Islington

Islington, in North London, is one of the city's most pleasant and liveable neighbourhoods — Victorian terraces, independent restaurants and pubs along Upper Street, a cluster of antique shops down Camden Passage, and one of London's best small theatres. It doesn't have a single iconic landmark, but it's an area that rewards a wander.

Upper Street

Upper Street is Islington's main drag — a long, busy stretch of restaurants (everything from Ethiopian to Lebanese to Japanese), pubs, and independent shops. It's a reliable evening destination: the density of decent restaurants means you rarely need to book far in advance on weekdays.

Camden Passage

Not to be confused with Camden Market — Camden Passage is a short, narrow lane off Upper Street lined with antique dealers, print sellers and vintage jewellery shops. Wednesday and Saturday mornings see outdoor stalls alongside the permanent shops.

The Almeida Theatre

One of London's most respected small theatres, the Almeida runs ambitious new writing and classic revivals in an intimate 325-seat space. Productions here frequently transfer to the West End. It's worth checking what's on even if theatre isn't usually on your itinerary.

Getting There

Angel (Northern line) sits at the heart of Islington and is the easiest access point.

Tips for Visiting

• Upper Street is best explored in the evening for dinner — restaurants are open and the atmosphere is good.
• Camden Passage antique dealers are most active on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.
• Check what's on at the Almeida — productions here are often genuinely excellent.