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Neighbourhood guide London

Islington

Cultural landmarks, independent retailers and artisanal food and drink spots thrive in this pocket of North London that balances local vibes with cosmopolitan vibrancy.

Restaurants Culture & Leisure Highlights Shopping Pubs & Bars Properties

This pocket of North London is cultured, characterful and effortlessly cool. Along Upper Street, Islington moves to an upbeat rhythm: all independent boutiques, restaurants and theatres sandwiched between leafy Georgian squares. Barnsbury’s elegant terraces and tranquil gardens paint a timeless picture, while Canonbury feels like a hidden village – serene, tree-lined and steeped in literary heritage. Add one of London’s most exciting food scenes to the mix, and these neighbourhoods have a lot to shout about. Plus, you’re within easy reach of vibrant central London and the creative enclave of Hackney.

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Jolene on Colebrooke Row

Camden Passage

Restaurants

Primeur

Housed in a beautifully restored 1920s garage on Petherton Road, Primeur is a pioneer of North London’s modern bistro movement. A neighbourhood spot through and through, stripped-back décor, a handwritten blackboard menu and a mix of communal tables and intimate counters create a relaxed backdrop for well-executed, seasonal cooking that puts ingredients first.

Jolene

From a corner-plot Victorian townhouse on Essex Road, this neighbourhood bakery serves up pastries, fresh sourdough, homemade kombucha and artisanal coffee to a loyal band of Islington regulars. Venture further into Newington Green, where you’ll find their Michelin Guide-recommended restaurant – specialising in inventive small plates.

Prawn on the Lawn

The Cornish coast comes to Islington at Prawn on the Lawn, a seafood restaurant where the menu changes with the season and according to what the fisherman catch. The sharing menu suits the relaxed vibe –gather over small plates of seared tuna and lemon sole with nduja butter, or feast on whole Padstow lobster.

Terra Rossa

This family-run Puglian trattoria specialises in Southern Italy flavours – with rustic décor and a sun-soaked pavement on Upper Street dialling up the dolce vita feel. Come for the warm welcome and traditional orecchiette pasta dishes alongside other hearty Italian fare.

Westerns Laundry

Sister restaurant to Primeur and Jolene, Westerns Laundry occupies a light-filled former Victorian laundry in Drayton Park. The stripped-back aesthetic – whitewashed walls, open kitchen– reflects the restaurant’s focus on simplicity and craft. The menu, centred on thoughtfully sourced seafood, shifts constantly with the tides and the seasons.

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The Tamil Crown Pub on Elia Street

Prawn on the Lawn restaurant on St Paul’s Road

Culture & Leisure

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Little Angel Theatre

There’s something for the whole family at London’s only purpose-built puppet theatre. Little Angel produces imaginative performances with handcrafted marionettes. Beyond its stage work, the theatre engages with the Islington community, running creative learning programmes with local youth groups.

Angel Comedy Club

This neighbourhood comedy club has been a springboard for fresh talent for over a decade. Operating across two sites – The Bill Murray and Camden Head – it opens its stages to some of the UK’s most exciting comedians, from up-and-coming acts to established performers trying out new material.

Everyman Screen on the Green

An Islington icon since 1913, single-screen cinema Screen on the Green combines vintage charm with modern indulgence. Plush sofas, table service and curated cocktails accompany the mix of new releases and special screenings, all beneath the glow of its iconic neon marquee.

Canonbury Square & Tower

This secluded green haven, framed by stately Georgian houses and dappled with mature trees, has long inspired writers and artists. Once home to George Orwell and Evelyn Waugh, Canonbury Square retains a timeless charm, while the nearby Canonbury Tower – dating back to the Tudor era – adds another layer of architectural intrigue to this peaceful city corner.

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Islington moves to an upbeat rhythm: all independent boutiques, restaurants and theatres sandwiched between leafy Georgian squares.

Highlights

Camden Passage

Hidden in the heart of Islington, the cobbled pedestrianised streets of Camden Passage are a haven for antiques enthusiasts, café hoppers and those with a penchant for independent makers.

Almeida Theatre

A cornerstone of N1’s cultural life, the Almeida Theatre is renowned for bold, world-class productions in an intimate setting. Housed in a beautifully restored 19^th-century building, it’s a worthy performance art alternative away from the bustle of the West End.

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Regent’s Canal

Winding quietly behind Islington’s lively streets, Regent’s Canal offers a peaceful counterpoint to city life. Its towpaths invite morning jogs, leisurely strolls and waterside cycling, while colourful houseboats bring a distinctly bohemian charm. Caffeinate at Canal No. 5 or Towpath, before venturing further to Broadway Market or Victoria Park.

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Emirates Stadium

A landmark with a proud legacy, Emirates Stadium is a sporting icon and a symbol of community pride. On Arsenal match days, the air buzzes with energy as fans in red and white converge on the local pubs and streets. Beyond football, the stadium hosts a variety of music, dance and culture events.

Shopping

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Le Coq Epicier

A stylish French épicerie in Camden Passage, Le Coq Epicier showcases artisanal produce, from organic wines to charcuterie and pastries, spotlighting small French makers and elevating shopping into a curated culinary experience.

Haygen

A lifestyle concept store combining Scandinavian-inspired interiors with carefully curated fashion, accessories and homeware. Haygen showcases quality craftsmanship and thoughtful design – tailor-made for those looking for lifelong pieces.

Magpie Vintage

If you’re looking to refresh your wardrobe with sustainability in mind, this independent vintage store on Camden Passage is a haven of pattern and colour. Frequent new arrivals keep the curated edit exciting.

BookBar

An independent bookstore where you can browse new releases and literary classics while sipping coffee or a glass of wine. Be sure to check out the events page for regular book clubs and author readings throughout the year.

Oeno Maris

Serving environmentally conscious, quality seafood, crafted with artisan excellence, Oeno Maris aims to combine community with the finest Earth-conscious treasures from both the sea & vine. From oysters and sashimi to thoughtfully chosen wines, it champions quality and careful curation.

Stella’s

Tucked in Newington Green, Stella’s redefines the traditional butcher, pairing ethically sourced British meat with artisanal pantry staples in a stylish, contemporary setting, creating a destination where quality produce takes centre stage, backdropped by neon lights and pastel tones.

Pubs & Bars

The Albion

Tucked away on Thornhill Road, The Albion is a quintessential Georgian pub with timeless charm. With ivy-clad walls, open fires and one of North London’s prettiest walled gardens, it’s a classic spot for Sunday roasts and summer evenings alike.

The Baring

Co-owned by Rob Tecwyn and Adam Symonds (former head chefs at Dabbous and The Bull & Last, respectively), The Baring has quickly made a name for itself among London’s legion of gastropubs. Recommended by the Michelin Guide, expect comforting European-inspired fare with a twist, from squid and marjoram ragu to quail shish. The wine list and cocktails have a similar inventive flair – try the fig leaf martini or spiced mezcal sour.

Goodbye Horses

An effortlessly cool newcomer on Halliford Street, Goodbye Horses brings a touch of laid-back conviviality to Islington’s bar scene. Inside, soft lighting, vinyl soundtracks and mid-century design details set the mood for an extensive, low-intervention wine list.

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The Pig and Butcher

Set within a handsome 1800s building on Liverpool Road, The Pig and Butcher celebrates Britain’s rich farming heritage, with all locally sourced meat butchered on site. The interiors – rustic woods, butcher’s tiles and communal tables – set the scene for (arguably) Islington’s best Sunday roast.

Earl of Essex

Tucked along leafy Danbury Street, the Earl of Essex has embraced the craft beer movement since opening in 2012 – and remains one of North London’s most celebrated spots to sample the offerings of independent UK and international breweries.

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The Tamil Prince

Bringing the aromatic flavours of Tamil Nadu to North London, The Tamil Prince is famed for its rich curries, buttery roti and bold desserts – with a commitment to authentic ingredients and traditional recipes ensuring every dish is a journey through Southern Indian culinary heritage.

The Compton Arms

Said to have inspired George Orwell’s essay ‘The Moon Under Water’ – his vision of the perfect public house – The Compton Arms remains an intimate, characterful spot where literary heritage meets culinary innovation. Today, it’s home to acclaimed kitchen residencies and a curated drinks list that champions independent producers.

The Drapers Arms

Blending traditional British pub charm with a modern twist, The Draper’s Arms’ daily changing menu serves seasonal dishes and carefully selected ales in a welcoming, character‑filled setting that celebrates community and comfort.