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VERSION:2.1
N:The Kings Head
FN:The Kings Head
TEL;WORK;VOICE:020 7226 1916
ADR;WORK:;;115 Upper St;N1 1QN
URL:http://www.kingsheadtheatre.org/
NOTE:This is a great pub - one of the best in Islington.  An amazing mix of people - relatively few suits, a comprehensive age range and a "cultural" mix which is very typical of N1.  It's also a place with loads of character and history. The pub goes back to the 19th century and many of the original features from the Victorian era are still present, including working gas lamps.
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They also still charge you for your pint in pre-decimal currency; the King's Head allegedly being one of the UK's last retail outlets using pounds, shillings and pence - and all of this on an original restored till.  Eat your heart out Tesco.
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There's a good range of decent ales, well kept, including Adnam's, Young's, Tetley and Wadsworth 6X.  If you are a wine buff, there's just the house red, a decent Tempranillo and a Pinot Grigio house white, also perfectly drinkable. But if you want to see the wine list - forget it.  There isn't one.  And while you are at it, don't go there hungry - gastro it is not - indeed, they don't do food other than as follows.
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What they do do is theatre and live music.  The theatre at the back of the pub was the brainchild of the late Dan Crawford.  In fringe terms, it is famous, and many productions, have deservedly transferred to the West End.  And, by the way, incongruously, for theatre patrons only, you can dine very well indeed on smoked salmon, roast lamb and so forth for just £16. Bizarre...
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On the live music front, once the theatre finishes at around ten, the focus moves up front to the pub where every night there is something different - from rock to jazz to country to blues to cover bands - mostly good to very good, professional and usually on time.
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And the staff?  Generally polite and efficient and when it's not heaving with the theatre and music crowds, very friendly as well.
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Man and older man I've been drawn back there for more than twenty years.  It's that sort of place.
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