The King's Head (Islington): Ping Pong in London

Walk-inFree entryIslington pubLive music

115 Upper Street, Angel, Islington, London · N1 1QN · Mo-We 12:00-23:00; Th-Sa 12:00-00:00; Su 12:00-22:00

The King's Head is an Islington institution on Upper Street, a Young's pub that has stood here since 1970 and doubles as the country's original theatre pub. You come for craft beers, wine, cocktails and a toastie menu, with the famous fringe theatre tucked in behind the bar. It suits theatre-goers grabbing a pre-show drink, locals after a relaxed pint, and anyone wandering Upper Street.

A heads-up on ping pong. A couple of London listings tag this pub as a place for a casual game of table tennis, but the pub's own site does not mention it and the details are not confirmed. Treat it as a friendly Angel boozer first. If table tennis matters to your night, call ahead on 020 7226 4443 to check a table is actually available before you head over.

Good to know

It is a free-entry pub, so you can walk straight in, no booking for a drink. Open from midday every day, late until midnight Thursday to Saturday and 23:00 earlier in the week, closing 22:00 on Sunday. Drinks lean Young's: craft beers, wines, cocktails and G&Ts, plus a short toastie menu if you want something to eat. Live sport goes up on the screens for big matches. If you specifically want to play ping pong, ring the pub first on 020 7226 4443, as it is not advertised on their own website and may not be set up on the day.

The theatre out back

The big draw here is history. The King's Head was the first theatre pub since Shakespearean times when its fringe stage opened in 1970, and it remains one of Islington's best-loved small venues. There is live music on Saturday evenings, with the bar staying open later those nights. It is worth timing a visit around a show or a gig: have a drink by the fire in the front bar, then head through for whatever is on. Check the theatre programme separately, as productions and ticketing are run by the King's Head Theatre.

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Common questions

What is The King's Head in Islington?
It is a Young's pub at 115 Upper Street in Angel, Islington, going since 1970, and home to the country's original theatre pub. It serves beers, wines, cocktails and toasties, with a fringe theatre and live music out back.
Does The King's Head have ping pong?
A few London listings tag it as a place for casual table tennis, but the pub's own website does not mention ping pong and the setup is not confirmed. Call 020 7226 4443 to check before relying on it.
Is there an entry fee?
No, it is a free-entry pub you can walk into. Theatre shows out back are ticketed separately through the King's Head Theatre.
What are the opening hours?
Midday to 23:00 Monday to Wednesday, midday to midnight Thursday to Saturday, and midday to 22:00 on Sunday.
Where is it and what is the nearest station?
115 Upper Street, N1 1QN, on Islington's Upper Street. Angel and Highbury & Islington stations are both a short walk away.
Do I need to book?
Not for a drink, just walk in. For theatre or live music check the programme and book tickets ahead through the King's Head Theatre.

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