Islington is teeming with music and cultural venues, attracting a huge number of visitors to our restaurants and bars, providing thousands of jobs, and giving the local economy a huge boost. Smaller grassroots venues play a huge part in this. Planning a night out? Keep it local! We’ve rounded up just a few of our favourite local haunts to whet your appetite

Islington Assembly Hall

From folk and dance to rock and soul, the Assembly Hall has hosted everyone from Eliza Doolittle to Foo Fighters. It first opened in 1930 and many of its art deco features have been kept, making it a unique (and local favourite) live music venue.

King’s Head Theatre

Established in 1970, the King’s Head Theatre is one of the oldest pub theatres in London. For more than 50 years, it’s been housed in the back room of the King’s Head Pub on Upper Street. Famous for helping launch the careers of household names like Hugh Grant, Richard E Grant, Joanna Lumley and Victoria Wood, it’s now embarking on a new chapter, moving to a new venue at Islington Square with a 200-seat theatre, 50-seat cabaret venue, bars, meeting spaces and offices. Find it just behind the King’s Head pub, opening early next year.

Angel Comedy

A jewel in the comedy circuit. Run by comedians, Angel Comedy is dedicated to affordable access. The club runs free shows seven nights a week, plus cheap shows from some of the biggest names in the UK. Comedians get to pilot their new material, you get a bargain night out. Everyone’s a winner.

Electrowerkz

Tucked behind Angel Tube station, Electrowerkz is one of London’s longest-running alternative venues, putting on a varied mix of live music, DJ sets, art exhibitions, and special events. The venue has a unique atmosphere and prides itself on being diverse and inclusive.

The Lexington

A cosy, classic Victorian London pub serving a changing menu of cracking food – their current pop-up is vegan fast food purveyor Lucky Clucker. Come nightfall, head upstairs to The Lexington’s live music venue, which has played host to legends and lesser-known musicians of the indie scene, including Billy Bragg, Joan As Policewoman, The Pastels and Pere Ubu.

The Alpaca

The Alpaca is an independent pub run by a team with a genuine love for food and drink, and a community-minded nature. Found on Essex Road, it’s established itself as a friendly neighbourhood venue, hosting music gigs and other events.

Slim Jim’s

Slim Jim’s is a self-described rock ‘n’ roll dive and live music bar on Upper Street. Come for a rotating roster of live music (obviously), karaoke, rock-disco nights and perhaps a surprise or two – recently, real life band frontman Billie Joe Armstrong turned up and got on stage at a Green Day tribute gig!