Henry’s guidebook
Neighborhoods
Islington is cool, chic and just a little bit fancy without being too showy.
Sitting pretty in the north of the city in the London Borough of Islington. With a mix of high-end writer-types & the smart city workers, you’ll also find students from London’s universities hanging out in the local bars and cafés. Located in the north of the city near Camden and Hackney, Islington is a 30-minute walk from the city centre.
The borough is really well connected by the Underground – there are ten tube stops near the Islington area including Angel, Farringdon and Arsenal. You may hear a little bit more French being spoken around the area as the Eurostar terminal is located on the Islington border at St Pancras station.
Upper Street is the place to be seen with restaurants, bars and quirky homewares stores attracting the fashionistas. There’s loads to do and it's a highly desirable area to live in for a lot of people moving to the city.
52 locals recommend
Islington
Islington is cool, chic and just a little bit fancy without being too showy.
Sitting pretty in the north of the city in the London Borough of Islington. With a mix of high-end writer-types & the smart city workers, you’ll also find students from London’s universities hanging out in the local bars and cafés. Located in the north of the city near Camden and Hackney, Islington is a 30-minute walk from the city centre.
The borough is really well connected by the Underground – there are ten tube stops near the Islington area including Angel, Farringdon and Arsenal. You may hear a little bit more French being spoken around the area as the Eurostar terminal is located on the Islington border at St Pancras station.
Upper Street is the place to be seen with restaurants, bars and quirky homewares stores attracting the fashionistas. There’s loads to do and it's a highly desirable area to live in for a lot of people moving to the city.
Sightseeing
Head to Hampstead Heath and look out for Parliament Hills for the wonderful views of London. If it is warm out, go for a dip in the Hampstead Ponds (bring your own towels and £2 in change). Finish off your wander with a pint at The Flask, and soak up the atmosphere of one of London's most beautiful neighbourhoods.
22 locals recommend
Hampstead
Head to Hampstead Heath and look out for Parliament Hills for the wonderful views of London. If it is warm out, go for a dip in the Hampstead Ponds (bring your own towels and £2 in change). Finish off your wander with a pint at The Flask, and soak up the atmosphere of one of London's most beautiful neighbourhoods.
Go for a jog or read a book on a bench on a sunny afternoon. Highbury Fields is Islington's largest park (and Four Weddings and a Funeral was filmed here as well!
209 locals recommend
Highbury Fields
Highbury CrescentGo for a jog or read a book on a bench on a sunny afternoon. Highbury Fields is Islington's largest park (and Four Weddings and a Funeral was filmed here as well!
Food scene
Korova is a small, yet incredible local gem that we found by accident and have been going back ever since. French-style hole-in-the-wall, this restaurant produces incredible seasonal dishes and won't set you back too heavily. Thoroughly recommend to all of the foodies!
9 locals recommend
Korova
9 Campdale RdKorova is a small, yet incredible local gem that we found by accident and have been going back ever since. French-style hole-in-the-wall, this restaurant produces incredible seasonal dishes and won't set you back too heavily. Thoroughly recommend to all of the foodies!
If you want to have some of the best Chinese food London has to offer, this is your place. Expect queues, but it is BYOB and the queue moves quickly. Their noodles are to die for.
34 locals recommend
Xi'an Impression London
117 Benwell RdIf you want to have some of the best Chinese food London has to offer, this is your place. Expect queues, but it is BYOB and the queue moves quickly. Their noodles are to die for.
Dubbed as one of the best Sunday roasts in London, we thoroughly recommend booking this far in advance — if you can't, then pop in for a drink anyway and have some nibbles. The area around the pub is absolutely lovely with beautiful houses all around as well.
102 locals recommend
The Drapers Arms
44 Barnsbury StDubbed as one of the best Sunday roasts in London, we thoroughly recommend booking this far in advance — if you can't, then pop in for a drink anyway and have some nibbles. The area around the pub is absolutely lovely with beautiful houses all around as well.
The sister restaurant to the beloved Primeur, Westerns Laundry is a small plates spot in Highbury that’s been set up in a converted garage. Focusing on seafood and natural wines, the Spanish-inspired menu changes every day based on whatever’s in season. So you might get some langoustines with a dollop of old-school Marie Rose sauce one day, or a seabass crudo with nice olive oil the next. However, despite the rotating menu, you’ll always find croquetas, oysters, and a rum baba for dessert. The food’s consistently good and though it sounds sophisticated for a neighbourhood restaurant, the experience feels surprisingly casual, especially when you clock that you’re eating in a redecorated parking space.
47 locals recommend
Westerns Laundry
34 Drayton ParkThe sister restaurant to the beloved Primeur, Westerns Laundry is a small plates spot in Highbury that’s been set up in a converted garage. Focusing on seafood and natural wines, the Spanish-inspired menu changes every day based on whatever’s in season. So you might get some langoustines with a dollop of old-school Marie Rose sauce one day, or a seabass crudo with nice olive oil the next. However, despite the rotating menu, you’ll always find croquetas, oysters, and a rum baba for dessert. The food’s consistently good and though it sounds sophisticated for a neighbourhood restaurant, the experience feels surprisingly casual, especially when you clock that you’re eating in a redecorated parking space.
Drinks
A local favourite, on a sunny day Earl of Essex's garden is full of people. They offer an excellent selection of craft beers.
70 locals recommend
Earl of Essex
25 Danbury StA local favourite, on a sunny day Earl of Essex's garden is full of people. They offer an excellent selection of craft beers.
Come for a glass wine, stay for a cheese platter. Provisions is a small independent wine shop that offers wine by the glass and very cosy evenings.
23 locals recommend
Provisions
167 Holloway RdCome for a glass wine, stay for a cheese platter. Provisions is a small independent wine shop that offers wine by the glass and very cosy evenings.
Coffee shops
The cafe opens at 7am and is run by locals. Coffee is excellent, so is breakfast.
6 locals recommend
Southpaw Coffee
2 Roman WayThe cafe opens at 7am and is run by locals. Coffee is excellent, so is breakfast.