The Edinburgh Cellars (Bar/Restaurant)
125 Newington Green Road, Highbury & Islington, London, N1 4RA (Map)
Cuisine: British
Tel: 0871-961-9686 ?
Transport: Highbury & Islington
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The Edinburgh Cellars London Review
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The word ‘cellar’ is a fusion of two ancient words; ‘cell’ from the historical Greek word ‘cellopolous’ – meaning a confined space – and ‘lar’ from the Roman word ‘lardius’ – meaning an overweight man. ‘Cellar’ therefore quite literally means ‘a fat man in jail’. It implies a certain experience of small space by one too large to be in it. Cramped, shadowy, stifling, and, with all those curves, probably a little dangerous too.
That is the impression you get of the Edinburgh Cellars in Islington when you first walk through the gnarled-looking doorway. The paint is peeling off the walls and the damp could just about be tapped. But walk beyond the splintery barstools and you’re in for a dazzling surprise!
Large abstract paintings are gently illuminated by fairy lights draped along the walls. It’s spacious even though almost every table is taken. A tree in the centre reaches for the ornate sunroof and the grubby façade is left behind you. A neat trick surely designed so that only a select few may enter. Candlelight dances across your table while you peruse the simple menu. There’s not much on offer but that’s OK. Far better to choose between a few excellent dishes than plentiful mediocrity.
And excellent they were. The fish cakes had whole shrimps in them. The vege-cakes were cleverly spiced and made of identifiable greens. They were far, far more than solidified puree. The mushroom risotto with balsamic vinegar was freshly prepared and the best I’ve tasted. Every dish was presented in good time on rectangular plates with drizzled decoration and style by the restaurant’s Brazilian chef.
This sneaky pub and restaurant on Newington Green Road is the sort of place you’ll want to settle into with cocktails for a while. Ladies, trust me on this one. If you time your visit well you’ll be treated to rugged men with deep soulful voices and large, nimble hands. Playing acoustic guitar. Just for you. The other patrons are regulars and chat to each other cheerfully as they pass tables. But the guitar is meant just for you. The lights are low and the music captivating.
If you go on a weekend night it’s best to book your table in advance. This advice spreads to the popular Sunday roasts. For something a little unusual come here on the second and fourth Thursday of each month for free salsa classes from 7:30pm followed by an open Latino-inspired dance-floor. You’d never guess it from the entrance area, though.
And this is what I loved about the Edinburgh Cellars. It’s the sort of place that locals treasure and probably conceal from all but their closest friends. A place I’m hesitant to write good things about for fear that it will bust the disguise. The shoddy façade is so unlike the ‘inner experience’ that it must be intentional. Do go, just don’t tell too many people about it, OK?
Jade Jacobsohn (01 03 2010)
The Edinburgh Cellars London Description
Located on the edge of leafy Newington Green in Islington, The Edinburgh Cellars is a contemporary music pub serving expertly-made cocktails and superb food from freshly prepared ingredients. This recently refurbished pub and restaurant has undergone a complete facelift both internally and externally. The Edinburgh Cellars offers a fantastic range of quality lagers, real ales, wines and spirits to perfectly accompany the time-honoured pub menu. Only the highest quality produce is used in the kitchen to create succulent homemade burgers, traditional Sunday lunches and irresistible barbecues every Saturday afternoon. A cosy and inviting atmosphere can be felt throughout the venue. Wi-Fi internet access is readily available and a variety of music events are held every weekend. There are plenty of leather sofas for you to sink into, and with a DJ booth and quality sound system the large back room is ideal for celebrating special occasions.
Customer Reviews for The Edinburgh Cellars
The following customer reviews are not endorsed by Fluid London and are simply those of users who wish to publish their independent experiences of The Edinburgh Cellars.
“Absolutely love this secret gem! Only thing was that the service at the bar was pretty lousy because they only had one barman. Could do with one waiter at least taking food orders from tables to lower the pressure on that poor lonesome barman!”
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Gretchen, SW4 (5 months 3 days ago)
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