Bars & Pubs

From the same stable as Camden's Lock Tavern and Shepherds Bush's Defectors Weld, Keston Lodge adds a touch of cool to the Upper Street maelstrom. Although boxy, the place has a cosy glow about it, with convivial booth seating, orange fairy lights and a 'Small Disco' with a DJ booth under the stairs. Cocktails include £7 mojitos, but most drinkers here favour pints, wine, random spirits - anything that means they can get away from the bar and back to their chat-up lines. The tiny beer garden is fine for smokers, but pretty hopeless for summer drinking.

Time Out Bars, Pubs & Clubs Guide 2008/9