Islington

About Islington

From the modern apartment blocks and bustling shopping hub of Angel to the leafy Georgian squares just a short stroll away, Islington offers something for everyone. Its popularity has soared in recent years, attracting buyers and renters eager to secure a home in this dynamic borough.

Residents enjoy browsing antiques in Camden Passage, sampling global cuisine at Exmouth Market, or sipping cocktails in stylish hidden bars. Despite being only 10 minutes from Central London, Islington retains its unique character, with independent shops, bars and restaurants alongside well-known chains. The area also boasts a thriving arts scene, with theatres and galleries showcasing the best of British drama, dance and art.

Fact file

• Angel tube station has the longest escalator in London at 60m.
• Famous residents include Tony Blair, Colin Firth, Lily Allen, George Orwell and James McAvoy.
• The Angel, Islington appears on the Monopoly board thanks to meetings held at Lyon’s Corner House.
• Islington was the first London borough to receive fresh water via the New River aqueduct.
• Holloway Prison once housed suffragettes like Emmeline Pankhurst and Emily Davison.

Architecture and property 

Islington’s property market is thriving, offering a mix of Georgian townhouses, Victorian terraces and modern apartments. The most desirable homes are flat-fronted Georgian properties and early Victorian terraces, particularly along Colebrooke Row. You’ll also find 1950s and 1960s flats, council estates and new-build developments such as Wenlock Building and Queensland Terrace.

Going out

Islington is a foodie’s paradise. Upper Street is lined with restaurants offering everything from trendy chains like Wahaca to independent gems such as Ottolenghi. Other hot spots include Gallipoli, delivering authentic Turkish cuisine and Frederick’s. Enjoy rooftop views at The Castle, or try bespoke cocktails at 69 Colebrooke Row. For traditional pubs, locals love The Compton Arms and The Charles Lamb.

Local amenities

Islington High Street and Upper Street are packed with great independent shops. Here you can find everything from seductive home accessories at Abigail Ahern to the latest fashion trends at Diverse boutique. High street chain stores can be found at the Angel and Nag’s Head shopping centre.

The Camden Passage antiques market has been supplying Londoners with collectables and bric-a-brac for over 50 years, and is always busy with bargain hunters at weekends.

There are several large supermarkets in Islington, including a Sainsbury’s, Waitrose and Marks & Spencer, all on the same short stretch of Liverpool Road. Lucky Islington locals also have the option of shopping at Islington Farmers’ Market, London’s oldest such market. Some 30 stalls converge every Sunday on Chapel Market, selling a variety of fresh produce, local delicacies and organic foods. Visitors don’t need to worry about lugging their shopping home as there are lots of free parking available on Sundays around Penton Street and Claremont Square.

Islington has several libraries, many of which have free Wi-Fi and reading groups for children and adults. It’s now even possible to borrow e-books and e-audio online. Highbury Pool and Gym runs numerous exercise classes in its gym studio and pools. Islington also has several other exercise possibilities, such as outdoor gyms and branches of other major gym chains.

Green spaces

While Islington is primarily a built-up area, locals know that it has no shortage of lovely outdoor spaces. The largest is Highbury Fields, 30 acres of sports facilities, playgrounds and open space tucked behind the busy intersection of Highbury Corner. 

The Ecology Centre and nature reserve at Gillespie Park is great for kids who enjoy discovering its plant, butterfly and bird species, as well as adults who can seek advice on wildlife gardening and sustainable living. Keen ramblers looking to delve further into the countryside love the New River Walk. Neither new nor a river, it follows the path of a 17th-century aqueduct and connects Islington with Hertfordshire.