Opening in September 2003, Carling Academy Islington is situated in the heart of fashionable Islington, a 17,000 square foot purpose built venue, with a capacity of 800. Carling Academy 2 Islington is the adjoining smaller space re-designed as a stand alone venue showcasing hot up-and-coming bands (capacity 250) and easily converts to an extra room for club nights. It is the McKenzie Group's seventh concert venue and third site in London, and an ambition realised for MKG MD John Northcote to capture acts of all sizes and stages in the Capital. Carling Academy Islington fits perfectly alongside MKG's flagship South London venue; Carling Academy Brixton (capacity 4,720) and the historic Shepherds Bush Empire (capacity 2,000) in West London.

Now under McKenzie Group ownership, Carling Academy Islington was formerly the Marquee in the N1 Centre. This purpose-built, digitally enabled live music venue will now feature a superb diary of events all year round from internationally acclaimed artists. Over the years, MKG venues across the UK have welcomed shows from world class acts including The Who, Elton John, Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Madonna, Oasis, Coldplay, Prince, REM, Prodigy, Kylie, Foo Fighters, The Strokes and many more!