London Borough of Islington, London guide

Tucked behind a busy road junction is Highbury Fields, 12 hectares of green space bordered by Georgian terraces so elegant they’re often used as filming locations. In winter, joggers and dog walkers do laps here. The moment the sun shows its face, the grass is covered in blankets, picnics and Frisbee players. At one end is a public pool, while at the other is a handful of tennis courts.

The Old Compton Arms inspired George Orwell to claim he had found the best pub in the world. But there’s a watering hole to suit everyone, from raucous matchday meeting places to canalside chillouts offering live jazz. You’ll find gastro destinations in the leafy streets of Barnsbury. And the Old Red Lion claims to be the oldest pub in London, dating back to 1415.

Islington’s innovative theatre scene begins with the Almeida, whose groundbreaking productions regularly transfer to the West End. Sadler’s Wells hosts the world’s greatest classical dancers as well as major musicals. Check out fringe venues too. Many offer cheap seats and the chance to see rising stars, often in a room above a pub, such as the King’s Head and The Rosemary Branch.

Regent’s Canal runs straight through Islington, and the child-friendly London Canal Museum in King’s Cross offers boat trips that will take you through the tunnel beneath Angel. Puppets take centre stage at Little Angel Theatre, whose productions are as educational as they are magical. And there’s retro fun to be had at the legendary Rowans bowling alley in Finsbury Park.

Alongside its theatres and cinemas, Islington bursts with music venues that attract top talent across the genres. In small rooms like The Slaughtered Lamb, singer-songwriters deliver intimate sets. And former 1970s cinema Scala is now a permanent party venue. You can also headbang at The Garage, bop to pop at the O2 Academy or take in the awesome acoustics at the 19th-century Union Chapel.

Many chefs have made their name in Islington’s neighbourhood restaurants. Upper Street is home to trendy new openings, while street-food stalls line up daily on Exmouth Market outside famous cafes and restaurants. If you’re up for offal, St. JOHN is Britain’s most famous nose-to-tail restaurant. Holloway Road offers a number of the city’s best cheap-eat restaurants, including Chinese, Malaysian and Korean.

The borough’s wine and cocktail bars lean towards the small and secluded. Home to one of the city’s most experimental drink menus, 69 Colebrooke Row was long called The Bar With No Name because of its refusal to advertise itself. Upper Street is the centre of Saturday night activities, while the Finsbury Park area has become an increasingly hip hangout. And Holloway Road caters to student nights out.

Good luck walking the mile from Angel Station to Highbury Corner without opening your purse. The stretch from Islington High Street spans everything from thrift stores to bespoke jewellers, with a handful of fashion and homeware boutiques in its Islington Square development. Twice a week, Camden Passage fills with antique stalls, while some of Islington’s quirkiest finds await on Holloway Road, from vintage clothing to a store selling second-hand mannequins. 

Summer brings some wonderful street parties to Islington. In July, the Cally Festival takes over the length of the Caledonian Road with markets, music and family-friendly activities. Finsbury Park regularly plays host to large-scale music festivals. And the Business Design Centre has themed events year-round, including stationery shows.