Wenlock and Essex

18–26 Essex Road, Islington, London N1 8LN

Part gastro pub, part club, this friendly Islington nightspot, in an unremarkable modern development, targets itself successfully towards relaxed under-30s happy to drink, eat, and hang out in the same place all evening. Its bordello-circus-Moulin Rouge feel, all plush reds, coloured lightbulbs and gilt trimming, is at its most intense in the clubby backroom they call Satan’s Circus- a DJ zone on Friday and Saturday nights. Things are more pub-like in the spacious area at the front, with booths and larger tables – and old-school pub carpet – as well as space on the pavement outside. The food – basic stuff, including sandwiches and fish and chips – is generally good. It’s well worth coming for the Sunday roast, where the portions are huge (half a chicken per person, for example). Cocktails are good value at £7 – try the killer Bloody Marys – and there’s a vast list of other drinks including real ales and bottled lagers. You’ll need to book to get a table at weekends, and expect to see bouncers on duty outside too; it's more easy-going during the week.

Best Places to stay near Wenlock and Essex

What Customers say about Cool Places

Everything I needed for a stay

I'm already looking forward to going again and would highly recommend this hotel to anyone visiting the area. It definitely deserves a five star rating!

Nathan, Verified Customer

6 out of 5!!!!

This place was amazing… I could not recommend this place enough, I’ll be singing their praise for many years to come and we are going to book again soon.

Barbara, Verified Customer

Easy to navigate

Great site that offers a really broad range of places to stay across the UK. Easy to navigate and book holidays.

Patrick, Verified Customer

Such a great variety of properties

Found this website when looking to book a staycation for later in the year. Such a great variety of properties and the website is really easy to use. Already shared with my family and friends.

CT, Verified Customer

Great, simple, straightforward

Great, simple and straightforward. I will definitely be using Cool Places again.

SM, Verified Customer