A Guide to Islington, North London

Bordered by Highbury to the north and Hoxton to the east, with the coveted area of Angel at its heart, it’s no wonder Islington is such a popular spot to live in. Lucky residents not only have central London within easy reach, but also the most restaurant-dense district of the city right on their doorstep.

This buzzing quarter of North London has changed beyond all recognition since 30 or so years ago, however. The once-agricultural area was blighted by the advent of the railways, and in the mid-20th century had fallen into social decline. Islington has experienced something of a renaissance in recent years, becoming the shopping and dining hotspot that it is today.

Speaking of changes and modernisation, Islington Square is a new destination that has seemingly popped up out of nowhere. This vibrant and spacious spot is hidden away from the main thoroughfare but still maintains the authentic charm of its surroundings. You can tell by the sort of businesses that operate here that it is something the area has been craving in recent years. Once a postal sorting office, this renovated Baroque building is now home to independent restaurants, cafes, bars; luxury health club; six-screen cinema; a theatre and a wide range of fashion and design shops.

There is a risk of Islington falling victim to its own success. You can expect to run into crowds on busy evenings and sunny afternoons, yet Islington Square remains something of a hidden gem. There are great restaurants and designer shops mixed in with the likes of Borough Kitchen – a popular London spot that offers the finest kitchenware around. You can even book yourself in for a cooking lesson! For gamers – and let’s be honest here young gamers – New Meta is a one-stop-shop featuring a streaming booth, advanced hardware and high-speed internet connections. There are plenty of outdoor seats too, so if the weather does turn in your favour grab a drink from the pioneering team at The Bottle Cocktail Shop who will also have some pre-mixed bottles you can take home afterwards.

Every Saturday, Islington Square, on Upper Street, is home to a carefully curated weekly market in partnership with Urban Food Fest. The market is open from 11am – 5pm on the Boulevard showcasing a bustling hub of local makers’ stalls offering street food, unforgettable desserts and artisanal products alongside creative crafts for all the family. The rest of the week you can head to Megan’s, the dog-friendly cafe/restaurant which has some of the best padron peppers in town.

The King’s Head Theatre is a dedicated performance space that was previously found in the bowels of the attached pub. You can now enjoy daily shows ranging in genre and it has become a popular hangout for those not willing to head to central London for their evening entertainment. Likewise ODEON Luxe & Dine is a premium option if you want to enjoy the latest blockbusters in complete comfort.

Most restaurants are on Upper Street, the neighbourhood’s main drag that runs between the underground stations of Angel and Highbury & Islington. This lively thoroughfare is packed with possibilities for shopping, dining and drinking. The options for eating on Upper Street and in Angel are endless, ranging from the compact Afghan Kitchen, known for its simple menu of warming dahls and stews, to the delicious grub at Ottolenghi.

Being home to pubs since the 16th century, it’s no wonder Islington is a nightlife hotspot, attracting a slightly older crowd than nearby Shoreditch. There are the King’s Head and Old Red Lion theatre pubs, several trendy cocktail bars and plenty of late-night venues (head to Wenlock & Essex for its kitsch light-up dance floor and mirrored ceiling).

Running adjacent to Upper Street is the picturesque, pedestrianised Camden Passage. There’s a cheese shop, a fishmonger and a handful of cafés and restaurants, plus plenty of vintage shops and quirky boutiques. At weekends, it hosts a charming antiques and clothing market. Taking prime position on the narrow street is the Camden Head, a cheerful pub that hosts nightly free comedy.

Other entertainment venues and things to do in Islington include the Screen on the Green, a long-running single-screen cinema with an eye-catching neon-lit exterior, several theatres and the O2 Academy for live music.

Turn off Upper Street to explore the quieter, residential side of the neighbourhood, where the streets are lined with terraced Victorian townhouses and punctuated by small squares of greenery. Regent’s Canal is pretty at any time of year, but is best experienced during spring and autumn, where the foliage fringing the canal is particularly vibrant. During the summer, you’ll barely be able to move for people barbecuing and drinking.

Islington has a selection of good hotels and is well served by buses and tubes. As the neighbourhood that bridges the affluent suburbs of the north and the daily hustle and bustle of central London, it’s the perfect place to be when visiting the UK’s capital.

Additional reporting by Cassam Looch