69 Colebrooke Row

It may style itself as ‘The Bar With No Name’, but in reality, everyone knows this place by its address, hidden away from the Upper Street hordes on an Islington backstreet. So well-loved is 69 Colebrooke Row, in fact, that it’s not easy to get a seat without booking. Punters come for the outstanding cocktails – some of which may push the boundaries of what can be put in a glass, but they always maintain the drinkability of the classics. Their upstairs laboratory, meanwhile, produces bespoke cocktail ingredients such as Guinness reduction, paprika bitters, rhubarb cordial and pine-infused gin. There’s a subtle jazz-age vibe in the small, low-lit room and – on certain nights – a pianist belts out swinging standards. The look is chic, the space is small, and the drinks are a cut above the rest.

Order this: Not drinking booze? Not a problem. Their cocktail list includes a veritable smorgasbord of zero percent options, from a Blackberry Pie Bellini to the Orris Army and Navy, made with a combination of aperitifs.

Time Out tip: As well as their in-house pianist on Wednesdays and Sundays, 69 Colebrooke also has live music every Thursday to ease you into the weekend.