On Tuesday I went to Yelp’s first birthday bash at Islington Metal works with my girlfriend and it was A.W.E.S.O.M.E.!

The venue is situated on a back street kinda directly behind Angel tube station (as you come out of the station take a left, then left again) and it’s made up of 3 distinctive and unique areas.

The first space was decorated like a garden party with REAL grass, benches, gnomes, live music and LOTS of booze served in English tea cups. It had a true summery Gin & Tonic or Pimms style feel, despite being indoors.

The next room had the atmosphere of Covent Garden, but without the gawping tourists (just gawping Yelpers instead). It had an open courtyard feel to it with cobbled floor, archways and a real (ish) looking tube housing a cocktail bar. Food served included spit roast pork, frozen yogurt and some sort of very tasty potato spiral things.

The last room was also very cool and had a classic English rock feel about it with framed photographs on the wall, an open bar with organic beers and a table stacked with edible treats. There was also a photo booth dishing out freebie sets of six shots and an array of funky hats to make yourself look uber cool.

All in all, Yelp has done a GREAT job at throwing a fantastic 1st birthday bash without over branding the event or throwing too much garbage down your throat.

Well done Yelp, I look forward to next year!