Soul Mama might be London’s best live music and restaurant venue. Come for the stimulating atmosphere, delicious food and stay for the great music.

Just months since they moved into their new permanent location in Islington, from their residency in Stratford, Soul Mama Islington is now a popular fixture in the North London entertainment space.

Musician and broadcaster, YolanDa Brown OBE and co-founder music manager and concert promoter Adetokunbo “T” Oyelola are the brains behind the Soul Mama brand, and they have put heart and soul into bringing their ambition to reality.

Confession, I have previously visited Soul Mama when it was based at the ground floor of The Gantry Hotel in Stratford. My rowdy group of friends were among the 50,000 people that passed through the doors while they were there, and we had a fabulous time. With their idea of bringing people together through food and music, the team are clearly on to a winning formula. On a warm summer day in July, we went along to Soul Mama Islington to see if they have been able to replicate the success in their new venue.

Soul Mama Islington is located in a prominent space at Angel Central Shopping Centre, right near Angel tube station, so very easy to find. We followed the excitable trail of revellers up the stairs and were immediately welcomed by the team into the venue and seated.

The venue

The 150- cover venue has a fabulous music lounge feel. Dark atmosphere with muted, mood lighting dotted around the space, giving a very soulful ambiance. All the tables are thoughtfully curved towards the main stage. We were seated in the front row, but I imagine everyone has great views of the trademark purple and gold stage.

As you would expect in a music venue, there was a great buzzy and lively atmosphere. Before long, the venue was full, all tables filled. Against the backdrop of catchy music (before the live music started), guests were chatting away, eating and having a great time. It was especially good to see people of all ethnicities and not just Black people at Soul Mama. This space is clearly for everyone that enjoys good food and even better music.

Before the live music actually started, it was clear that effort was being made to bring out people’s food to ensure everyone is fed to be able to focus on the show when it eventually started.

The food

Alongside the live music, food is central to the success of Soul Mama. A fusion cuisine made up of foods from Africa, the Caribbean and South America is on the menu. Guests can choose from a wide range of small plates and mains.

We started off our meal with Spicy Pepper Tiger Prawns (of course) and Jerk Pit Wings, both with scotch bonnet and mango sauce. These were very tasty; moist, slight heat and flavourful.

‘Yeah mon’ issa Caribbean foodie experience: Reviewing Rudie’s

For mains, we went for the Argentinian Smoked Gaucho Jerk Chicken served with Soul Mama’s Secret Spiced Fries and their One Pot Thyme Infused Braised Lamb Neck with their Soul Rice. We couldn’t resist a side of plantain to go with it. The food was delicious. Well-seasoned and cooked to perfection.

The drinks were also superb. We ordered one of their signature cocktails, the Coconut Mama, made up of Bacardi Coconut Rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, mango puree and coconut syrup. It was delicious and refreshing.

The live music

However, the highlight of the night was the live music. Soul Mama is known to offer an unrivalled programme of live music across genres like Jazz, Soul, Gospel, Reggae and much more. This year alone, Soul Mama Islington will see performances from the likes of Omar, Susan Carol and Mica Paris. The venue will also host comedy and spoken word nights as well as Afrobeats live brunches. Their popular Motown night continues to be a crowd favourite. On the night we attended, we were lucky to have Motown Memoirs as the headliners. Featuring main singers Bobby, Aaron and King, the group brought the energy, talent, vibes and had the crowd on their feet, dancing to popular Motown classics like “My Girl”, before following up with “My Guy” for the girls. The set included numerous hits “I feel Good” by James Brown and “Natural Woman” by Aretha Franklin, just some of them.

In conclusion

Soul Mama Islington has replicated their previous successes and then some. Our visit to Soul Mama Islington was filled with soul, good eats and feel-good vibes! Look no further if you’re looking for a night out with incredible music, culture and connection.

Soul Mama Islington
Venue: Angel Centre Shopping Centre, 21 Parkfield Street, N1 0PS
Opening Hours: 12 noon to Midnight, Monday to Friday
For full line up and menu, visit their website