A Story of Home Islington Area Guide
On the fringe of central London is the urban suburb of Islington. The area acts as a kind of gateway to the north of London and has a reputation as a sophisticated food destination due to the number of eateries on Upper Street and the surrounding side streets. If you delve a little deeper, Islington also offers a vibrant and unique cultural scene.
There are a whole host of hidden venues awaiting anyone with the curiosity to look for them, with the area showcasing some of the city’s best new comedians, ground-breaking new theatre work, and world-renowned dance.
Finding a good drink is also not a hard task in Islington. You will find classy cocktail bars with expert mixologists, as well as up-market wine bars where the staff will help you get to grips with exciting new flavours. No matter what you are in the mood for, Islington and its surrounding neighbourhoods, have lots to offer its residents and visitors.
Islington is not just for the champagne socialists – it is also a great place to shop with independent boutiques, vintage stores and a weekend farmers market which the locals flock to. There is also a vibrant art scene, N1 is guaranteed to offer you everything you need.
INSTA BOTTOMLESS BRUNCH
A new way to dinner and party. The Skinny Kitchen do a fabulous bottomless brunch, bringing Ibiza to central London on two Saturdays a month. Expect to find live music, a DJ, pornstar martinis & delicious food! The perfect day out and reason to let your hair down! The interiors are awash with neon signs, stylish furniture and lots of greenery, all very instagramable.
Skinny Kitchen, 52 Upper Street, Islington, London. N1 0QH
DAY’S A-DAWNING
Islington Farmers’ Market opened in 1999 and was the first Farmers’ Market to open in London. The market is still running, having changed location twice. Once voted London’s best farmers’ market, it is still a firm favourite with locals who pop down for anything from fresh flowers to fresh produce.
Chapel Market, The Angel, Islington, London N1 9PZ
“Importing an exclusive and carefully curated selection of fine wine, directly from local French producers. Every bottle has been sampled by Maxence himself”
FRESH MEAT
Turner and George believe that everyone should have the opportunity to eat meat that has been ethically reared. They choose the best meat from British native breeds reared on independent farms and smallholdings. They dry-age in house on the bone for flavour, make their own sausages and burgers, and combine all of this with a contemporary knowledge of taste and cooking.
Turner and George, 399 St John St, Clerkenwell, London EC1V 4LD
CATCH OF THE DAY
Moxon’s Fishmongers source the best fish daily from Cornwall, Devon, Scotland, Shetland Islands, Sussex and from Billingsgate market. So you know you are buying the best quality at the best value. We love their Next Door restaurant which serves delicious small sharing plates of fresh fish sourced in the UK.
Moxons Fishmongers 110 Islington High Street, The Angel, Islington, London N1 8EG
EXCUSE MY FRENCH
Made in Little France opened its doors in 2013. Importing an exclusive and carefully curated selection of fine wine, directly from local French producers. Every bottle has been sampled by Maxence himself, it is hard to find someone with as much passion for fine French wine. Made in Little France is the only wine merchant in London specialising in only French wine, and due to the success of St. John Street, Max has recently opened a new shop on Stoke Newington Church Street.
Made In Little France – 397 St John Street, Clerkenwell, London EC1V 4LD
OFF TO THE PICTURES
Screen On The Green is a traditional old school cinema originally built in 1913. It has a warm and friendly atmosphere, with an excellent food and drink selection and fantastic customer service. With a wide array of mainstream, independent and classic films, special events, launches and a diverse calendar of live satellite broadcasts, there is something for everyone. And the bar is in the same room as the screen. What more could you want?
Screen On The Green, 83 Upper Street, The Angel, London N1 0NP
BATTLE CRUISER
Islington has a huge selection of pubs to choose from, our favourite is The Crown. Tucked away on a quiet side street close to the pretty Cloudesley Square, it is a true local pub. Serving cold beers and hearty home cooked food, we highly recommend that you pop in for a Sunday roast.
The Crown, 116 Cloudesley Road, Islington, London N1 0EB
PART OF THE FURNITURE
Frederick’s is a popular Islington restaurant that has been in the same family since it launched back in the late 60s. The food menu consists of mainly European dishes like crab bisque, ox-cheek ravioli with onion broth and croutons, pan-fried duck breast with celeriac fondant, and Welsh lamb cutlets with sautéed potato and garlic French beans. Keep an eye out for seasonal menus and Saturday brunches too.
Frederick’s, 106 Camden Passage, The Angel, Islington, London N1 8EG
TUTTO BENE
Radici is a large trattoria just off Upper Street serving rustic, humble food of the Mezzogiorno, the head chef and owner’s home region. Great for large groups or a celebration. We recommend the truffle tagliolini cacio & pepe, delicious.
Radici, 30 Almeida Street, Islington, London. N1 1AD
“No matter what you are in the mood for, Islington and its surrounding neighbourhoods, have lots to offer its residents and visitors.”
SALUT TOI
Salut! offers a relaxed take on modern-European food. Watch the dishes being prepared in the open kitchen, from the warm and comfortable dining room with wooden tables and vintage furnishings. Voted one of the top restaurants in London, we love the atmosphere and highly recommend the steak tartare.
Salut! 412 Essex Road, Islington, London. N1 3PJ
YOU’RE HAVING A LAUGH
Long queues form outside Angel Comedy, which runs seven nights a week. Entry is free, but the line-ups aren’t full of amateurs, and donations are encouraged at the end of the night. On Fridays and Saturdays you can catch handpicked rising stars and a few professional comics performing their funniest sets, and weekdays feature either new material spots, improv troupes or solo shows. But Angel Comedy’s biggest sell is the inclusive, welcoming atmosphere – despite being a freebie gig, the punters are all here for the comedy rather than simply a cheap night out.
Angel Comedy, 2 Camden Passage, The Angel, Islington, London. N1 8DY
