859c. Tue 29/10/19: Union Chapel Bar, Islington, London

Beer: Meantime IPA 4.8%

When is a pub not a pub? Or, more pertinent for this blog, when is a non-pub a pub?

The Union Chapel is a gig venue, but still functions a church. Hot and soft drinks are allowed and sold in the chapel space. Alcohol is off limits, unless – presumably – it’s sacramental sherry.

There is, however, a rather fine bar upstairs and to the right of the main religion space. I’m here, along with a load of other polite 80s kids brought up on Syd, Burroughs and The Beatles, getting lightly squiffy on the 330ml bottles of Meantime. Music drifts in from somewhere. It’s jazzy. People hang around awkwardly, often on their own, looking like Barry Cryer in t-shirts from the concession stand downstairs. I’m in my element.

No pictures

914a. Sat 18/1/20: Union Chapel Bar, Islington, London

Beer: Craft Brewing 1877 Union Chapel Dark Ale 4.2%

A cheery charity comedy night down The Union Chapel. AS keen to get dibs on the seating, so we’re outside queuing before doors are opened. Kind of suits me, as it gives us a better chance of getting to and getting served in the Chapel’s bar.

The Dark Ale looks like it’s come from a National Trust gift shop. It’s not wholly unpleasant, though it’s flat, severely chilled and tastes a little thin and under brewed.

AS and I take turns to visit the lav. She’s commented and I note the number of well-spoken people in; stark contrast to the last time I was in Highbury and visited the ‘Spoons on Highbury Corner. Or what used to be, but probably isn’t Highbury Corner any more.

Anyway, too many tall people with plummy accents, high volume/highly assured laughs and stories about exotic parts of the world. I wonder if I’ve got a chip on my shoulder, until I spot a chap who’s good enough to be wearing a bobble hat and scarf, with baseball boots and with a t-shirt, and so demonstrate that if everything kicks off, I’m not going to be first in the line when it comes to having to answer for the way I dress.

Despite this, and despite the fact it’s cold in the chapel proper, we have a decent night out. The calibre of comedians is high; some better than others and too many squeezed in to too little time, but pretty good all the same.