Angel & Islington

Angel station gives its name to the southern end of Islington — one of North London's most pleasant and liveable areas, built around Upper Street's dense restaurant and pub scene.

Upper Street

London's most reliable restaurant street outside the centre — everything from Ethiopian to Lebanese to Japanese, with enough density that walk-in tables are usually available on weeknights.

Camden Passage

A narrow lane of antique dealers off Upper Street — Wednesday and Saturday mornings bring outdoor stalls alongside the permanent shops.

Getting There

Angel station (Northern line) sits at the heart of the area.

Tips

• Upper Street is best in the evening for dinner.
• Camden Passage antique dealers are most active Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

Islington Beyond Upper Street

Chapel Market, a short walk from Angel station, runs a traditional street market Tuesday to Sunday — fruit, veg, cheap clothing and a genuine slice of pre-gentrification Islington alongside the newer wine bars nearby. Islington Green, at the northern end of Upper Street, is a small triangular park worth a pause between shops.

The Estorick Collection

A small, specialist gallery of modern Italian art (Futurism in particular), a short walk from Highbury & Islington station — genuinely excellent and almost always quiet. Worth knowing about if you're interested in art beyond the major central London museums.

Tips

• Chapel Market on a weekday morning is the most authentic, least touristy side of Islington.
• The Estorick Collection is a short detour from Upper Street and rarely crowded.