Good live music venue
13 May 08, 13:07
As expected
This is a pretty decent, intimate venue, the sound is fairly good and the location is convenient, being right in Angel shopping centre. The bands that play here are usually affordable too, and you also get gigs sponsored by people like XFM, for which you can win tickets. I’ve seen Athlete and Keane here, both of whom were excellent. The beer used to be Carling only – but now they serve three others on tap too, including Grolsch which is always good.
Groups: Trading and ops
Large Live Music Venue
12 May 07, 14:55
As expected
The Academy is one of many across the country, and is a popular live music venue. The gigs seem to attract mostly teenage greebos, but I'm sure the full listings is worth checking out. I went to the Academy on a particularly bad indie night, but my friends have been on other nights and really enjoyed themselves. The Academy is a bit more grimy than most places in Angel, which I guess can be a good or bad thing, depending on what you're looking for.
William C.
Angel
4 reviews
Medium Sized Music Venue and Bar
01 May 07, 14:08
As expected
Quite a few bands play here in the small bar of the venue although no one too big has played here for a while. Its a nice venue and has a good atmosphere on the weekend. The best time to go I find the the XFM first friday (1st friday of every month) which opens up the main venue hall as well. Beer is a little pricey although they do put offers on Carling (as it's the sponsored by them!) which makes it ok. Most of the music you will find here are rock/indie and most of the club nights are suited towards these genres. Overall It's a good place to try out.
Average music, woeful layout, dire beer
01 May 07, 10:53
Well below expectations
The Carling Academy in Islington, like everything else in life, is going to be liked by some and hated by others. For me personally, it is a dive and I really can't stand it. Set in Islington, five minutes down the road from Angel Tube Station, I'll confess it's an okay location for a club, but that's where the positives end. With mediocre musical choices, flat over expensive Carling in plastic cups and a weird layout involving two crammed awkwardly placed bars, it feels like a nightmare. I confess I might enjoy it more after extra visits, but honestly I doubt it. The organisers need to rearrange the location, improve the beer, and lower prices. Until then, I'm happy to avoid this place.
