Things To Do In Islington

Just a couple of ideas…

Christian Reese

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Islington! The once deserted inner city spot is now one of the best known places in London. Full of classy bars, numerous shops and a wide variety discos, venues and pubs, the N1 area is as trending as it gets. It’s no wonder so many people come to live here. Whether you are a tourist or a potential tenant you should definitely take some time and get to know Islington a little bit better.

For starters, food.

What Are Some Of The Best Restaurants In Islington?

Due to it’s multicultural population, the area has all kinds of restaurants ranging from traditional, to feign cuisine. Fast food joints are no exception either. There is something for every taste. A good example for all the meat lovers reading this article:

Rodizio Rico

More meat, madam?

The first and only Brazilian restaurant chain in London. Bet you didn't see that one coming, did you? You might think the unique atmosphere is what makes this place special, but you’re wrong. It’s the way the food is served to you. The grilled meat is served directly from the charcoal grill. Passadors, known as meat carvers in English, go from table to table and slice meat form their skewers directly into your plate. You can chose whatever type of meat you desire as long as it’s listed in the catalogue. And the catalogue is huge. The ultimate paradise for any meat lover. Vegetarians should not worry, as Rodizio Rico has a wide variety of traditional Brazilian salads and hot dishes as well.

By the way, have you ever heard of those Michelin star restaurants? Well, there is one in Islington. It has only one star, but it still highly appreciated and recommended nevertheless.

Angler

Is a seafood restaurant situated on the top floor of South Place Hotel. It’s large, bright and fancy looking. There is also a private dining room with an incredible view towards some great city landmarks such as Tower 42 and the Gherkin. If you want to feel high class or just love seafood and shellfish, this is the place for you.

Keep in mind, these two Islington restaurants are just a small example. There are literally hundreds more. So, now when we have talked about food, how about a drink?

Pubs In Islington

The Castle

This pub will welcome you with its unique atmosphere and feel. The wooden bar, low hung lampshades and wooden flooring will immediately make you feel like home. Meals are also served here as well as drinks. The place also has a nice roof terrace where you can spend a nice summer day in the company of a close one. It’s also worth to mention the prices are quite affordable considering the fact this place is situated in the centre of London.

Another option

Lord Wolseley

Very similar to the Castle, this little pub offers a wide variety of drinks and Thai cuisine. Yes, your read it right- Thai cuisine. Maybe not the place you should go if you want something traditional, but certainly a place worth visiting if you love drinking and watching ball games. The Lord Wolseley staff also occasionally cater for private parties of up to 20 people. Live music is not something uncommon for this place either.

Other pubs in Islington include The Alma, The Crown, The lord Clyde, and many more. So what is there besides eating and drinking?

Shopping

Ever heard of Upper Street? Ask any Londoner where they do their shopping and you will hear these two words. Upper Street is the main shopping street for The N1 area and inner north London. Besides the numerous trendy shops, there are also many pubs, theatres and restaurants. It probably comes as no surprise, does it?

Vintage shops are also present here, in case you are the kind of person who likes old antiques.

Camden Passage

Is THE place dedicated to selling antiques. Besides the numerous antiques shops, the passage is also known for hosting a antique market every Wednesday and Saturday. Many of the traders who come here are specialists in their craft. You know you will not see a “Made in China” sticker on any item you buy, so go ahead and try to bargain. It’s worth it.

Another shop you don’t see everyday is

Paul A Young Fine Chocolates

While this shop is not a chocolate factory, it will certainly make you want to consume as much of the tasty treat as possible. Started in 2006, this chocolate heaven was quickly recognised by the public and media as the one of the best chocolateries in the UK. It even won an award for Best New Chocolate Shop at the World Chocolate Awards in 2007. If you love the tasty treat or just want to surprise a loved one in a way you have never done before, be sure to check this place out. The smell of chocolate alone, will make you want to stay forever in the shop.

Continuing On To Some Historical Landmarks

Angel Clock Tower.

This local clock tower, a lot smaller compared to Big Ben, was built by a local clock makers company called J. Smith & Sons many years ago. How long ago exactly is not clear. According to the company history, the last clock they ever manufactured was in 1938. They stopped making clocks because demand dropped drastically due to the first Word War. Nowadays the firm is called Smiths Metal Centres and is a major supplier of raw materials to other manufacturing companies. The Angel Clock tower is somewhat a symbol of their old glory days of leading clock manufacturers. And it still works properly, so be sure to set your watch to it.

Angel Wings

Build in 2003 by Wolfgang and Heron, this beautiful sculpture is considered the largest public artwork in all of London. Besides being a great meeting point, it also marks the entrance to the N1 central piazza.

Other famous historical landmarks include: The Angel, Islington Town Hall, St Peter’s De Beauvoir and more.

We’re counting on you to discover the rest for yourselves.

Culture

The Almeida Theatre

Do not let the small size of this theatre, only 325 seats, fool you into thinking it’s some random local theatre. The Almeida theatre is internationally acclaimed and known as one of the best venues outside of central London. The diverse range of international and British drama combined with some of the best actors will surely make you want to come back for more. Not only that but the venue also holds an annual summer festival in celebration of the best new music, opera and theatre.

Islington Arts Factory

This is the only multi-arts community centre in the entire Borough of Islington. It provides over fifty educational courses in dance, art and music. It doesn't matter if you are an adult or a child, all are welcome. You can attend classes or courses at weekends, everyday or however you like it. The support you get form the teachers and the positive atmosphere are enough to make all the difference in the world. The low costs are another good reason to check it out.

O2 Academy Islington

A popular music venue situated in the N1 Shopping Centre. Who knows, maybe you’ll be lucky enough to see you favorite artist play just when you decide to visit Islington. Either that or move to the N1 and enjoy great concerts on you days off.

Final Words

Although this article may seems good for tourists, you can rest assured Islington is also a good place to move to. It’s close to the centre of London, but at the same time not exactly in it. A place mostly suitable for young enthusiastic people who want to learn new things and make new friends. There are numerous job opportunities. There are also many parks and open space areas where you can spend weekends and summer days. Housing is not very cheap, but how can it be when you’re so close to central London? Don’t worry, hopefully you’ll find a well-paid job. And if you don’t like it or grow tired of it, you can always call a moving company and move somewhere quieter. Either way, The N1 will leave you with plenty of memories.

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