A GUIDE TO ISLINGTON

A GUIDE TOISLINGTON

Islington is fast becoming one of London’s trendiest boroughs, with the perfect mix of fine dining restaurants, chic bars, vintage boutiques, vibrant nightlife, live music events, art galleries,

beautiful parks and some of the best coffee in the capital.

As the birthplace and home to many famous faces, including Emma Watson, Kate Winslet, Colin Firth, Lily Allen and Jimmy Carr, the area is a hotspot for creative talent. There’s always plenty of live events

and exclusive exhibitions taking place to fill your diary from day to night.

We’ve asked some top London bloggers where their favourite places to visit in Islington are, and have shared some of our own recommendations too. So whether you enjoy a cocktail after work, brunch at the weekend, or watching an up-and-

coming band, we’ve strolled the streets of Islington to give you all the best things to see and do.

Have a read of these recommendations and enjoy everything Islington has to offer.

#GuideToIslington

Not every pub can call itself a tapas bar, a craft beer house and a trendy pub-cum-restaurant all in one go. St John’s Tavern can though. It really does offer a bit of everything, making it a great place to unwind for a beer on a summer day with friends, as well as a weekend pitstop for traditional pub food with a European twist.

All the ingredients in their kitchen are locally sourced from nearby farms, bringing out the British roots in this hearty pub. The specials menu changes throughout the year to accommodate seasonal vegetables and fruits so you’ll always be able to find something different to tempt your palate.

STJOHN’STAVERN

stjohnstavern.com

THEGATE

thegaterestaurants.com

“Although I’m not a vegetarian, I eat a lot of veggie food and I’m actually quite fussy with it. I think veggie options can be quite lazy - a lot of places think that just removing the meat is the only way to go, but of course it isn’t. A good vegetarian meal has been

planned without any meat in mind, making a hero out of the vegetables used. I don’t frequent veggie restaurants often, so I was excited to see what The Gate was like - was it going to be run-of-the-mill, or innovative? Well, I’m happy to say it was the latter - this is a place that loves vegetables, and wants to show people what they can do.

Overall, it was a really delicious meal, and I loved the fact that I didn’t wake up the next morning feeling poisoned and bloated, as I would have if I’d eaten a giant, meaty dish instead.

I’d really recommend The Gate - it’s lovely inside, quite a fancy spot, in fact - and the service was great too, with our waiter happy to make recommendations. It’s absolutely somewhere I’d go back to, with or without a vegetarian pal.”

Sarah | www.essbeevee.co.uk@EssBeeVee

Located on Holloway Road, this fantastic venue showcases the rising stars of London’s comedy scene, as well as big names like Russell Brand and Jimmy Carr. Small and intimate, the venue allows you to get up close and personal with your favourite stand-ups.

The theatre also has a great bar (as its name suggests), full of wines and real ales, plus a tasty cocktail menu. Here, you can spice up your own Bloody Marys to taste, or relax with a cool Mojito in the summer. So if you’re looking for a fun evening out with a comedy twist, try The Hen & Chickens Theatre Bar.

THE HEN & CHICKENSTHEATRE BAR

thehenandchickenstheatrebar.co.uk

The snug Italian restaurant, 500, has a real community feeling, with just seven people keeping the kitchen open every day. Dining here is like being transported to Italy and trying an authentic variety of pasta and seafood dishes.

The really special thing about the restaurant is that all the pasta sauces are made on the premises every day, working traditional tomato, vegetable and meat flavours into everyone’s favourite Italian staple. Make sure you save room for dessert too, as the tiramisu is truly mouth-watering.

500

500restaurant.co.uk

The Islington Museum is an ideal place to take your family in London. If you have children, there are always great activities and events on, designed to educate and entertain children of all ages. It is also filled with interactive exhibitions, installations, fascinating memorabilia and displays revealing the intriguing history of London, that are fun for adults too.

Permanent themes in the museum include: food & drink, fashion, leisure, health, radicals, wartime, care, home and childhood, although special exhibitions and workshops pop up regularly displaying newly sourced artefacts, artworks or photographs. So if you want to understand the heritage of your area, the Islington Museum is the perfect place to visit.

Photo Credit: Islington Museum

THEISLINGTONMUSEUM

NIGHTJAR &BARRIO NORTH& LOOK MUMNO HANDS!

“Islington has definitely inherited some of the quirkiness from its neighbour Shoreditch. There are lots of hidden gems to be found in the fashionable Islington area. Here are my top three spots:

If you’re looking for a buzzing yet laid-back bar to start your evening, Nightjar on Old Street Roundabout is the place to be. With a hidden door, creative cocktails and relaxing jazz music, you won’t be disappointed. This place is never empty, so be sure to book in advance.

For somewhere more upbeat with great music, tropical decor and lethal drinks, you’ve got Barrio Angel right off Upper Street on Essex Road.

Lastly, to cure that hangover from the night before, there are also lots of coffee shops around. A personal favourite of mine is the bicycle cafe, Look Mum No Hands!, on Old Street. Enjoy a nice coffee in fun surroundings.

The place is packed with locals, with or without bikes!”

Em | www.catch52.me@Catchfiftytwo

Look Mum No Hands!

barnightjar.comlookmumnohands.com

LUCKYVOICE

luckyvoice.com

If you’re looking for a memorable night, end up in a karaoke bar! Lucky Voice has fantastic karaoke facilities and you can even hire your own booth so that you can enjoy singing along with your friends in semi-privacy. Clever acoustic effects also mean that your voice will sound great, even if you’re a little croaky! There are multiple plasma screens positioned throughout the club, so you’ll always be able to make your requests and sing your favourite songs.

Lucky Voice also has many cocktails, wines, beers and spirits on offer, to quench your thirst between numbers. You can book special packages and cocktail masterclasses too for birthdays and hen-dos. And don’t forget the nightly events, including music quizzes and speed duetting - speed dating with a musical twist.

SCREEN ON THE GREEN

“My favorite spot in Islington has to be the Screen on The Green cinema. Not only is the beautiful building an iconic part of Islington but in my

opinion it’s the best cinema in London. With super-comfortable seats, miles of legroom and a cocktail bar in the screen room itself, what’s not to like? The first time I went it was to see Blue Velvet at a midnight showing; with my cocktail and popcorn in hand I was a very happy lady indeed.”

Nancy | www.hellonancy.co.ukTwitter: @NancyStraughanInstagram: @nancy_straughan

KING’S HEADTHEATREPUB

A real hidden gem, the King’s Head Theatre Pub is a truly impressive establishment that has launched the careers of many well-respected British actors, including Joanna Lumley, Steven Berkoff, Tom Stoppard, Hugh Grant and the late Alan Rickman.

Previously a Victorian pub, a boxing ring and a pool hall, this tiny venue has served the city well over the centuries. Its small size and intriguing history (which actually spans back to the 1500s!) make it one of the must-visit pubs in all of London, never mind Islington. Pull up a chair, enjoy a beer and watch one of the many performances, including the yearly festival featuring scripts from upcoming writers.

kingsheadtheatrepub.co.uk

THE BREAKFASTCLUB &OTTOLENGHI& KIPFERL

“Make sure you try the pancakes and bacon or one of the delicious egg dishes at The Breakfast Club. For lunch, try some of Ottolenghi’s world-famous Mediterranean dishes, sitting in a communal table where you can chat to some new people and maybe

even meet some new friends.

To satisfy your sweet tooth and continue with your European theme, you should taste the delicious desserts in Kipferl, with their gorgeous traditional cakes from a variety of areas in Austria.”

Kristine | www.citysocializer.com@citysocializer

thebreakfastclubcafes.comottolenghi.co.ukkipferl.co.uk

Photo Credit: Johnny Pakington | Kipferl

HOME &PANTRY

If you’re hoping to browse some great gifts and trinkets, Home & Pantry is the place for you. This shop is located on Upper Street and is full of fantastic home ideas and soft furnishings. Well-known for being quirky and fashionable, it has something for everyone – from beautiful jewellery to unique drawers and furnishings.

The store also holds workshops, which give you a fun way to socialise with your neighbours and create some crafts for your home at the same time. The classes are led by experts, and teach everyone how to transform their furniture in simple and fun ways.

homeandpantry.com

Photo Credit: Home and Pantry

DELPARC

With strong influences from North Africa and Spain, Del Parc’s aromatic tapas don’t scrimp on flavour. Located on Junction Road, the restaurant offers a unique selection of dishes packed with spices, cured and barbecued meats, and delicious vegetable and cheese compilations. There’s no set menu so food is served up based on your preferences, making it the perfect way to try many different dishes and unusual flavour combinations in one sitting. Share plates with your friends to really take your tastebuds on a journey.

delparc.com

Photo Credit: Heathcliffe O’Malley

CRAFT BEERCO. & 69COLEBROOKE ROW

If you love beers and ales, Craft Beer Co. is exactly what you need. With a great selection of beers they source from independent micro-breweries, and friendly staff who will help you choose your drink depending on your taste, it’s definitely a place to visit.

For people who love unusual cocktails and want to be a bit more experimental, I definitely recommend the Bar With No Name (or 69 Colebrook Row), which will delight you with their imaginative cocktail ingredients. The Prairie Oyster and Rye Rye are my personal favourites!”

Kristine | www.citysocializer.com@citysocializer

thecraftbeerco.com69colebrookerow.com

ISLINGTONFARMERS’MARKET

Every Sunday, the Islington Farmers’ Market opens for business as it has done for so many years. There is always a colourful selection on display, from the fresh vegetables of Eden Farms and the seasonal flowers of Grange Nurseries, to the fantastic range of organic meats on offer. Open from 10am to 2pm every Sunday, it’s the place to come to find the freshest produce from local traders.

The market is the epitome of London community culture, bringing together the whole of Islington throughout the year. As London’s first ever farmers’ market, it remains much loved and a local delight for anyone hoping to pick up the best in local groceries and support farmers in the area. The beauiful bouquets are not to be missed either.

THE LONDONCOCKTAIL CLUBISLINGTON

Hidden behind an ‘Apothecary Off Licence’ signage facade on Essex Road, this great cocktail joint (The London Cocktail Club Islington) gives off an atmosphere of secrecy and excitement. Its hidden location and pharmacy theme make it one of the best speakeasies in London.

All of the rooms offer something fun, and of course, something secret. The A&E room provides alcohol and entertainment, while the tasting room allows you to sample some amazing cocktails. Cocktail-making masterclasses are also available here!

londoncocktailclub.co.uk

BREAD& BEAN

If you’re looking for a bit of a morning or midday pick-me-up, Bread & Bean is the hidden gem of Archway. Labelled one of North London’s top coffee shops on Time Out London for their piquant roasted coffee and the ambient, friendly atmosphere, this little café is a delightful haven for coffee lovers, freelancers and creatives alike.

Their sandwiches and brunch options are also worth a mention, served up with sourdough bread and locally sourced produce, and their delicious cakes are baked on the premises.

twitter.com/breadandbean37

THE ALMEIDATHEATRE

If you want to see some of the best up-and-coming actors in the country, the Almeida is an ideal place to look. From Shakespeare and musicals to original scripts, shows vary dramatically throughout the year, so there is always something diverse to see. Prices can also be a little cheaper than most theatres, as the actors and artistic directors are still working hard towards their big breaks.

Internationally renowned, some of the best acting talents frequent the theatre’s stage, making each show especially exciting. Tickets can sell out quickly, but the small seating area and traditional stage interior makes for a truly intimate and intriguing experience. So if you’re looking for something a little bit different, skip the performances at the West End this week and support London’s rising talent at the Almeida.

almeida.co.uk

Photo Credit: The Almeida Theatre

SUNDAY

“Five minutes’ walk to the west of Highbury & Islington station you’ll find Sunday on Hemingford Road, which – misleadingly – is actually not only open on Sundays. The queue is always three-deep but moves swiftly, especially in the summer when

they have the garden open, but it’s worth the wait. Its jam-jar and blackboard aesthetic is a bit on the twee side for me, but the food is absolutely top-notch, and the restaurant is so pretty with a chilled ambience.

I never, ever order sweet brunches. I am a savoury person through and through. However, the stack of blueberry pancakes I once saw someone two tables across tucking into was so exquisite that I, for the first time in my life, ordered what was effectively a dessert for breakfast. And they were magnificent.

The quality of restaurants is pretty high around Upper Street, but Sunday really is in a league of its own. It’s a fraction more expensive than its competitors, but it also does the best food I’ve had in Islington. It’s the sort of place that’d be perfect to take a date for brunch in the morning.”

Emily | www.curious-london.co.uk

@CuriouslyEmily

facebook.com/sundaybarnsbury

THE ESTORICKCOLLECTION

estorickcollection.com

The Estorick Collection of Modern Italian Art is the perfect place to absorb some culture in Islington. Located in a stunning Georgian building, this large gallery also houses a great bookshop, an art library and a lovely café.

As a specialism, the gallery displays Futurist paintings and sculptures from Italy, and boasts many well-known artists such as Umberto Boccioni, Gino Severini and Carlo Carrà. A truly unique part of Islington, this collection is a cultural centre of North London.

THE ELKIN THEWOODS

the-elk-in-the-woods.co.uk

If the London lifestyle gets a little too fast-paced for you from time to time, the Elk in the Woods is the perfect hideout. Decorated to appear like a cosy woodland lodge, this quirky pub offers respite from an otherwise busy and bustling city.

The food and drink on offer never fail to please. Refreshing real ales, beautiful wines and a huge range of cocktails make this bar one of the best places to drink in London. A real gastro pub, the Elk in the Woods offers up amazing foods such as slow-roast pulled pork, three-bird stew and wild-mushroom ragu. So sit down, get comfy and tuck in.

THE LITTLEVIET KITCHEN

thelittlevietkitchen.com

“Thuy Kelly, a girl with a passion for sharing food from her home in Vietnam, and turning her dreams into reality, is the master chef behind The Little Viet Kitchen in Islington.

The restaurant is one of the most charming in all of London. The decor is a fantastic mix of shabby chic, rustic, industrial and romanticised styles, with fresh pink peonies and soft candlelight throughout. I loved the finishing touches in here and the fact that everything was so Instagrammable!

I’ve now been twice to Thuy’s restaurant and sampled a good range of the menu. The food is fresh, tasty and healthy, and you’ll find menu items here that can’t be found in other Vietnamese restaurants.

With all the starters and mains, the presentation was incredible and definitely made all the dishes look even more appetising than they already were. Secondly, is it even possible to make fried food taste so healthy?! Of all the deep-fried starters I’ve tried, none of them were greasy. In fact, I couldn’t even detect the oil! Along with the abundant green garnishes, I feel so healthy eating here. If you haven’t been yet, you need to book your table.”

Lucy | www.lucylovestoeat.com@LucyLovesToEat

KILISKITCHEN

kilis.co.uk

“Kilis is the kind of place where love stories start. From the moment you step into the low-ceilinged, warmly coloured restaurant there is an instant aura of comfort. This restaurant seems to emanate a welcoming glow, and the waiters all emphasise this

as they graciously greet diners.

The wooden tables are small and low, and close together. In any other restaurant this would be an issue, but not here, as the proximity seems to make it seem more homely and snug rather than a formal dining space.

The first section of the restaurant is endearing, but the back half is stunning. Here tables are set around a large water fountain with a beautiful enormous Turkish lamp suspended above it. Although this may sound tacky, when surrounded by Anatolian art, smaller twinkling lamps and Turkish trinkets, this space is transformed into a heady haven.

Kilis serves Turkish favourites such as lahmacuns, pides, kebabs and baklava made with home grown pistachios. All food here is prepared by hand using cooking methods passed down over generations. Also available on the extensive menu are Lebanese and Syrian influenced dishes such as mezza and grills.

There are many tempting dishes on the menu at Kilis, including vegetarian options too. The dishes I have tasted here are beyond delicious. There is a very unique and authentic hint to them all, which can only be the result of pursuing and aiming to deliver the high standards stemming from their culinary heritage. This is a very special little restaurant, and I’d recommend you bring those who are very special to Kilis.”

Snita | www.herfavfood.com@HerFavFood

Essential Living is a London-based property developer with a difference: we don’t sell any of

the homes we’ve lovingly built, we rent them.

Our first development, Vantage Point, is located in Islington above Archway Tube station. Stylish

studio, 1-bed and 2-bed apartments will be available to view from June 2016.

Vantage Point2 Junction Road

LondonN19 5RQ

0800 2100 200

vantagepoint@essentialliving.co.uk

www.essentialliving.co.uk

#GuideToIslington

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