Harden's survey result
Summary
“I simply don’t grasp how they keep their prices so low!” – this “insanely cheap bistro” has provided “decent” Gallic fare in a prime Islington location opposite the Almeida Theatre for 40 years. It hardly matters that the cooking is “pretty run-of-the-mill”, “but you can’t argue with the highly quaffable French plonk, amiable staff, and dishes that are very pleasant”.
Summary
It’s “not haute cuisine”, but you’ll find “reasonably well-cooked bistro fare that’s very well-priced for the location” at this old-school haunt that has done sterling service for almost 40 years on the Islington main drag, opposite the Almeida Theatre. “The two-tier Parisian theatre boxes are a bit of a mad addition to the interior design”, but they make “a great spot for a family meal before a show”.
Summary
This “fun, old-style bistro with dishes to match” has been one of the dining bargains of Islington’s main drag for the best part of 40 years. It serves brunch from 10am as well as the standard Gallic brasserie menu for lunch and dinner.
Summary
Jolly, old-school Islington bistro of over 30 years’ standing, known for its low prices and “good value”. Not so many places in town now where you can have Soup, Beef Bourguignon and Apple Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream for £14.50.
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 Le Mercury?
140a Upper St, London, N1 1QY
Restaurant details
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Always | £16.90 | £19.90 |  |
|
|
Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Pudding |
|---|---|---|
| £6.50 | £21.20 | £4.90 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £19.50 |
| Filter Coffee | £2.25 |
| Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 10.00% |
140a Upper St, London, N1 1QY
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm‑11 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑11 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑11 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑11 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑11:30 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑11:30 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑10 pm |
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