My teenager and I stumbled upon this friendly neighborhood pub when we tried to get into the Old Queen's Head a couple of blocks away on a Sunday evening but didn't have reservations. We hoped to catch a Sunday roast here but by the time we got here, around 6, they were all gone. However things turned out great. We found a table upstairs overlooking the pub. I got a steak pie with a savory gravy, beautifully plated over braised kale and mashed potatoes. My kid had a burger. He had the wild idea to order nachos and I said WHAT? We're from California so we're nacho snobs, right? OK the nachos were made with flour tortilla chips but they were fantastic. Really crunchy and generous with toppings. I had nonalcoholic beer on tap (why don't we have that here in the US?) and he had a fruity cider. The best part is, that Sunday was Pub Trivia night! We got to join the trivia and even though a lot of it was purely British, we had a blast and did pretty well if I must say! The man who ran the trivia was a DOLL, so sweet and helpful. The girl behind the bar was a SWEETHEART. We felt like it was OUR neighborhood pub. A wonderful evening. read more

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Five star ambiance. It doesn't get any better than a cozy table upstairs with a full bar downstairs and tons of great people watching all night. The food's good, and I appreciate that it's not just another Nicholson's or Wetherspoon's franchise with a faux handwritten menu and the city's "best" fish n' chips. It may not win any major culinary awards, but they've got a weekly special before 6pm where you can get a two-course starter and main for £12. Top it off with a couple of cask ales and you've basically got everything I need from a pub. read more

The Bull - Scotch egg! - Pubs Near Me - London, XGL

The Bull is a modern two-floor pub on Upper Street in Islington. The pub has a glass frontage that spreads across two open plan floors. The interior has a fairly attractive modern design. There are tables and chairs across both floors, though it seems geared toward groups of four or less. As one would expect it has a full bar. Though perhaps a little lacking in character it attracts a good crowd, and on weekend evenings has a fun, lively atmosphere. read more

The Bull - Pubs Near Me - London, XGL

The Bull is a great pub for a drink. It has a ruggedness about it that makes it cosy. When you step in you forget about the hustle and bustle of the city and are able to relax. It does get busy; if you are looking for a pub for a quiet drink the best time to go is on Sunday evenings. Friday and Saturday nights the pub is packed and people are almost spilling into the street. The only noise inside is the chatter of voices, I've never been there and seen a DJ or any other annoying music makers, just people, laughing and talking. The Bull has an interesting mix of beers; I've even tasted a Raspberry flavoured beer, which was interesting. I'm not a big beer fan and it was a bit sweet for my taste, but my friends seemed to like it, even if it was a bit froufrou. They have a good selection of wines and do serve pub food. I've never ordered the food but I like the various sauvignon blancs, very good. Overall, The Bull has a nice atmosphere and isn't a bad place to hang out. read more

The Bull - Pubs Near Me - London, XGL

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Was here on a Saturday night and I think I'm getting a bit old for places like this. I'm really built for comfort and not loud music, pushing/shoving etc etc. Got the table for 2 under the stairs, drinks at the bar from a girl who when I asked for a Corona she said that they didn't stock it but recommended their Mexican beer which was Modelo (stumpy bottle with a foil covered cap, see pictures) and she correctly served with a slice of lime inserted in the neck. Ordered food and this is were it started to go a bit south. Music was actually very good, urban remixes of mainstream songs but it was getting louder and louder, lights got dimmer and dimmer, crowd busier/pushier, food arrived and was closer to cold than warm... When re-ordering drinks the bar staff were soooo slow. No lime in my beer etc etc so only for my company and the odd tune that made me think "interesting version" this place had little redeeming features. read more

The Bull - Pubs Near Me - London, XGL

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I attended a recent Wine Wednesday at The Bull to say goodbye to Linzi before she left us for Vancouver. It's a 10 minute walk from Angel Tube but my attention was distracted by many restaurant menus on the walk up. The pub itself is pre-modern chic with seating on the ground and first floors. The Yelp crew managed to snag a large table but the limitied room meant lots of people squeezing past our table all night. So, a little cramped for a large party. Being teetotal, I wasn't too impressed by their lack of options for non-drinkers. However, the wine seemed to be enjoyed by my fellow Yelpers. The Bull was an average venue but the Yelp event was nevertheless a blast as usual. read more

If the words 'wine Wednesday' spark the same sense of desire in your liver, er, heart as they do in mine, then you are certainly going to enjoy the Bull. Maybe a little too much... Although it's part of a larger chain, the atmosphere is lively, the food comes piping hot and tasty (the spinach, potato and lentil burger was a particular fave), the large windows swing open and of course the kicker: no one can fault a place with £7 bottles of wine. No one. Try it, you'll like it! read more

Great pub with comfy sofas and armchairs (I totally dig sofas and armchairs in public places...), nice big tables for groups as well as more cosy, intimate places (in case it's just you and your date, your best friend, your significant other, ...), a *very* decent selection of good and reasonably priced wine as well as a good international selection of beers, excellent chips (I concur with Valentina here: although I am not American, I just HAVE to order chips when in a pub - it's almost like a reflex), friendly, patient and very attentive (in sum: awesome) staff, and an interesting mix of people. I love people-watching, and so far this is one of my favourite spots to do so. To put it simply: I like! Now, if only they could offer some more vegan food options (I thought that falafel might be an option but was told that it contains egg - and that's just wrong, what's up with that?!), I would happily give this place 5 stars... read more

For my first visit to Upper Street I got to join a group of Yelpers for a Wine Wednesday at The Bull, and can I just say...fine establishment, fun people, free booze (oh wait, nevermind, just checked my wallet, I'm down 25 quid). But hey, 25 quid for a great selection of wine over a few hours is NOT bad. Most bottles on a Wednesday are 7 quid anyway...you can't beat that, especially if you're splitting it - which I do, sometimes :) After a couple bottles (not on my own, I swear!) I was feeling the munchies and had to order the chips - because, as an American, that's what you order at a British Pub. If you purchase the 5 quid plate you get mayo, ketchup and the most delectable yellow-colored sauce I've ever had. I was SURE it was a gourmet honey mustard mixture, but the bartender ASSURED me it was, wait for it..... drumroll.... Mango Curry Creme Fraiche. (My new favorite 4 words.) I would say that I'd go back to The Bull, but there are SO many fun/cute/delectable-looking places on Upper Street that it's gonna take the next few months to get through all of them! read more

You know what you can't beat? A bottle of totally drinkable wine for £7 on a Wednesday on Upper Street. Is it a Tuesday and you want beer? Then the Bull isn't your place. Is it a Friday and you want wine and dinner? Then the Bull might not be your place, either. But if it's a Wednesday and you want wine, then it's the Bull. It's only the Bull. It's only ever been the Bull. Wine Wednesday. The Bull. Wine Wednesday. Remember. Wine Wednesday at the Bull. read more

Make your own bloody mary station. Nuff Said. (oh and the food is overpriced but the station makes up for that) read more

I'm more at a 2.5 stars, but we'll go with two for now, until this place starts to amaze me. While there isn't anything particularly bad about The Bull, there just isn't anything particularly good about it. There is no real flair about this place that would make you want to consistently come back. Granted I've been here several times and will continue to return, but that is simply due to proximity. It is in a good location, located between many restaurants and other equal or better bars in the area on Upper Street. They do seem to have some decent deals on bottles of wine from time to time, so that is a potential bonus. Haven't sampled the faire here and probably won't, due again to the fact that there are some really great places to eat just down the street from here. However, this place is good for a drink or two en-route to or from somewhere else on Upper. read more

WINE WEDNESDAY As soon as I heard these words I knew I'd come into this pub on the right day! It was a Wednesday after all. Look at the menu, most bottles are £7. Yup you heard me seven quid! And that's for a pretty decent bottle too. I didn't think much of this place at all until slowly I started to see things clearly (it could have been the wine though) and I noticed little things that made it lovely. From the big tables that all my friends could fit around to the big squishy arm chairs. It was just one great thing after the other. A great spot for an after work drink. I don't think I will ever look at Wednesdays in the same way again! read more

I was here just before Christmas .. the place was buzzing, everyone happy, the staff on form and the music great. I got ridiculously drunk ... the wine is potent..... im a light weight but had a very enjoyable evening! read more

Getting drunk on a school night is big and, despite what my Mum keeps telling me, it is clever. Especially when you have a gruelling day of dull meetings ahead of you the following day. I was invited to see a friend's band play last night and to my surprise both the band and the venue did me a service in getting good and toasted when really I should have been tucked up in bed with a book and a warm mug of cocoa. Having wandered right past the entrance and bimbling around the Highbury & Islington tube station entrance looking a jackass I finally made it in. £4.00 should cover you for entry. When I got downstairs a band called 'Gone Wrong Robot' were playing and they were ok, but I soon realised they had something lacking.... Oh yes that would be a drummer and were backed up with a tape deck I think. I became drenched in a panic sweat when I thought '"I'm going to have to pretend to my friend that I like the band even though apparently they have an anti-drummer policy". This was not the case as they hadn't taken to the stage yet. We got some drinks. Prices are standard for a place with live music. 3/4 nuggets for a bottle of cider/beer and all manor of crazyness with spirits. The band we were there to see, 'Old School Tie', were actually very good. They had a Friendly Fires vibe about them. I was more pleased about the fact I wouldn't have to lie through my teeth once they left the stage. Whilst the venue doesn't inspire you to start moshing and punch a 12 year old in the face like you may be tempted to do at a festival, it is the type of environment where people appreciate the fact that bands need the support of friends and family, so dancing along is very much encouraged. If there's one thing that let's the place down it its size, but hey we all have to start somewhere... My stand-up gigs are currently played to an audience of 1 in my flat (I'm hoping to double this when my Mum comes down to visit) Good night out, but a few drinkies will enhance, which is generally the case. Sexy Rob - www.twitter.com/RobOrme read more

Right, so we were there on Wine Wednesday and much to the reader's shock perhaps, I inform that I did not partake in any wine whatsoever. A balmy summer day called for chilly, light drinks like Pimms and beers, of which they seemed to have a varied and excellent selection. Belgian beers, best-of from Leeds, Cornwall and what not, enough to keep one happy at the bar. It's a nice enough hangout in an area choc-a-bloc with several options... we liked the comfy sofas at the back where we got some respite from the sun and the heat outside. I'll probably stop by the place sometime again. Or not. It's just one of those places, you know, which isn't distinctive enough to stand out in one's memory for long but isn't bad either. Perhaps, I should reserve my judgment until I've eaten there... read more

So a yelper walks into a bar... ...and runs into the rest of Yelp at a table. It's like we have internal mechanisms like migrating birds, we know where the deals are! Really, I'm only in it for the wine wednesday, because the rest of the time, it's a little out of my walking radius for a pint, unless of course I'm in it for a proper Upper Street pub-hop-a-thon. Great place to meet up with friends, in that sort of "well, we'll just rearrange some seats and takeover tables" kind of way. read more

Great pub on Upper street, close to Mem & Laz, so after a feed there, head to the Bull for some drinks and chillaxing. It's more of a commerical pub, but a good one at that. Good music, decor, crowd. Gets pretty crowded at the weekend, as expected. worth checking out if you are in the area & fancy a bevvie. read more

I think The Bull suffers from an identity crisis. So it's a pub right? Like with a bar and serving food. My friend booked the upstairs bit for a his birthday party. And we're all there chatting and whatnot, and the music is just getting louder and louder. And louder. And louder. Like you could barely hear anyone. And I'm trying to say (which is difficult due to he noise) "Why is the music so loud, there's not even a dance floor." Because, well there isn't a dance floor and it's not a night club. But it really, really wants to be. When I went downstairs to use the bathroom, there was even a DJ spinning. I can see why the music is so loud, but why does a pub need a DJ? It's a bit pretentious... And speaking of pretentious, they seemed to have quite a selection of craft ales. That were terrible. Seriously, we moved on to Doombar due to the terribleness of the craft ales. Clearly a hipster must have picked the beers knowing that the beer was terrible but trying to be so cool and different s/he picked them anyway. Unless you like crappy beer and loud dance music in a venue with no dancing just avoid The Bull and go someplace else. read more

Wine Wednesday was the promise that dragged me through the door of The Bull in the heady days of early summer. The Bull is located almost equidistant from Angel and Highbury & Islington tube stations on Upper Street which makes it a good place for people watching. Most bottles of wine are only £7 which made for a good evening (and a sore head on Thursday). read more

I have been twice, and always left feeling happy and satisfied by the experience. The staff are friendly, fast, and attentive. I found the beer and wine selection good, and the sofas up the back very comfortable. The cliental are a diverse, and friendly mix of the local neighborhood. The food is good (chips v. good), but the selection of vegan options could be seriously improved. I need to come back here on Wednesday for the cheap wine specials. I am torn between three-and-four stars. If the place just felt a bit more unique it would be an easy four, but really it's a very solid 3.5 in my mind. read more

I must have walked past The Bull on my way home at least a 100 times and each time, I've thought I really must go in there. It looked very laid back, comfortable and people seemed to be enjoying themselves. So I finally went and it was Wine Wednesday. Ding ding ding!! £7.95 for a bottle of wine, yes please! We also got to do some quality Cougar watching, the clientèle cruising the edge of Islington cool and Islington chav. There seems to be a lot going on in this bar, an over-abundance of furnishings and signs perhaps, because it can be quite distracting. But it's in a great location and I may have found my home for most Wednesdays from now on. Not sure it was worth the anticipation though, it's really just a pub, nothing special besides the offers. read more

I stared and stared at a half a chicken. I was pretty sure it was my chicken, the chicken we ordered ages ago. We were sitting right in front of the kitchen, with a clear view of all the food being plated. I told my husband, "I think there's something wrong with those plates of food. They have been under the lamps for a while." Finally after waiting for our lunch for 50 minutes the server came over with the plates that had been sitting under the heating lamps for over 30 minutes! Needless to say the food was leathery and not so tasty. And a great shame because I was sooo looking forward to that chicken. I hadn't eaten all date and it was already 4 o'clock when we decided to call an end to a bad experience. They told us they couldn't find us to give us our food earlier but the place isn't that big. They gave us our money back without us having to ask. And that was the highlight of our experience there. read more

The Bull is another one of the busy pubs on Islington's Upper Street. Tables here fill up very quickly with the 6 o'clock office crowd but if you're lucky you might be able to grab one of the sofa's at the back of the room. Though The Bull has a full bar, not everything here is great quality. The house wine is pretty terrible but probably still better than the stuff they offer on draught (who's idea was that?!). I've had flat beer here a couple of times and a Fruli which was three quarters foam with only a splash of liquid at the very bottom of the glass. Every time I've complained the staff have shrugged and told me 'It's supposed to be like that'. Food is also a bit patchy in its standards. I've been told they make a pretty good Fish and Chips here but I've only ventured so far as to try the Calamari. There are few things less pleasant than picking up a piece of Calamari and having hot oil run out down your arm. Hardly appetising! Though I wouldn't avoid The Bull completely I'd warn you to be careful about what you order here. I'm not really sure why The Bull is so popular, there really are a lot better options nearby. read more

So how do you garner 1 star? Motivate me through lousy food to recommend people away from this pub. The sweet potato wedges were lukewarm and cooked inconsistently through. The scotched quail eggs were unappetizingly cold and tasted of breakfast sausage. The gammon was nice but came without steak knives and you needed those for this tough, but tasty meat. The skewers and fried skate were ok. Overall, nearly all of our food came out lukewarm and room temp. They were cooked all the way through, but cold food? Sorry, but I'm avoiding this Bull. read more

As popular pubs on a high street go, I suppose this one isn't too bad. It does serve a few ales. I could probably enjoy a quiet pint in here at a less busy time. When I visited though I just couldn't bear the busyness; the shininess and the trendiness of it all. It felt like one of my nights out during my late teens, before I had taste . read more

A little hipster for my taste, and they had no bitter lemon (no gin sours fix for me ! Boo!) but it was reasonably enough priced, clean , and with a friendly crowd who asked us to take a picture, rather than using a £:(?&(,£;(&4;&);!7;36££9(;)£ selfie stick, which shouldn't be a refreshing occurrence ! Loved the cheesy nostalgia music, and the fact we got to sit down , nice range of booze behind the bar, we got to sit down, and a nice enough atmosphere. Perfectly good for a couple with friends read more

Went for a really fun pub night! The compare was great and the environment and ambience was pretty and classy we sat upstairs up the spiral staircase, I would recommend! read more

Very rough, rugged look about it. Hence, the name. Wooden floors that makes lots of noise with those heels. But, as it happens with most Mitchel and Butles pub's it tends to have a lack of uniqueness when it comes to the mix of traditional and modern decor, and a semi descent gastro pub food selection, not an incredible selection of lager and ales but wine lovers will be happy. If you are in shape please take a look at the loungey space up the spiral staircase, cozier and more private possibly good for a couple, if your not then enjoy the back bit with the skylit area downstairs. If you are having a bit of a boring night, maybe a bad date, go to the toilets and read the comics, they function as wallpaper, pretty clever eh? And watch your head with the spiral stairs, I don't have much of a problem with that but taller people do. read more

The Bull - Pubs Near Me - London, XGL

Stopped in here on a Saturday night, and after living in the area for about a year, so sad it took me so long! Thoroughly enjoyed my experience here. As far as I can tell, this is an independent pub. They offer a wide range of beers on draught and also feature guest beers which I always appreciate. I didn't try any of the food, but it appears to be standard pub fare. I'd also note that the bartender was very friendly and helpful, describing a range of the beers and letting me a sample a number of them. I also really enjoy the layout of this pub which feels very open. Will most certainly return! read more

review for a sunday evening drink after watching The Arse narrowly beat Portsmouth OK pub, frigging awful bar staff. Ordered a hot buttered rum (it was a cold evening and we had to recover from two hours at Ashburton Grove). The wait staff completely forgot about it and then lied as to why (oh, I was waiting for the opportunity to make it).. Then ordered extra bread for the food, which they completely forgot about as well. read more

I had a great time at The Bull last night. It's a fab boozer half way up Upper Street (which is lined with bars and restaurants, so there's more than a few places to choose from). I booked the lounge area at the back as it was my birthday and there were about 15 of us, so we were out of the way of the main bar, but could still hear the Northern Soul DJ who was playing. In the main bar area there are lots of wooden chairs and tables and two walls of windows in summer the floor to ceiling front windows are opened up so the sun streams in. Head up the spiral staircase and there's an upstairs with some comfy chairs and tables looking down over the main bar. There's usually a DJ at the weekends, and sometimes in the week, too. There's also a stack of board games to play Scrabble, Cluedo, that kind of thing. Being on Upper Street it does get packed on the weekends and it can take a while to get served, but you've got to expect that, right? They have a terrific choice of bar food and the menu was handily plastered on a huge blackboard on the back wall right by where we were sat. I ordered 4 tapas-style dishes for £11, good value as they were quite big portions. The spicy chipolatas were tasty and chunky and hit the spot after a few drinks. Loss of one star because when one of my friends surprised me by buying a bottle of champagne we poured it and it wasn't chilled come on guys, if you're going to sell champagne make sure you chill it! Overall a fab pub to spend a few hours in with friends. read more

A great pub that manages to bridge the gap between trendy venue and good old boozer. Always has some nice guest ales on offer - which is what I value most in a pub and it is has a good atmosphere as well. I have only eaten here once (Sunday Lunch - Roast Chicken) and it was pretty good. I'm incredibly picky about my roast dinners, so I was pleasantly surprised. The only downside to the Bull is that you need to keep a keen eye on your belongings. My sister had her bag stolen as did a number of people that afternoon and the Police told us it's a real hotspot for theft. Still, other than that, definitely worth a visit! read more

A very warm, wemcoming and friendly pub, in a great location on the lovely Upper Street in Angel. Upper Street isn't quite what it used to be - far too many chains for my liking, but the Bull, as far as I know, isn't a chain. Happy to be corrected on this. Whatever it is, it manages to seem independent and individual. The affordable menu is good for dependable, pub grub. And they always have a good selection of wines and ales. In fact, I am pretty sure they have some nifty wine special offers in the week as well. Looking for a pub in Angel, then this would be one of my first choices. read more

Went here for an early dinner with my partner. The atmosphere is lovely inside, dark and intimate despite the large space for seating. It was fairly quiet so the bartenders were really friendly and relaxed. I ate the fish and chips after having craved some all day - I was not disappointed. Would love to come back for a drink on a busier night. It's easy to miss this as you walk down the road given the dark exterior but it's definitely worth stopping for. read more

We stopped in on Christmas with little else open in the neighborhood. Both bartenders were drunk, but hey, it's Christmas. The major offense came when one of the bartenders came and told me to get off my barstool because he was sitting there drinking with his mates. That plus the DJ's love for Kid Rock and other bad 90s US pop hits made us down our drinks and make a run for it. read more

I have started off nights here way too many times. But I think the pub is kinda cute with the upstairs (which you can rent) and downstairs area. The beers are decently prices and nothing beats the cheap wine on Wednesdays. On the weekends and in the evenings the place does get really packed, so prepare to snuggle with strangers like in almost any other pub/bar in Angel on the weekend. read more

Nice pub with a decent lunch and good selection of beers. There were not many people there but we only went for lunch. For a sandwich and a beer I paid about £20. read more

I always mean to drink here more. I've never eaten here, but they have a good wine menu and the staff are always super friendly. It's got plenty of seating too. It does feel a bit chain bar - but not as bad as the usual suspects (all of whom are within a few blocks). Haven't been to Wine Wednesday, but that sounds like something to check out soon. read more

This pub is okay. Pretty big, so groups of 6 can stand up and hang around tables. By 9:45, several items on the menu where done. My fries were good, my friend's burger was said to be good as were sausages and mash (generous portion), but they were all out of cooked vegetables. But food came out nice and hot. Music loud, lights dimmed at 10:30. Staff were okay. read more