Barrio Angel (Bar, Club)

Best for: trailer-park chic and globetrotting cocktails.

Great: funk soundtrack and lively atmosphere.

Let’s be honest here, Islington’s a lovely place. Vast swathes of it seem to be devoted exclusively to pleasure, and it’s good to know that in this era of suspicion, cynicism and economic strife, one can always pop up the road for a free-range wheatgrass smoothie, outrageous pastries and some sort of delightfully quaint street market to take one’s mind off it all.

No one can stay angry for too long whilst browsing antique lampshades in an idyllic cobbled side street; it just doesn’t seem appropriate.

But over prolonged periods of time – say, during a night out – the incessant cheeriness of the place can become a little tiring and, well, dull. Even the Old Queen’s Head, long considered the epicentre of Islington-based hedonism on Essex Road, can be slightly too decadent for its own good, stunting good honest fun with its roaring fireplace and comfy sofas.

More to the point, everything seems to shut around 11pm. I once went to a relatively early film screening in Angel with a date, and by the time we left the cinema, we had no choice but to seek refuge in Slim Jims on Upper Street. And no one wants that.

So to all the would-be Islington night-owls who have grown complacent and slack-jawed through years of wanton smoothie abuse, Instagram fatigue and antique lampshade overkill, might we point you in the lovably derelict direction of Barrio North?

One of three Barrio venues in London, North is positioned almost directly opposite the Old Queen’s Head pub, and seems specifically and expertly engineered for a cracking night out, with nary an open-top fruit flan in sight.

Of course, this being Islington, it looks great too – colourfully tiled walls, exotic-looking shawls and greenery, low lighting, murals and mirrors aplenty – but the venue’s “ghetto chic” is consciously down-market from surrounding establishments, and all the better for it.

Such is the commitment to bringing vibrant street culture to Essex Road that half of the bar’s main seating area is taken up by a life-size replica of a trailer-park caravan, dolled up with fairy lights and leather seats, and hollowed out to allow for large groups. Thankfully, swarms of flies and open sewers have been airbrushed from the aesthetic, leaving just a hint of edginess that greatly enhances the experience.

The atmosphere follows suit, with a colourful cast of customers and some genuinely lovely bar staff. A roster of soul and funk-oriented DJs bring eclectic rhythms to the table four nights a week, and crucially the bar remains open until 3am at the weekend, providing an increasingly busy haven for partying stragglers.

Barrio North holds its own in terms of refreshments as well, with a brilliantly curated cocktail list (£7-8.50, with 2-for-1 deals between 5 and 8pm) that draws on recipes from around the world. The Rum & Raisin Swizzle with chocolate garnish channels South American barrios to perfection, while the thick, potent Gingerbread Colada will whisk you off to the Caribbean faster than highly skilled kidnappers. All that’s missing is a hammock and a soothing sea breeze.

A thorough and suitably international selection of wines, champagnes and bottled beer rounds out an impressive drinks cabinet. Food is a little thinner on the ground, but a meat- and cheese-heavy Barrio Sharing Platter (£14) provides plenty of nourishment, and tasty nibbles are on hand throughout the evening.

So if you’re on a night out in Angel and are looking for something a little more involving than a really comfortable armchair, why not head down to Barrio North for an evening off the beaten track? All that we ask is that you don’t get too carried away and run off to start a new life in a real trailer-park. Trust us, it won’t be as fun and there will be a lot less fancy cocktails....read more