The Old Red Lion Theatre - Islington - Pub Reviews

The Old Red Lion’s Victorian red-brick exterior on St John Street in Angel, Islington. The Old Red Lion Theatre Pub is a historic pub and fringe theatre in Islington, London (418 St John Street, EC1V 4NJ), known for blending traditional pub charm with a vibrant cultural scene. This Grade II-listed Victorian pub – the current building was constructed in 1899 on a site that’s housed a tavern since 1415 – exudes old-world character while serving the modern needs of its patrons. It’s a popular haunt for theatre buffs, local residents, and nearby office workers alike, drawn by the unique combination of well-kept ales, hearty food, and live performances upstairs. The pub currently holds a solid customer rating (around 4.1/5), reflecting a positive reputation for atmosphere, food, and service. Opening hours are 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Monday to Thursday, 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM on Friday and Saturday, and 12:00 PM – 10:30 PM on Sundays.

Facilities & Entertainment

The Old Red Lion offers a cosy, no-frills setting with a focus on its distinctive entertainment offering. Notably, there is no on-site parking available (standard for central London), and you won’t find the usual pub games like dartboards or pool tables here. In fact, the pub largely eschews big-screen sports as well, maintaining an environment oriented more toward conversation and pre-show buzz rather than loud match days. Instead, the entertainment centrepiece is the 50-seat theatre located on the pub’s first floor, which hosts an array of performances and gives the venue its unique identity. For more low-key fun, the pub provides board games for patrons to enjoy at their tables, adding to the community feel. There’s also an outdoor patio (a small beer garden at the rear) where visitors can grab some fresh air with their drinks – a nicely secluded spot that’s especially popular in decent weather. Overall, while it lacks TVs blaring sports or arcade machines, The Old Red Lion compensates with a culturally rich atmosphere and a friendly space to relax before or after a show.

Food on Offer

The Old Red Lion serves up a concise menu of classic British pub fare, done well. Think of hearty staples like beer-battered fish and chips or a juicy cheeseburger – unpretentious comfort foods that hit the spot. There are usually vegetarian and vegan choices available too (for example, a tasty plant-based burger or a fresh salad), ensuring most visitors will find something to their liking. The kitchen also rolls out occasional special dishes on weekends, keeping the menu interesting for regulars.

One standout culinary offering here is the Sunday roast, which many patrons consider a must-try. The roast comes as a generously portioned plate with succulent meat (or a nut roast for vegetarians) and all the traditional trimmings – it’s the kind of hearty, comforting meal that regulars rave about. In fact, the Sunday roasts tend to draw a crowd and can even sell out due to their popularity. If you’re visiting towards the end of the week, it’s worth timing your visit to catch this highlight. And no matter the day, you can expect well-executed pub classics that deliver on quality. The menu manages to balance pub tradition with a few modern touches, and it’s inclusive enough that both carnivores and vegans will leave satisfied.

Beers on Tap

Beer enthusiasts will be happy with the selection at The Old Red Lion, which reflects a dedication to quality real ales and craft brews. As an independent pub (not tied to a single brewery), it usually offers a mix of popular British ales alongside rotating guest beers from London and beyond. On any given visit, you might find a couple of reliable staple ales – say, a familiar bitter or pale ale – complemented by one or two seasonal or guest taps that change periodically. This means there’s often something new to try, whether it’s a hoppy craft IPA from a local microbrewery or a limited-edition brew on cask. Traditionalists will recognise some well-known names (it wouldn’t be unusual to see a pint of Fuller’s London Pride or a similar classic available), while the more adventurous can sample the guest ale of the week.

Importantly, the pub takes good care of its beer. The cask ales here are maintained in prime condition – a fact noted by many a real ale fan. In my experience, each pint is poured properly and tastes fresh, indicating the lines are cleaned regularly and the staff know how to keep their beer. The bartenders are quite knowledgeable about what’s on tap and can readily offer recommendations, whether you’re unsure which ale to pick or you’re looking to try something new. Of course, if beer isn’t your drink of choice, the bar also stocks the usual range of lagers, wines, and spirits. But it’s those well-kept ales and the rotating taps that truly shine, underscoring the pub’s commitment to a great pint.

Price Range & Value

By central London standards, The Old Red Lion falls into a reasonable mid-range (££) price category. A visit here won’t break the bank, especially considering the location and the quality on offer. Expect roughly typical prices for the Angel/Islington area: a pint of beer is usually around the £5 mark (give or take a few pence depending on the brew), and most main dishes on the menu tend to range in the low-to-mid teens (£10–£15). For example, a hearty burger with chips or the fish and chips will hover around that price point, which most patrons find fair for the portions and taste delivered.

Value for money is a consistent theme in customer feedback. You get what you pay for – in a good way – as ingredients are fresh and meals are cooked properly, and pints are well looked after. There aren’t many gimmicks or upsells here; it’s honest pub pricing. Service charge isn’t typically included just for ordering at the bar, and tipping is up to your discretion. Overall, while you might find cheaper pints in a no-frills chain pub or far outside the city centre, the consensus is that The Old Red Lion offers a satisfying experience at a fair price. A hearty meal plus a quality ale here feels like money well spent, especially when combined with the lively atmosphere and entertainment on hand.

Customer Service

Walk into The Old Red Lion and you’ll likely be greeted with a warm welcome – it’s the kind of place where the staff help set a genial tone. In fact, the pub has been family-run for over 25 years, and that pride of ownership comes through in the service. Regulars often note the friendly, down-to-earth nature of the team behind the bar. Whether it’s the landlord or the bartenders, they tend to be chatty (when it’s not too busy) and genuinely welcoming, making newcomers feel like locals. I found that from the moment I arrived, I was looked after promptly and with a smile. The staff are quick to recommend a local ale that you might enjoy or to chat about the evening’s playbill if you’re heading upstairs to the theatre. There’s a palpable sense of community, as many of the staff have been there a while and recognise returning patrons.

Service is generally efficient and attentive. Even during the pre-show rush when dozens of theatre-goers flood the bar to get drinks, the team manages to keep lines moving at a decent pace. Empty glasses are collected, tables wiped, and any food orders are delivered without undue delay. Of course, as with any popular venue, if you catch the pub at its absolute peak (say, right before a sold-out performance or on a packed Friday night), you might wait a touch longer for that pint or for your meal to arrive. However, those moments of slow-down are the exception rather than the rule. By and large, the Old Red Lion’s crew handles the crowds well. The combination of efficiency and genuine friendliness leaves a strong impression – it’s the sort of service that turns first-timers into repeat visitors. When a pub’s staff can juggle busy service while still making small talk and remembering your last order, you know you’re in good hands.

Events & Special Nights

True to its name, The Old Red Lion Theatre Pub shines when it comes to events – principally, the theatrical kind. The upstairs theatre is the star attraction and hosts an ever-rotating program of plays, comedy nights, readings, and experimental performances throughout the year. This intimate venue (around 50 seats in a black-box style setting) has been running since 1979 and has earned an esteemed place in London’s fringe theatre scene. In fact, the theatre has long been a platform for emerging talent and new writing – over the decades it’s debuted works by now-renowned playwrights and given many actors and directors their first break. It’s not an exaggeration to say that this pub is also an important Off-West End theatre, with one publication calling it “one of the most acclaimed Off-West End venues for powerful and vital theatre”. For theatre enthusiasts, catching a show here can be a thrill, as you might be witnessing the early days of the next big thing in drama or comedy. The schedule changes frequently, so one week you might attend a laugh-out-loud stand-up comedy night, and the next week find a cutting-edge new play or a small arts festival taking place upstairs.

In the main pub downstairs, the events are a bit more low-key but still engaging. While this isn’t a pub known for weekly quizzes or loud DJ nights (the focus really is on the theatre), they do occasionally host special gatherings in the bar area. These might include post-show Q&A sessions, meet-and-greets with the cast after a premiere, or themed nights that tie in with whatever is on stage. For example, if the theatre is running a horror play marathon, the bar might sling a special cocktail for the occasion or decorate accordingly. On big national occasions – say, a World Cup football match or the Six Nations rugby – the pub has been known to pull down a projector screen or fire up the big TV so patrons can watch together, but these instances are infrequent and usually secondary to the main identity of the place. Generally, if you’re coming to the Old Red Lion, you’re either there for the fringe theatre or to soak up the theatre-centric vibe. It’s a pub that wears its cultural heart on its sleeve, and the “special events” it offers tend to align with that spirit. Keep an eye on their notice board or social media for announcements of any unique nights, but rest assured that on most evenings, the combination of a lively crowd and maybe the anticipation of a show upstairs provides all the buzz you’ll need.

Atmosphere & Accessibility

Inside The Old Red Lion – the pub’s interior retains its vintage charm with wood-panelled walls, an ornate bar, and a cosy fireplace nook. The atmosphere inside The Old Red Lion Theatre Pub strikes a delightful balance between cosy traditional and lively artistic. Stepping in, you’re greeted by classic pub character: dark wood-panelled walls, a long wooden bar, and vintage-style seating that invites you to settle in. In one corner, a fireplace (put to good use on chilly evenings) adds to the warmth – literally and figuratively. The pub’s Victorian heritage is evident in the details; one can spot original features like etched glass panels and old lantern-style light fixtures that harken back to another era. Yet it doesn’t feel stuffy or museum-like – the decor may be historic, but the vibe is convivial and down-to-earth. There’s often music playing softly in the background and a friendly murmur of conversation filling the room. As the evening progresses and showtime nears, the energy picks up: you’ll hear excited chatter from theatregoers discussing the performance they’re about to see (or just saw), mixing with the usual laughter and pub banter from locals. It’s an atmosphere that feels warm and “buzzy” without being rowdy – animated but still comfortable enough to chat with friends.

The clientele here is notably diverse, which further enriches the atmosphere. On a given night, you might have a group of avid theatre enthusiasts at one table poring over a script or program, a couple of office workers at the bar unwinding with pints after work, and a few long-time neighbourhood regulars in the mix as well. This blend of patrons gives the pub a welcoming, all-comers feel. Despite the cultural twist of the theatre, you don’t have to be an arts buff to enjoy the ambiance; many people simply come for a quality pint and end up soaking in the creative vibe by osmosis. Conversations at the bar can range from the day’s work and local goings-on to impromptu debates about the play that’s on that night. The staff’s friendliness contributes to this inclusive mood, often remembering names and orders, which adds a community pub touch.

In terms of layout and comfort, the Old Red Lion is small-to-medium in size and quite cosy. Seating is a mix of traditional pub tables and chairs and a few cushioned benches along the walls. It can get rather packed at peak times – especially right before an evening performance when theatre ticket holders converge to grab drinks. During these rushes, the space feels full of life, though it also means tables become a hot commodity. If you prefer a guaranteed seat, it’s wise to arrive a bit early to stake out a spot (the after-work crowd tends to trickle in from 5–7 PM on weekdays). That said, the pub’s layout includes a couple of distinct areas, so if the front by the bar is jammed, there might be a quieter nook toward the back. The management has wisely kept the original floor plan mostly intact, preserving those snug corners and alcoves that add character, even if it limits the total number of seats. For many, that intimate scale is part of the charm – it creates a sense of being in a genuine local pub rather than a generic chain venue.

Accessibility is relatively decent given the building’s age, though with a few caveats. The main entrance from St John Street is only a small step up (practically level), so getting inside with a wheelchair or stroller is doable, and once inside the ground floor is all one level. The bar area can have tight corners and narrow passages, as is typical for a Victorian pub, which might be a bit of a squeeze on crowded nights. Unfortunately, the theatre upstairs is only reachable by a staircase (no lift available), which is something to be mindful of for those with mobility issues. On the pub level, there is a restroom, but if it’s not fully accessible that could pose challenges (the pub’s website or staff could clarify current facilities if needed). On the plus side, dogs are welcome here – it’s not uncommon to see a friendly pup curled up at its owner’s feet, contributing to the homely atmosphere. For patrons who prefer to sit outside, as mentioned, there is a small beer garden patio out back and a couple of tables out front when weather permits. These outdoor spots are especially enjoyable in summer, although they fill up quickly on a sunny afternoon. In summary, the pub does a good job working within its historic constraints to be as accommodating as possible, and the staff are happy to help (they’ll gladly carry a drink over for you if you can’t navigate through a crowd, for example). The overall atmosphere – warm, inviting, and rich with character – is one that most people, locals or visitors, can appreciate immediately upon walking through the door.

Location & Nearby Attractions

Situated in the heart of Angel, Islington, The Old Red Lion benefits from a fantastic and bustling location. The pub’s address on St John Street places it just a stone’s throw from the Angel intersection and tube station, making it extremely easy to reach via public transport. In fact, Angel Underground Station (Northern Line) is only about a 2-minute walk away, practically around the corner – so meeting friends here or stopping in during a day of sightseeing is very convenient. Several bus routes also serve the area, and for those coming from central London, King’s Cross St Pancras and Farringdon stations are not far either (a short bus or taxi ride). Despite this centrality, the pub’s immediate surroundings feel pleasantly local. St John Street has a mix of shops, cafés, and other pubs, and just behind the Old Red Lion lies Chapel Market, a classic London street market. Chapel Market is known for its fresh produce stalls and quirky vendors; it’s worth a wander if you’re visiting during the day (and it’s a great source of street food or dessert after your pub lunch).

Angel itself is a vibrant area teeming with things to do. If you’re a culture lover, you’ll be pleased to find Sadler’s Wells Theatre only about a 5-minute walk from The Old Red Lion. Sadler’s Wells is one of London’s premier dance and performance venues, so you could conceivably enjoy an experimental fringe play at the Old Red Lion’s upstairs theatre one night and a world-class ballet at Sadler’s Wells the next. Additionally, the neighbourhood is full of restaurants and bars along Upper Street and Pentonville Road – everything from trendy cocktail bars to casual eateries. For example, just around the block there’s a cluster of international dining options, and the famed Camden Passage (with its antique shops and cafés) is also within walking distance. If you’re up for a longer walk, you can head south toward Clerkenwell and the edge of the City, or north towards Islington’s Almeida Theatre and even Highbury. But many find that Angel has enough to keep them occupied: after a show and a pint at The Old Red Lion, you might pop over to one of the nearby dessert places (there’s an ice cream parlour and a crêpe shop in the vicinity) or catch live music at another pub down the road.

For those driving (if you must), be aware that parking is quite scarce on the streets immediately around the pub, especially during work hours; this is central London after all. There are some paid parking lots a few blocks away, but generally, using public transport or a taxi/rideshare is the way to go. Cycling is another option as there are bike lanes on some of the main roads and bike racks around Angel. As a final note, the pub’s location in Angel makes it a nice meeting point if your group is coming from various parts of the city – it’s roughly equidistant from the West End and the trendy eastern neighbourhoods like Shoreditch. In short, whether you’re a local Islingtonian or a traveller exploring London, The Old Red Lion is excellently positioned as a launching pad (or a final stop) for an enjoyable day or night out.

Overall Impression

The Old Red Lion Theatre Pub delivers a truly special pub experience by seamlessly combining the best of London pub tradition with a streak of artistic flair. It’s rare to find a place where you can enjoy a perfectly pulled pint of ale, tuck into a satisfying plate of food, and then simply head upstairs for a live theatre performance – all under one roof. Yet here it all feels natural, as if pubs and plays were always meant to coexist. The pub itself has plenty of appeal even without the theatre: over 600 years of history on its site, a cosy Victorian interior, flavourful pints, and friendly service make it a standout on its own. Add the vibrant fringe theatre scene to that mix, and it elevates the Old Red Lion into a league of its own. It’s no wonder this spot is often cited as one of London’s oldest and most beloved pub-theatres – it has an authentic charm that captures both the past and the present.

Of course, no pub is without its minor quirks. The Old Red Lion’s popularity and limited size mean it can get a bit cramped during peak times, and snagging a table might require timing and patience. Those who prefer expansive, modern bars with lots of elbow room might find it a tad tight on a busy night. Additionally, if you’re specifically looking for a sports bar atmosphere or pub games galore, this isn’t the place – the absence of TVs blaring sports or a pool table is notable, though in line with the pub’s character. However, these are relatively small quibbles when weighed against all the positives. The consistent praise it earns for its welcoming ambiance, quality offerings, and unique entertainment speaks volumes.

The Old Red Lion Theatre Pub is a gem in the Angel/Islington area that’s well worth a visit, whether you’re a local or just passing through London. It offers a warm, community vibe and a taste of true London pub heritage, all while nurturing cutting-edge theatre upstairs – a combination that gives it a special place in the city’s cultural tapestry. Many patrons (myself included) leave with fond memories, be it of an excellent Sunday roast, an exciting new play, or simply a great conversation over a pint in that wood-panelled bar. It’s the kind of pub that invites you to linger and soak in the atmosphere. I’d recommend The Old Red Lion to anyone seeking a genuine, enriching London pub experience – just be prepared to immerse yourself in its lively culture and, if you’re lucky, catch an unforgettable show along the way.