Just under 30 minutes from central London lies the unique and trendy borough of Islington. With easy access via the tube or car, Islington is at the top of the list of property seekers. Professionals and families experience the best of both worlds as they can travel into the bustling city for work and return to tranquil homes with a short commute.
Islington has great properties, from modern new-build apartments to classic Georgian and Victorian houses along the canal. At its core lies Upper Street, a bustling hub of independent shops, boutiques, and diverse eateries. The area’s renowned theatres, such as the Almeida Theatre, showcase captivating performances, while its culinary scene offers a delightful array of global cuisines. Quirky markets like Camden Passage and Chapel Market entice locals and visitors with unique treasures and bustling atmospheres. Islington’s unique blend of trendy and vintage is evident in everything you see, including the people!
Follow us and discover Islington, the beloved London neighbourhood that captures the hearts of professionals and families alike. Islington’s versatility and diverse offerings ensure that there is something for everyone to love and enjoy in this vibrant corner of London.
Architecture style in Islington
Notable Areas
Upper Street
The main road in Islington, Upper Street, is where you will find the entrances to Angel Underground Station and the Highbury and Islington tube stations. The Islington Town Hall is also on Upper Street, along with the Islington Museum and the Almeida Theatre.
Several notable restaurants, such as Santa Maria Pizzeria Islington, the Spanish bar tapas Llerena, and SKÅL Nordic Dining, also make Upper Street the most popular destination in Islington. You can also find several pubs popular among Arsenal FC fans who come to watch the football or meet up before heading out to Emirates Stadium for the game.
Upper Street has some fancy stores for exclusive shoppers as well. The famous TwentyTwentyOne provides ample choices in designer furniture, while The Sampler is a wine merchant that impresses all tourists with its fantastic range of wines. So, if you’re looking for some fun in Islington, Upper Street is the place to go!
Camden Passage
Just off Upper Street is the delightful Camden Passage. Originally an alley behind Upper Street, it’s now a charming stoned path with several antique shops, markets, cafes, restaurants, and bars that spill onto the street. Something exciting happens every day in Camden Passage, be it an antique, book, collectable, or clothes market. It attracts an eclectic crowd that matches its diverse offerings.
When it comes to food, this hidden passage will feel magical as you explore different global eateries. You can head to Kipferl, a Viennese coffee house, or try French cuisine at Le Coq Epicier. If you still have room for dessert, there’s Badiani Gelato Angel, the perfect place to have some Italian gelato.
You can also find the Angel Comedy Club, open seven nights a week when you need a laugh after work. Enjoy the hidden gem of Camden Passage in Angel, where you can delight in a cosy coffee or brunch with a friend, followed by an exciting vintage hunt through its charming array of shops and boutiques.
Regent’s Canal
The Regent’s Canal runs through Angel through the Islington Tunnel and links Mile End, the Hertford Union Canal, and Limehouse Basin’s lock with the Thames. The Canal & River Trust Canal maintains the canal, and you can always find people relaxing on its banks when the weather is good. You can also find several markets around the canal at different times of the year.
Regent’s Canal in Islington is a haven for nature lovers, offering breathtaking views, a peaceful ambience, and an opportunity to connect with the beauty of London’s waterways. Stop by the Narrowboat if you’re just looking for a pint or want to enjoy a romantic date.
De Beauvoir Town
This neighbourhood is part of the borough of Hackney, but it sits pretty close to Islington and Highbury. De Beauvoir Town, or village, is similar to the Highbury area with its tree-lined streets and charming homes. Property in De Beauvoir is very hard to come by, as it’s very rare that people move away from the area. They enjoy the quiet tranquillity it offers. However, several new apartment blocks have been constructed in recent years, allowing new professionals and families to move in. Furthermore, De Beauvoir is also famous for its small coffee shops, cafes, and quirky restaurants, such as Arepa & Co – Haggerston, a Venezuelan restaurant.
Highbury
Highbury, the home of Arsenal FC until their move in 2006, is a popular residential area in Islington. The old Arsenal stadium was converted into a luxury housing complex called Highbury Square. The Emirates Stadium is only 12 minutes away from this location, so Arsenal fans in the area have nothing to worry about regarding the move. Highbury also has an impressive sports centre and tennis courts in Highbury Fields Park, which attract local sports enthusiasts.
The area is known for its tree-lined streets, highlighting an impressive array of homes ranging from Italian villas to classic Georgian homes. Many of these properties have been converted into lovely flats for single adults looking for rental spaces. Highbury also boasts several upscale restaurants with global cuisines, such as Il Guscio Highbury, Canto73, and Iznik.
Barnsbury
Barnsbury has several good pubs, restaurants, and coffee shops, such as the Hemingford Arms and Sunday Cafe & Restaurant. These are both very popular among the locals.
Just a 20-minute walk from Upper Street, the area has excellent green spaces. Stroll through the public gardens in Barnsbury or Thornhill Square, or head to Barnard Park or the Barnsbury Wood Nature Reserve for a beautiful green escape. However, if you are more into architectural sightseeing, you can enjoy walking through the streets of Barsbury, which are lined with delightful brick houses.
Education
Primary, Secondary State and Independent Schools
Islington has several state-funded primary schools, with most having an Ofsted “good” ranking. These include Blessed Sacrament RC Primary School, Copenhagen Primary School, and De Beauvoir Primary School. William Tyndale in Upper Street and St. John Evangelist RC in Duncan Street are two primary schools ranked “outstanding” by Ofsted.
State secondary schools include Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School, Arts and Media School, Islington, and Highbury Grove. They have also been ranked “outstanding” in the area. STEM Academy Tech City on City Road is a new state sixth-form college that opened recently but has gathered much attention in the area from parents and students alike.
Popular independent schools in the area include St. Paul’s Steiner, the Gower School, Rosemary Works School, Dallington School, and Dania School.
Colleges and Universities In/Near Islington
London Metropolitan University has its main campus on Holloway Road in Islington. Although there is only one college in the area, students can easily travel to colleges nearby using public transport.
Expatriate Community
Angel Islington attracts a diverse range of ex-pats and foreign communities, contributing to its vibrant and multicultural atmosphere. Residents from various parts of the world call this neighbourhood home, including Europeans from France, Spain, Italy, Germany, and Poland, drawn by its central location and lively cultural scene. North American ex-pats and foreigners, particularly from the United States and Canada, appreciate Angel Islington’s cosmopolitan vibe and abundant opportunities. The area also boasts a thriving Australian and New Zealand community, attracted by its dynamic lifestyle and career prospects. East Asian residents from countries such as China, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore are drawn to the diverse culinary options and cultural activities available. Additionally, Angel Islington welcomes individuals from Middle Eastern and African nations, adding to the neighbourhood’s multicultural fabric. This blend of cultures and nationalities creates a welcoming and inclusive environment, making Angel Islington a truly cosmopolitan melting pot in London.
Arts and Entertainment
There is plenty to do in Islington for people of all ages and interests. Firstly, Islington has some excellent fringe theatres, including The King’s Head, The Almeida, and The Pleasance. Kids can even enjoy the Little Angel Theatre, a puppet theatre regularly hosting shows.
Secondly, you can enjoy the Odeon Cinema, Everyman Cinema, or Vue Cinema in Islington. The local independent cinema, Screen on the Green, also regularly screens family-friendly content for Islington residents.
Thirdly, if you love music, Islington has several venues and festivals that you can enjoy. The O2 Academy Islington, Islington Assembly Hall, and Union Chapel are popular venues for live music nights. Whether you like classical music or dance tunes, check the local listings to find out which night to join! You should also know that Islington is home to the Breakin’ Convention, an international hip-hop dance festival.
Last but not least, you can explore several different art galleries in Islington. They include the James Freeman Gallery and the Japanese Gallery in Camden Passage.
Sports and Leisure
Islington is not short of football fans, and being close to Emirates Stadium means you can catch a game if you manage to get your tickets on time.
Islington has several leisure centres and the Islington Tennis Centre for those who love tennis. The leisure centres include swimming pools, outdoor pitches, gyms, and saunas. The area also boasts several significant gyms, including Virgin Active and The Gym. You can also find smaller fitness centres and studios that offer yoga, pilates, and CrossFit classes.
Islington offers a unique and trendy borough that appeals to residents and visitors alike. With its proximity to Regent’s Canal, charming areas like De Beauvoir and Highbury, excellent education options, and a thriving arts and entertainment scene, Islington has something for everyone. Whether you’re considering living in the area, visiting for its attractions, or seeking assistance with your move, relocation, or property purchases, feel free to contact us for any inquiries and to explore Islington’s vibrant and beloved neighbourhood further.
