21 responses so far ↓

• 1 TwoCrabs // Jun 29, 2007 at 9:57 am

  OMG. Thank you for your unbiased negative review of Ladybird. I cannot even begin to tell you how much I HATE and DESPISE Ladybird. You see, we live next door to this rubbish club. And have spent the past year fighting with the Ladybird owners and the local council about this stupid club, the pounding blaring crap music that shakes the picture frames off our walls at 2am on weeknights when we have to be up for work four hours later; the loud drunken idiots who stumble out of the bar at 4am on Saturday and vomit on our doorstep; the managers’ rude inconsiderate behaviour; I could go on for hours. Boycott the Ladybird!

• 2 giselle // Jan 16, 2008 at 6:02 am

  hi, i completlly disagree with u guys, i think ladybird is one of top 10 bars in all london, the manager is excellent and the owner i think he is the most intelligent men i have ever known. and by the way is not his problem that he has 2 handle neighbors like u, insted of being complaining go and have some fun and some excellent drinks.

• 3 Paul // Jan 22, 2008 at 1:25 pm

  I’ll put money on Giselle being the manager or sleeping with the manager.

  I was at the Ladybird last week, okay but wouldn’t walk more than two minutes to get to this place so maybe kiss and make up with the neighbours as to expect people to travel far for this place you have to be dreaming.

• 4 Chris // Feb 8, 2008 at 4:28 pm

  Maybe you guys could actually try a drink there. Rather than judge on decor. I’ve not been to other bars in London where the bartenders have as much pride in their cocktails.

• 5 Elena // Feb 27, 2008 at 12:11 pm

  well, well, interesting, at least this place doesn’t leave you heartless. I love the part where the frustrated neighbors add there bit. Its probably the only time i ve read comments about neighbors in a bar blog!!!
  I just moved in the area, and thanks to this blog, i thought to myself i am going to have it a try. I love the paintings on the wall, real talented painter they ve got there! I don’t know about the owner but he s got talent to find a good artist at least you have to give hime that.
  Anyway, the drinks are really good, I mean if you want the same, you can only find them in the Mandarin oriental Bar at 14 quids and 50 p….!
  The music is good when i was there they played Prince and the Doors! Apparently the barman’s pick up the music according to the mood. My god i forgot about the feeling to hear real music in a bar…today everywhere they ve got these preselected tracks for every allotment of the day. I don’t even try to listen to this background senseless noise they put in bars anymore. I was really glad the place was real and playing live music! And i am also glad its near my house, its my local now!
  I think one should know what they are looking for before adding comments, boys if you go there thinking girls are going to be lined up at the bar try a meat market, your chances of success will be much higher. Beer drinkers, go to the Pub, in there they only make cocktails…and for as far as i could tell, with passion, which is a rare commodity in this city.

  Elena

• 6 Lkane // Mar 30, 2008 at 7:59 am

  I’m not one to normally post a comment, but after reading some of the negative reviews I felt as though I’d like to add my 2 cents worth as well, and say I have never had a bad experience. I find the bartenders to be very friendly and accommodating even when the bar has been at its busiest. The place itself i think is a rare find in this area. Ladybird has this beautiful mellow/kick back atmosphere during the week to finally surprise you with that night club vibe on the weekend. How many places do you know that are that versatile, and offers good service, no attitude and last but not least GREAT MUSIC?

  Go and Enjoy, it is quite a unique experience!
  PS: I did walk more than 2 minutes…as a matter of fact, I even flew once…

  Best,
  Lkane

• 7 justine // Sep 9, 2008 at 2:26 pm

  Ladybird bar is a rare gem in Islington, girdled in the middle of cheap boozers for drunks. I am not surprised to read bad reviews as Ladybird bar cannot really cater for the majority of lazy drunks you usually find on Upper street. I love their cocktails, canvas, staff and basement club, and highly recommend to anyone who wants to have a genuine good time, in a sexy place that serves good drinks till really late and listen to amazing tunes.
  Justine

• 8 Ian // Oct 23, 2008 at 6:35 pm

  I think Ladybird is now a gay club. I have been there twice and both times it was full of men and two transvestites.

• 9 John // Mar 6, 2009 at 11:42 am

  The worst bar in angel by a mile. Expensive. Moody staff. Horrible decor. If you want to be ripped off in a shithole that is trying to b trendy than this one is for you.

• 10 Arnaud // Mar 12, 2009 at 6:01 pm

  Well! As the manager of the place since 3 months, I think it’s about time for me to tell you all about how I feel, and what is going on at LADYBIRD.

  Firstaval for those who took their own time to express themselves…

• 11 Arnaud // Mar 12, 2009 at 6:02 pm

  John:
  I apologize for the moody staff situation and can assure you that I will make sure, it doesn’t happen again to yourself or anyone else.
  For the drinks prices, well we serve double measure as a standard pouring ( which is advertise on the walls of the bar), so you will pay £6 for a house and mixer, and I believe it’s a regular price for a late venue. Regarding the cocktails that we make with pride and passion in which we also use premium brand does not exceed the price of £7.50 and £8 for the champagne cocktail.
  To finish, we know that the place needs to be refresh. The owner and the interior designer are already working on it. So, I am looking to see the change myself very soon.
  In short, we are not trying to be trendy, and definitely ripping people off, I just hope you will decide to change your mind about us, and will come back to give me the chance to prove you that we are not what you believe.
  Best Regards

• 12 Arnaud // Mar 12, 2009 at 6:03 pm

  Ian:
  Ladybird is not a gay place, and if Gay’s and Travesties want to come around and enjoy our drinks then I don’t mind, this is London, yeah, if you see what I mean…
  Also, our security’s doing a great job at the door, to insure that we have an equivalent mix of ladies, gents and personalities.
  We’ve got a saying in France:
  “Never two without three”, so in attend to see you again for the third time, I hope…
  And you’re also welcome to bring some girls with you to diversify the place, even better…

• 13 Arnaud // Mar 12, 2009 at 6:05 pm

  Paul:
  Giselle’s not the manager and she’s not sleeping with him either, but nice try…
  Also we do have people coming from far to sip our lovely concoction, relax and layback listening good music!
  But thanks for the comments….

• 14 Arnaud // Mar 12, 2009 at 6:06 pm

  Our lovely neighbours,
  I know your mail, date from 2 years ago, and I understand that there is nothing worth then living on the top of a late venue.
  But we have been controlling the level of our sound system in regulation by the council. We’ve have soundproofing our walls and ceiling to ensure the best protection against any noise from inside the bar. For the end of each night, along with our security telling people to be as quiet as possible, we put signs on the doors.
  You do need to understand that is never easy when you’ve got a late bar to please everyone, but we doing everything to make your nights as much pleasant and relax as possible.
  I also want to thank you for texting us , every time you think we are to load, and it’s by working together that I hope, we will find a middle entente to resolve this matter at the best.

  Best regards

• 15 sylvaine // Mar 13, 2009 at 4:29 pm

  I come to Ladybird quite regularly and i must say i was shocked to read all these bad comments for this unpretentious and extremely popular venue. I think john is not being very honest and I am not one to leave comments on websites but I must protest and show my support to the staff of Ladybird! I think the decor is extremely sensual and relaxing, the canvas on the walls are absolutely amazing and i love the atmosphere of this place. I always come with my girlfriends and actually always found their were to many girls in there! But i don’t mind we come to Ladybird to enjoy their cocktails, chat (without being disturbed by drunks and twats) and chill to good tunes and great vibes. I find ladybird prices much cheaper then their competitors (not pubs but similar bars), I think overall you have to compare what is comparable and as for the decor tastes are very personal. I like the staff because usually they are only rude to people who they probably don’t ever want to see come back in their. Its a small venue and therefore it doesn’t leave much space for people who don’t appreciate what they have to offer.
  Arnaud I revere your patience to try and win back the John’s type but i don’t think you should waste your time with that sort, my advise next time show him the way to the next whiskey bar…I don’t ask why….

• 16 Chantell // Mar 13, 2009 at 9:25 pm

  for the manager,

  please could you specifiy what type of music you establishment plays please as myself and co are planning to come to your establishment for a 25th birthday celebration and we are very fussy in the typ of music we like if u have r’n'b hip hop old skol garage bashment a little bit of pop funky house etc then i am surewe will have a lovely nite but it would be lovely to know what type of music before hand seen as i have been trying to contacted someone for nearly 4weeks now with no answer

• 17 Lee // Jun 21, 2009 at 8:28 pm

  I went to check this place out last night with a friend and had the worst experience with the door staff. I will spare the details but the idiot on the door with the clip board was on a complete power trip along with his bouncer buddy. So boring guys!

  Arnaud- Your security are not doing a great job at all. I am sure finding door staff with a registerable IQ is tough but as a local we don’t need this type of thing on Upper Street. Take a leaf from OQO over the road.

• 18 William // Nov 13, 2009 at 6:00 pm

  I have read and understood some of the comments. Here is what i would like to say for what its worth…
  Ladybird bar is open till 4 am friday and saturday, great music, International musicians and dj’s, friendly staff, and great cocktails at a reasonable price, what do I pay for: live music 5 days a week, always stunning performances from very talented musicians.
  Came few times to hear great performers, they had a big band in their the other day.
  No door charge to listen to great bands till 2.30 during the week days, that’s all i know.
  Thanks to the ladybird bar team for doing such a great job.
  Keep it up1
  Pat

• 19 Rum Fiend // Mar 4, 2010 at 7:33 pm

  I love reading through all of these comments, so varied. I think its a credit to the venue that it can devide opinion.

  I’ve been visiting Ladybird quite a bit over the last few years, great drinks (best in islington) quality staff, good music and vibe. I used to love it, but now it just leaves a sour taste in my mouth.

  Reason is simple. The staff are miserable pricks.
  There is a difference between having some attitude and not being a very nice person and Ladybird used to tread this tightrope perfectly (if your willing to play the game)
  My last few visits haven’t so much been dissapointing, rather more ruining my entire evening.

  When I go to a place like Ladybird, its because I want a good drink, made quickly by a bartender that knows his stuff. That way I can enjoy my evening on the dancefloor and in the company of others. The place has great music, and I want to get involved with it asap.

  What I get now, is 3/4 lazy bartenders boozing behind the bar, dressed like they’ve just bought their wardrobe from the cheapest market around, sleazing onto every girl at the bar and quite deliberatly ignoring or plain sneering at customers that have been waiting A VERY LONG TIME.

  Not the end of the world though, at least I know I’ll get a great drink at the end of it. ……. but alas, they fucked that up too.

  I’ll tell you, if I order a Lounglover, I want to taste (or at least feel) some champaigne in my mouth. If I wanted Syrup, and only Syrup, I’d ask for Syrup.
  And my Daquiri actually tasted like piss.

  And how long did I have to wait for this experience? A good half hour.
  That is a waste of time and money.

  Ladybird still has plenty going for it. Its the coolest place on Upper Street. Open til 4am, live bands, world music, good vibe, all for free.
  Its drinks are still (if made well) the best in town by miles. And I’m sure I have just been unlucky regarding the complete muppets that have been mixing me drinks recently.
  But the place isn’t consistant, and recently, I have had more rubbish times than good.

  And everytime, its all down to 1 or 2 bartenders not giving a shit.

• 20 twonkyman // Sep 4, 2010 at 2:06 pm

  Ha Ha can i assume most of the comments above were written whilst still boozed? My 13 year old is more coherent than the lot of you

• 21 Sasha // Jul 21, 2011 at 3:38 pm

  Hi there. i really disagree with everything Gregg ‘the bar reviewer’ had to say.

  I went to Ladybird, and i got a lot more then i expected truthfully.
  I enjoyed the different types of music they had to offer as well as the exciting new cocktails they had to offer.
  My friends and i were all very pleased that the DJ played the music we requested and the drinks definitely got us where we planned by the end of the night. All the staff were very friendly and in good moods and even better, the whole atmosphere of the place was great, absolutely everyone was having a great time along with me and my friends. Ladybird is a GREAT night out and also a late night out as it only closes at 4am unlike all the rest of the bars on Upper Street that close by 2am.

  I will definitely be heading down to Ladybird again soon.

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