Embassy Bar, Islington
As it's own flyers proudly annouce, the Embassy is basically a tarted up boozer on Essex Road, allbeit a tarted up boozer with a newly opened basement dancefloor area and a kicking sound system.

It's a well-connected place though, with all manner of celebrities and big name DJs playing here (especially on the long-running They Do Play Records... Sunday nighter), and it's a great alternative to some of the less inspiring bars in Angel and Islington. It's open to 1am on Fri & Sat and is usually free before 9pm, £3 after.

119 Essex Road, Islington N1
Nearest Tube: Angel or Highbury & Islington