No Such Place

Looking for a romantic, candlelit Islington cocktail bar with great food and live music from a string quartet?

There’s No Such Place.

And as bars go, it’s far more brilliant than its humble name would suggest. See, in spite of its attempts to draw no attention to itself whatsoever, the hidden cocktail bar Knowhere Special has achieved such a following in Kentish Town that it’s now spawned this sister site.

The space is considerably more expansive than the original, but they’ve managed to keep it feeling cosy with a couple of distinct areas. At the front, you’ll find candlelit tables for two and retro lounge chairs; further in is the dining room with tables for 4-6 overlooking the open kitchen, and a fuchsia pink grand piano. And further beyond that is the heated beer garden, furnished with an eclectic bunch of picnic benches, baroque mirrors and arts & crafts antique sideboards.

Like its forebear, No Such Place’s speciality is cocktails. And here you’ll find a remarkable line-up on the menu, each featuring some kind of liqueur, infusion or distillate crafted in-house (check out the library of home-brew bottles behind the bar). There’s the Pistachio & Apple, a moreish cloudy concoction capped with thick white foam and freeze-dried raspberry; the Prune & Walnut, stirring prune-infused bourbon, black walnut bitters and Amaro Montenegro; and the Pear & Cinnamon; a steaming hot toddy with spiced whisky and a sprinkling of nutmeg, served in a dimpled pint glass.

And what about that open kitchen, you ask? Good question. This is where they’re putting together an array of exceptionally good small plates, from pub classics like vegetarian Scotch eggs with house-made piccalilli; to an exquisite mushroom bhaji dish using four types of mushroom; crispy rabbit croquettes with plum and tarragon; and even larger plates of sirloin steak or slow-cooked brisket. And you can cap that off with a dessert from their daily specials board (the brownie’s too good to share).

This rare combination of top-shelf food and drink with a relaxed atmosphere is what makes the spot so winning. This is a neighbourhood bar at heart; with a laid-back vibe and warm service. There are DJs on Friday and Saturday nights. Dogs are welcome, especially at weekends, when a string quartet is also on hand to provide a brunch soundtrack of classically reworked pop…

…which should go well with your bubbles.

NOTE: No Such Place is open daily from 8.30am (weekdays) and 12pm (weekends) till late (closing 6pm Mondays). You can find out more, and make a booking, HERE.

No Such Place | 190 New North Road, Islington, N1 7BJ

Since you’re in the neighbourhood… check out these other great Islington restaurants