Old Red Lion Theatre Pub

Small cosy theatre, upstairs in the Old Red Lion pub, in Islington. Fringe productions from talented groups. Good to visit for a beer downstairs and then watch a play.

This is an interesting and historic pub just south of Angel tube, with a theatre upstairs and a good choice of real ales.


There has been a pub on this site since 1453, although the current Grade-II listed building was designed by architects Eedle and Myers and completed in 1899. Thomas Paine wrote part of The Rights of Man in the previous building.


Although it is hard to appreciate the architecture from the busy road outside, its listed status derives from the interesting amalgam of Classical, Renaissance and Jacobean styles in the façade, executed in red brick, granite and stucco, with lots of etched glazing and original ironwork.


The front part of the interior, which includes the bar area, is also very traditional, with glazed wooden partitions, although the rear section is - in rather stark contrast - just a big empty space with dull maroon banquettes in need of some tlc.


The main event is a good range of real ales (currently including Fuller's London Pride, Timothy Taylor Landlord, Harvey's Sussex Best Bitter, and Woodforde's Wherry Bitter) and, of course, the theatre upstairs, which specialises in Fringe and new writing. It has been listed in CAMRA's Good Beer Guide since 2009.


Service was pretty good on my last visit, although unfortunately two of the beers ran out in quick succession. Busy after work and before the theatre starts.

This is a very nice olde style pub. The dominant red interior decor makes the place feel cosier, which is obviously a bonus. The divider to the right as you enter is particularly attractive, although ultimately pointless.
There is a theater upstairs if beer isn't entertaining enough for you. Or you can stick downstairs and play various games.

Beers Sussex Best, Landlord and 1 less interesting beer I have forgotten. As common beers go, not a bad choice.
Pub on this site for over 500 years, back when it was a village with fields n that.

The old red lion is such a great neighborhood pub and playhouse. The wood floors creak with age, the bar pours good ales, both cask and cold, and there are happy hour specials. I came for a pint and to see the play Battolockoclock (sp). The playhouse was upstairs in the most intimate of settings. Three rows of bench seats surrounds the stage on two sides. The front row is two feet from where the stage is.
Our show was great, just over an hour and the performance right in front of you packed a punch. I would recommend a show to everyone who likes theater. Barely a barrier between the stage.
I would come back to this pub for a drink and to watch some sport as well. I hope this neighborhood gem stays around forever.

Nice, cosy pub moments from Angel tube station, I've spent many an enjoyable and drunken Sunday afternoon in here with friends,
It does have a fantastic mix of arty, theatre types and local oldies, presumably who've taken a wander from Kings Cross to come have a drink in here.

The pub has a fantastic Jule box, and is perfect for large groups.
The wonderful thing about Old Red Lion is that there's a fantastic theatre upstairs, showcasing the UK's most exciting new theatre talent . The former artistic director, Charlie Hanson (of Harry Hill and Extras fame) cemented the theatre's reputation as being a hotbed of talent. New Artistic Director Helen Devine continues with this vision. The theatre is open Tuesday through to Saturday, and performances begin at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £10 (£8 concessions) so not cheap, but you only have to glace at the photos adorning the walls downstairs to see an example of the talented actors that have performed there.

Perfect for a cosy drink, and for a cultural evening out.

If I could hug a bar I would hug The Old Red Lion*.. cos it feels just like home. And not in your crappy 'we bought the Guinness package from the brewery' fakery that other 'Irish' pubs do.

Instead of slapping up a few stout signs and ye olde pictures, they've created a very Irish warmth in a traditional English pub. It's not the fanciest place, in fact it's a bit shabby.. but that just makes it comfortable!

Off the beaten track from Angel, you get the laid back people just looking for a quiet drink and not a yuppie, poseur scene. On a Friday night, we were able to slip in and get a seat straight away.

The bartenders may as well have been imported from home with their chatty friendliness and ease. I think I finally realise why there are so many Irish bars in the world, people are trying to replicate this essence of the lOld Red Lion and fail.

They even sell Taytos.. proper Irish crisps, only sold in Ireland, for you plebs.

* I've propped up a bar, not hugged it. Don't you dare judge me.

This place is welcoming and comfortable, and doesn't possess a lot of the pretentiousness and snobbery that I often find at bars in the area. Instead it doesn't try to hide what it is, a shabby pub that lacks good lighting with a fair amount of a seating and a theatre upstairs. This sort of atmosphere is exactly what I was looking for in a pub in London, it's laid back and welcoming, filled with all different sorts. Prices are reasonable, bar staff is friendly

Doesn't seem to get too busy either, except for the last few minutes before a performance at the theatre when there are people queuing to get tickets.

My friends and I loved this place when I studied abroad. It's cozy, it's right next to the Angel station, and there are a bunch of board games that we could make into drinking games. It's a brilliant place and I love it so much. They lived in a building close to the pub, and after classes we'd drop off our stuff and go over to the pub to de-stress from classes, ogle the cute bartenders, and relax. And we'd normally end up really buzzed or drunk by the end of the night because we'll play drinking games, or just decide to make it a "shots" night. The publicans probably remember us as the loud Americans, but I had so much fun here that it's alright.

I love coming especially during big game nights, because they'll put up the huge screen and we can watch the game on that. There are normally enough seats if you get there either late or early enough - we normally arrived around 9:30/10PM and there were always enough seats. I wish I could go back just to have one more drink with my friends, but I'll need to save up more first.

Been here a few times now and I always feel totally relaxed in here.
Almost like I am in Ireland for some reason, probably because it is quite informal and jolly and there always seems to be an old man perched on the end of the bar.

Great place to come with a friend for a chat or a game,(I've seen people playing connect 4 in here once)
There is a Theatre upstairs so the bar gets pretty busy after the shows.

We came here to watch the rugby and we had an excellent time.. great pies and am excellent selection of ales. The staff were attentive and friendly with the addition of a selection of board games very much welcomed. The only downside is the single ladies toilet which meant a queue for much of the night. A good pub, great food and huge screens for the sport. The pies were spot on!