The smart, definitive guide to Islington, London
Things to do in Islington
Located to the north-east of central London, the borough of Islington extends from Farringdon at one end to Arsenal at the other engulfing Angel, Clerkenwell and Newington Green on the way. It has become a popular residential area and is home to a rich mix of restaurants, shops, theatres and gig venues to entertain residents and visitors.
Upper Street, in Angel, is one of Islington’s most popular areas, with restaurants, bars, shops and theatres dotted along the way. Camden passage, tucked away behind the high street, is home to a number of antique shops, cosy pubs and cafes, plus an excellent street market every Wednesday.
Islington borough is also the home of Arsenal football club, and with over 100 parks in the area there’s plenty of opportunity to practice your ball skills.
After dark the masses tend to gravitate towards Angel, so expect it to get busy at weekends. Although at first glance the area can seem commercial, it’s worth knowing that for every shouty chain pub on the high street there’s a smaller independent bar to complement it.
Islington Venues
Parasol Unit
Best for: Cutting edge contemporary art.
Sadler’s Wells
Best for: Watching some of the latest and best in contemporary dance.
Union Chapel
Best for: Watching quality bands in a beautiful venue.
Screen on the Green
Best for: Independent films in an historic old style cinema.
The Old Queen's Head
Best for: A pub with the right mix of tradition, cool, and glamour.
Business Design Center
Best for: A huge range of events and exhibitions including the annual London Art Fair.
02 Academy Islington
Best for: Watching some well picked indie bands.
Almeida Theatre
Best for: Posh theatre.
Old Red Lion Theatre Club
Best for: Fringe theatre.
How to get to Islington
By Tube: Angel, Highbury and Islington, Arsenal
By Bus: 394, 153, 73, 30, 19, 4, 476, 56, 38
24-hr Buses to Islington: 214, 205, 274, 43, 43, 341
Please see Transport for London for more Islington travel information.
Upper Street, in Angel, is one of Islington’s most popular areas, with restaurants, bars, shops and theatres dotted along the way. Camden passage, tucked away behind the high street, is home to a number of antique shops, cosy pubs and cafes, plus an excellent street market every Wednesday.
Islington borough is also the home of Arsenal football club, and with over 100 parks in the area there’s plenty of opportunity to practice your ball skills.
After dark the masses tend to gravitate towards Angel, so expect it to get busy at weekends. Although at first glance the area can seem commercial, it’s worth knowing that for every shouty chain pub on the high street there’s a smaller independent bar to complement it.
Islington Venues
Parasol Unit
Best for: Cutting edge contemporary art.
Sadler’s Wells
Best for: Watching some of the latest and best in contemporary dance.
Union Chapel
Best for: Watching quality bands in a beautiful venue.
Screen on the Green
Best for: Independent films in an historic old style cinema.
The Old Queen's Head
Best for: A pub with the right mix of tradition, cool, and glamour.
Business Design Center
Best for: A huge range of events and exhibitions including the annual London Art Fair.
02 Academy Islington
Best for: Watching some well picked indie bands.
Almeida Theatre
Best for: Posh theatre.
Old Red Lion Theatre Club
Best for: Fringe theatre.
How to get to Islington
By Tube: Angel, Highbury and Islington, Arsenal
By Bus: 394, 153, 73, 30, 19, 4, 476, 56, 38
24-hr Buses to Islington: 214, 205, 274, 43, 43, 341
Please see Transport for London for more Islington travel information.
Reviews from Islington
Place - Hope and Anchor
The bar manager is a total fascist. We went in there and put 7 alternative...
Place - Almeida Theatre
Breath of fresh air to watch something that's good. It's simple...
Place - Earl Of Essex Public House
http://questforasundayroast.com/2011/10/30/earl-of-essex-islington/ we...
Place - Ladybird
I went to ladybird, not expecting much, just a casual few drinks out.
Th...
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Place - The Florence
Avoid this pub at all costs. And don't just take my word for it, read...