper sauce, celery salt, micro herbs, and something fishy) which was served up on a ceramic oyster shell. Hubby got the Barbershop Fizz (pine infused gin, birch and vanilla syrup, patchouli infused mint, lime, soda) which was served with a barbershop patterned straw. I was really impressed with these little details. But even more so with my drink, the Royal Oak (acorn liqueur, oak bitters, champagne) which evoked a walk in the woods. This was followed by St James Gate (Myers Rum, Guiness reduction, lemon, sugar) which had all the maltiness of the Guiness without any of the heaviness, cut through with lime. It was like a rum sour but with much more depth of flavor.
Even weeks later I can’t stop thinking of how amazing this place was. They’re playing at a whole other level than the places I’ve been to in SF.
I forgot to add that while we were there we also got complimentary espresso cups of the best egg nogg ever.

The space itself is pretty small. It was full when we arrived and we were a bit cramped, but fortunately the table next to us left shortly after.
They really do squeeze you around small tables though and the tables are really near each other, so possibly a place best for 2s.
They have a piano in the corner and apparently great live music at points (based on the other reviews) though, perhaps unsurprisingly, not on a Tuesday night.
Drinks wise, I had a super frothy rum based drink with a Guinness reduction (‘St James’ Gate) which i loved!
Also really enjoyed the ‘Barbershop Fizz’ — Gin, soda, lemony stuff and more; super refreshing. Also served in a cool glass that says barber shop and with a paper straw.
Great drinks and service make this a winner.

This is a wonderful little bespoke bar, tucked behind busy Angel. Its other name is ‘bar with no name’, because the only sign at their entrance is the label of their street name.
We didn’t know we had to have reservations but when we went there the staff was really nice to accomodate us. The seating is very tight and unfortunately there are no back cushions if you’re sitting by the window, so I prefer to sit on their other seats because your back gets tired after a while. Sometimes it’s quite uncomfortable because the tables get so close to your knees… but this is the kind of space of a typical1920s bar. Dark, smokey, old, an authentic speakeasy.
The drinks are great. It’s a small menu because I prefer this where there’s not too much to choose from. You can see the bartenders making drinks because the bar is right next to the piano. If you go at a good time they have a musician in to play… and it really is such a great experience. Definitely the best bar in Angel!

It’s a small gem really. Too small, but I guess this is a beauty in it.
It has this 1920s atmosphere to it — given the mixologists (yes, mixologists, NOT bartenders) jackets, live jazz music and just a general speakeasy feel (you don’t need a password to get in though!).
I like majority of the drinks, though when I asked the bartender to make me something off the menu using my preferences (love dry, hate syrupy drinks) he just made me Death in the Afternoon — I was expecting something more from a mixologist…
Anyways, if you stick to the menu, it’s going to take you down a pretty good alcohol-​hazy night, especially, if you sit at the bar and keep the drinks coming.

I am so annoying when I’m indecisive!
I don’t know how I feel about 69 Colebrooke Row. Even though I’m pretty sure I’ll be back. See? Indecisive and inconsistent. For shame, self (with serious input from my liver).
Here’s what I love love love about 69 Colebrooke Row: the service is impeccable. Like, seriously erm… bomb dot com. Greeted at the door by a man with our reservation on an iPad, guided to a table and introduced to server (hey, Martha!), everyone really attentive but not overbearingly so, water always filled up… yep. Fantastic service.
I also love the space itself: it’s tight (30 ish seats?) and so people were waiting for tables sitting on the stairs (drinking audience!). But… it felt cozy. And away from the hurly burly of Old Street. And the pianist was amazing (did I mention there was a pianist? No? Well, there was and I wish I could always take a tipple alongside the sound of live music).
Here what I’m a little less sure of: the drinks were nice — truly nice — but they didn’t wow me. Or maybe I’m being unfair because my expectations were so high. Or because I was comparing 69 Colebrooke to the NYC prohibition-​style cocktail bars that have every detail on lock. Maybe, just maybe, it’s worth another boozy experiment. I guess what I’m unclearly saying is: a great place to pop in for one cocktail pre-​dinner or en route somewhere else, but I don’t think it’s enough of a unique experience to justify a night of cocktails here. Hmm. Yes. I think this is my final answer.
Unilocal note: reservations on Fridays and Saturdays, gang! Also, on that note: best for a party of 2. Largest party I saw was 4, but the space is tiiiiiight.

Love this place. Hands down one of the best cocktail bars in London.
Service — Great! I’ve been here a number of times with both big and small groups and have never been disappointed. I was once served a dirty gin martini that didn’t taste quite right– but once I queried if something was done different to it they insisted on making me a new drink. What? In London?! All the servers dress up so it’s a fun place to head out for a couple drinks before a night on the town — especially if you are dressed up yourself.
Cocktails — So yummy! All top shelf liquor — i don’t want to say it’s definitely worth the 9 quid per drink, but I’ve never once had a bad drink here. A lot of work is put into each drink, all fresh ingredients — one of my favs is the prairie oyster — a tomato infused yolk served in an oyster shell. At 5 quid it’s a bit less than the other drinks on the menu and an experience in itself to drink. After 6+ cocktails one night with friends I was astounded to wake up hangover free, but apparently this is a sign of the liquor quality rather than any superpower I may possess.
Reservations? Depends on when you’re going but I’ve walked in here numerous time and been able to get seated. Of course on a Friday or Saturday night you’ll want to book ahead. They also do a number of special events — worth signing up for the email list to get notifications.

One of the best bars in the world? I respectfully disagree.
Drinks are solid, and the Prarie Oyster is a classy (albeit expensive) way to down some shots before heading out. Loved the innovative tomato infused yolk and presentation of the ~5 quid savory «drink». Note that it is NOT available on Sundays.
Flamenco, sugar infused sherry and champagne, wasn’t bad but nothing about this place struck me as unique and special. Its dimly lit and cozy, but I wouldn’t say it’s the most romantic venue.
Make a reservation a few days in advance, but they do take walk ins.

I’ve been to a few of the «top cocktail bars» in London now and I just don’t get it. I don’t get the limited cocktail list and I don’t get why someone would want to drink a cocktail which tastes like hay.
I. Don’t. Get. It.
I’ve decided that I am a person who likes simple cocktails made really well and I’m just not going to find that in the England. Mostly due to the fact that all liquor is measured to a tee. I also don’t get why bartenders in the England feel it necessary to top glasses with crushed ice — so much ice that the ice falls off the sides of the glass and you aren’t able to move the straw around the glass due to the incredibly large amount of ice. It’s ridiculous!
The first thing I didn’t like about this cocktail bar was the cramped and uncomfortable seating. The benches that line the walls and windows do not have seat backs and the cocktail tables are low to the ground, so within five minutes, our backs started to hurt from being hunched over.
The second thing I didn’t like about this cocktail bar is that the music was far too loud. I could only slightly hear my friend sitting next to me when she spoke. Forget about being able to hear my friends seated across the two-​foot-​wide cocktail table from me.
The third thing I didn’t like about this cocktail bar was that they allowed people to sit on the stairs. The toilets are on the first floor, so anytime any of us needed go to the toilet, we had to crawl over the eight people seated on the stairs and standing at the bottom of the stairs.
The fourth thing I didn’t like about this cocktail bar is that the bartender refused to make any «off-​menu» cocktails which included vodka. Perhaps it is because vodka is known for being flavorless but I feel that as a paying customer, the bartender should make what I want — this bar prides themselves on being able to make fancy cocktails, after all.
The fifth thing I didn’t like about this cocktail bar was the limited cocktail menu with drinks comprised of liquors I don’t care for.
The only thing about this cocktail bar that I liked was the service. It was prompt and courteous.
If you don’t live in the area, this bar is not worth the journey (not to mention the reservation that is needed at least 3 weeks in advance).