RestaurantsLondonIslingtonN1

Breaking news

September 2021; closed since the first lockdown (apart from deliveries and collaborations with the likes of Bao and Jameson's) Black Axe Mangal returns on 22 September, now known as Formerly Known As Black Axe Mangal.

survey result

Summary

£56
   ££
4
Very Good
2
Average
3
Good
* Based on a three course dinner, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service and VAT.

“Nothing else quite like this in London!” – Lee Tiernan’s renowned heavy-metal BBQ (renamed with a nod to Prince a couple of years ago) “may look closed from the outside, but inside, this tiny venue (30 seats) is jumping”. It’s known for its kick-ass flatbreads: “flavours pack a punch, the decor’s wild and the music loud. We love it!”

Summary

£52
   ££
4
Very Good
3
Good
3
Good
* Based on a three course dinner, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service and VAT.

“Love it!” – Lee Tiernan’s “amazing” heavy-metal take on the Anatolian grill is back after a long lockdown break with a modified name (with a nod to Prince) and some new graffiti. It’s tiny (30 covers), loud, and the funky flatbreads are “beautiful stuff”. Top Tip – the current set menu is released via Instagram weekly to its 62k followers.

Summary

£50
   ££
4
Very Good
3
Good
3
Good
* Based on a three course dinner, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service and VAT.

“Not for the faint-hearted!” – Lee Tiernan’s “funky and chilled” feature near Highbury Corner has won fame and acclaim (including from Harden’s) over the years for its exotic flatbreads, heavy metal soundtrack and offbeat (in part genital-themed) decor. In September 2021, Lee finally announced its re-opening (it had been closed since the onset of the pandemic). The new name means ‘Formerly Known As Black Axe Mangal’, and we’re guessing it will offer a retread rather than a totally new formula. (Maybe he got bored of listening to KISS over the pandemic and his listening tastes have moved on to Prince?).

Summary

£53
   ££
4
Very Good
3
Good
3
Good
* Based on a three course dinner, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service and VAT.

“Unique! Hard rock, offal, penises on the walls, skateboards… all plus rocking cooking from an ex-St John chef” – KISS fan, Lee Tiernan’s tiny kebab dive near Highbury Corner is “not a place for everyone”, but his massively spicy flatbreads “take this kind of dish to the next level”, and, for its adoring fanclub, “a brilliant vibe and superb food make it a must-go”.

For 33 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).

Have you eaten at FKABAM (Black Axe Mangal)?

Restaurant details

Highchair
Yes
No dress code
24

Prices

Traditional European menu

Starter Main Veggies Pudding
£6.00 £9.00 £7.00 £6.00
Drinks  
Wine per bottle £28.00
Filter Coffee £5.00
Extras  
Service 10.00%
156 Canonbury Road, London, N1 2UP
Opening hours
MondayCLOSED
TuesdayCLOSED
Wednesday6 pm‑10:30 pm
Thursday6 pm‑10:30 pm
Friday6 pm‑10:30 pm
Saturday6 pm‑10:30 pm
SundayCLOSED