Blush, Stoke Newington  

Conceived at the turn of the century (2000, since you ask), Blush is now a stalwart of the Stokey gay scene (it's run by one half of the duo behind the still-missed Due South, RIP). The bar is cosy, friendly and undeniably scarlet inside, and has some of the hardest working fridges in London - their bottled lager is always refreshingly freezing, which means you always end up drinking far more than you agreed with yourself at the beginning of the evening. Or maybe that's just us. Blush also has a well-stocked jukebox - equally likely to churn out Kylie or the Killers - and its staff and locals are welcoming; prop up the bar and you're sure to strike up a conversation. But beer and banter isn't all the place has to offer - it also features local artists on its walls, and offers weekly poker, quiz and karaoke nights, as well as open mic events, a pool table downstairs and a sizeable beer garden out back for catching some rays. Equally though, if you just fancy a pint in pink surroundings, this is the place.

reviewed:
17/05/2007

pub features:(click on an icon to see an explanation)

beer garden

karaoke, live music

quiz night Wednesday

gay / gay friendly

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