Housed somewhat randomly in a shopping centre by Angel station, the Bar Academy Islington has been a reliable bet for live music in a conveniently placed location close to the clubs and bustle of Islington. The infamous Club de Fromage nights on Saturday (cheesy music, cheap drinks) have cemented the bar's erstwhile reputation as a favourite among students and young locals, but look a little beneath and you'll see that the bar's weekly lineup includes everything from unsigned local acts, smaller touring bands looking to establish a national reputation and larger bands playing discreet one-off shows.

The size of the venue is far big than others hosting similar lineups (Underworld,, Barfly) and while it feels a little less intimate also means it's a lot easier to step back from the fray, chill in a booth and grab a drink. All the while the shutters come down on the chain stores outside, as revellers and music-lovers get busy with another night in Islington.