Hope and Anchor - Pub & Music Venue

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Although it may not bear resemblance to its legendary past, few pubs have a musical past as iconic and credible as Islington's Hope and Anchor. Once home to many of punk and post-punk's greatest acts, including The Clash, the Stranglers, Joy Division, The Damned, Madness, and U2, Hope and Anchor went through a reinvention during the 1980's temporarily putting to bed its music legacy.

The pub was reinvigorated during the 1990's, hosting live music once again playing host to then up and coming bands Ash and Keane (which was in fact the latter's first ever show).

The main room as you walk in from Upper Street is a large, brightly lit space with high ceilings and large windows at the front and right hand side of the building. Despite its rock history, the main room is impeccably clean and the décor even looks somewhat "up-market", especially during the evening when the lights are dimmed. Renovations to the room have really modernised the pub and the only real indication of the pub's history is via the old flyers and posters that are now tastefully framed and sparingly placed around the walls. This allows for a diverse crowd including casually dressed and nicely dressed 25-45 year olds with no obvious connection to the venue's rock and punk history.

Upstairs is where all the live action takes place and today you can still witness great up and coming indie, punk and metal acts in addition to the pub's comedy nights.

Sit yourself in one of the comfy booths alongside the right hand side window, or sit at one of the tall tables in the centre of the room, drop some coins into the jukebox and enjoy the vibes of this extremely relaxed pub. Hope and Anchor also serves up tasty food including burgers and a Sunday roast. Drop by and have a pint and immerse yourself in music history.

#pubs
#nightlife
#music_venues
#islington
#history
%wnlondon