Islington is a vibrant and diverse borough in North London, offering a mix of history, culture, and modern attractions. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there’s always something new to discover in this charming area. I have lived here twice, both in my 20s and 30s and I still think it is one of the most gorgeous neighbourhoods in London. You could definitely spend a whole day here exploring!
To Dine (there are too many to mention but here are my regular go-tos)
- Afghan Kitchen: This cozy family-run restaurant serves homemade Afghan bread, stews, and rice dishes. It’s a great option for a casual and affordable meal.
- Little Georgia Islington: This small-chain restaurant offers traditional Georgian dishes and imported wines in a cozy setting.
- The Tamil Crown and The Tamil Prince: This restaurant serves authentic Tamil cuisine from South India. It’s known for its flavourful dishes and vibrant atmosphere.
- Caravel: This restaurant offers a creative Mediterranean menu in a chic setting. It’s a bit more expensive than the other options on this list, but it’s worth it for the high-quality food and ambiance.
**Most will need booking in advance**
To See
- Almeida Theatre (for groundbreaking new work): This award-winning theatre is known for pushing boundaries and staging bold, innovative productions. They often premiere new plays and offer fresh perspectives on classic works. Expect thought-provoking drama and exceptional acting.
- Finsbury Park Theatre (for off-West End gems): This relatively new addition to the Islington theatre scene has quickly gained a reputation for its high-quality productions. They offer a diverse program, from classic plays to new writing and musicals.
- Old Red Lion Theatre Pub (for intimate and experimental theatre): This classic pub theatre offers a cosy and atmospheric setting to experience cutting-edge new writing and experimental performances. It’s a great place to discover emerging talent and enjoy a pint while you’re at it!
- Sadler’s Wells Theatre (for dance enthusiasts): A world-renowned dance venue, Sadler’s Wells is a must-visit for any dance aficionado. From contemporary dance to ballet and flamenco, they present a diverse program of international and homegrown talent.
To Laugh
- Angel Comedy @ The Bill Murray: This dedicated comedy club, named after the legendary comedian, offers nightly performances in a cozy and intimate setting. With a full bar and a lively atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to catch both established acts and rising stars.
- Angel Comedy @ The Camden Head: Upstairs at this traditional pub, you’ll find another Angel Comedy gem. This venue focuses on showcasing emerging talent, so it’s a great place to discover the next big thing in comedy. And the best part? Most shows are free!
To Learn
- Victoria Miro Gallery: This renowned contemporary art gallery boasts an impressive roster of both established and emerging artists from around the globe. Housed in a beautiful industrial space with exposed beams and floods of natural light, Victoria Miro offers a thought-provoking and engaging experience. Check their website for current exhibitions and be sure to explore the outdoor space which often features striking sculptures.
- The Estorick Collection: Escape the hustle and bustle and step into a haven of Italian modern art at The Estorick Collection. This charming gallery, located in a converted Georgian townhouse on Canonbury Square, houses a remarkable collection of Futurist, figurative, and sculptural works from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Don’t miss masterpieces by artists like Giorgio Morandi, Umberto Boccioni, and Amedeo Modigliani. Afterwards, enjoy a coffee and pastry in their lovely cafe.
- D & A Binder: For something a little different, head to D & A Binder. This independent bookshop specializes in art, photography, and design publications. Browse their carefully curated selection of books, magazines, and rare finds. It’s a treasure trove for anyone with a passion for visual culture and a perfect place to discover new artists and ideas.
To shop
- Camden Passage: This charming pedestrianised street is a must-visit for antique lovers, vintage fashionistas, and those seeking unique treasures. With its cobbled streets and quaint storefronts, it’s a delightful place to browse for antiques, vintage clothing, jewellery, and homeware.
- Magpie Vintage: Magpie Vintage is a great place to find vintage clothing and accessories.
- Chapel Market: Chapel Market is a great place to find fresh produce, flowers, and other goods
- Charity shops: all along upper street there are charity shops such as OXFAM and Crisis that offer great finds.
To Sip
- Katsute 100: Cosy hangout spotlighting creative Japanese desserts, plus sake, specialty drinks & loose leaf teas.
- Vagabond N7: Reclaimed furniture lines this stripped back local cafe with patio for artisan roasts and snacks.
- Redemption Roasters – Angel: A speciality coffee company, on a mission to reduce reoffending in the UK through coffee.
- Briki: Light-filled cafe and deli for carefully sourced coffee and a Mediterranean-influenced menu.
To snack
- Pophams: This artisanal bakery is a true Islington institution, known for its incredible sourdough bread and viennoiserie. Their pastries are creative and generously sized – the maple bacon croissant is a must-try!
- Quince Bakery: This cosy spot on New North Road focuses on beautiful sourdough loaves, sandwiches, and buns, all made with seasonal ingredients. Don’t miss their brown butter bun, but be warned, things sell out quickly!
- Sourdough Sophia: With its eye-catching pink exterior, this bakery is known for its trendy bakes and delicious sourdough. Their cruffins and bow croissants are particularly popular.
- Raab’s The Bakers: This traditional bakery on Essex Road has been serving Islington for over 100 years! They offer a wide range of breads, cakes, and pastries, perfect for a classic afternoon tea treat.
- Buns from Home Angel: This bakery specializes in incredibly delicious and inventive filled buns. They have unique flavour combinations, both sweet and savoury, and are perfect for a quick bite.
To drink
- The Old Queens Head: Pub with worn sofas and carved stone fireplace for quizzes, comedy, big-name DJ sets and burgers.
- The Hemingford Arms: Creatively-decorated pub whose red-and-grey walls are covered with posters and quirky knick-knacks.
- The Earl of Essex: Serious beer drinkers’ pub with a compact menu where each dish is matched to one of 20 craft brews.
- The Pig and Butcher: Craft beers and seasonal meats butchered onsite casually presented at untreated wood tables.
- The Three Johns: Sizeable, dark wood-panelled bar with exposed brick, for craft beers on tap and sourdough pizzas.
London Like a Local 