Guidebook for Greater London
Food Scene
Taking its cue from Alsace, this sparky number from Messrs Corbin & King pays homage to the era of grand cafés. Simple but flawless all-day sustenance is the deal, served against a backdrop of cosy booths, wood panelling, smoky mirrors and flattering lighting. Impeccable service comes as standard.
32 locals recommend
Bellanger
9 Islington GrnTaking its cue from Alsace, this sparky number from Messrs Corbin & King pays homage to the era of grand cafés. Simple but flawless all-day sustenance is the deal, served against a backdrop of cosy booths, wood panelling, smoky mirrors and flattering lighting. Impeccable service comes as standard.
Old enough and wise enough to deserve the title ‘Islington classic’, dapper family-run Frederick’s just keeps on keeping on – driven along by loyal customers who greatly appreciate its lofty conservatory, striking artworks, secret garden and gently fashionable modern European food. Menus change with the seasons at this ritzy local treat.
75 locals recommend
Frederick's
106 Camden PsgeOld enough and wise enough to deserve the title ‘Islington classic’, dapper family-run Frederick’s just keeps on keeping on – driven along by loyal customers who greatly appreciate its lofty conservatory, striking artworks, secret garden and gently fashionable modern European food. Menus change with the seasons at this ritzy local treat.
Tom Oldroyd was chef-director of Russell Norman’s tentacular hit Polpo before going it alone with this diminutive and deceptively laid back solo debut in Islington. Small plates and high-impact flavours from Italy, France and Spain are the kitchen’s calling cards.
37 locals recommend
Oldroyd
344 Upper StTom Oldroyd was chef-director of Russell Norman’s tentacular hit Polpo before going it alone with this diminutive and deceptively laid back solo debut in Islington. Small plates and high-impact flavours from Italy, France and Spain are the kitchen’s calling cards.
Even if you’ve never heard of Yotam Ottolenghi, you can’t pass the flagship branch of his café-deli empire without stopping to admire the sight. Fronting the long all-white dining room is a huge window display, while each dish is a masterclass of eclectic flavours and clashing cuisines.
364 locals recommend
Ottolenghi Islington
287 Upper StEven if you’ve never heard of Yotam Ottolenghi, you can’t pass the flagship branch of his café-deli empire without stopping to admire the sight. Fronting the long all-white dining room is a huge window display, while each dish is a masterclass of eclectic flavours and clashing cuisines.
Fantastic modern Greek food with a fun atmosphere, tucked down one of the nicest little streets in Angel
11 locals recommend
Brother Marcus - Angel
37-39 Camden PsgeFantastic modern Greek food with a fun atmosphere, tucked down one of the nicest little streets in Angel
Zen Mondo
326 Upper StDelicious, authentic Japanese with fantastic sushi
Pophams Bakery
19 Prebend StFantastic bakery with freshly made produce
Gallipoli Cafe & Bistro
119-120 Upper StBest Turkish in town!
Humble Grape
11-13 Theberton StWine bar with a great selection and great food
The Albion
10 Thornhill RdFamous pub with a huge beer garden, tucked amongst beautiful squares
Little Georgia Islington
14 Barnsbury RdDrinks & Nightlife
‘The bar with no name’, it styles itself – try telling that to a taxi driver. In reality, everyone knows this place by its address, hidden away from the Upper Street hordes on an Islington backstreet. It’s the tiny flagship of bar supremo Tony Conigliaro, noted worldwide for his dedication to the art of the mixed drink. And as you’d expect, the cocktails here are outstanding.
89 locals recommend
69 Colebrooke Row
69 Colebrooke Row‘The bar with no name’, it styles itself – try telling that to a taxi driver. In reality, everyone knows this place by its address, hidden away from the Upper Street hordes on an Islington backstreet. It’s the tiny flagship of bar supremo Tony Conigliaro, noted worldwide for his dedication to the art of the mixed drink. And as you’d expect, the cocktails here are outstanding.
A short stroll off the main Upper Street drag, this high-ceilinged Canonbury bar is bright and airy yet cosy and discreet. Cocktails are the mainstay here, from barrel-aged negronis to sweet spring juleps. They have a rigorous approach to ingredients with local gin championed and syrups made in-house – and you can really tell.
51 locals recommend
The Four Sisters Bar
25 Canonbury LnA short stroll off the main Upper Street drag, this high-ceilinged Canonbury bar is bright and airy yet cosy and discreet. Cocktails are the mainstay here, from barrel-aged negronis to sweet spring juleps. They have a rigorous approach to ingredients with local gin championed and syrups made in-house – and you can really tell.
Hoxley & Porter is a themed bar on Upper Street that hangs on to the petticoats of the 19th-century colonial explorer look. In among the exotic palms, uniformed staff, patterned wallpaper and vintage lighting you’ll find a list of cocktails featuring rum galore and lots of fruity, tropical ingredients.
18 locals recommend
Hoxley & Porter
153 Upper StHoxley & Porter is a themed bar on Upper Street that hangs on to the petticoats of the 19th-century colonial explorer look. In among the exotic palms, uniformed staff, patterned wallpaper and vintage lighting you’ll find a list of cocktails featuring rum galore and lots of fruity, tropical ingredients.
The pub is great and has live music, good food and a fun atmosphere. On the weekends the first floor turns into a club which is good fun
67 locals recommend
Out Of The Attic Antiques
195 Blackstock RdThe pub is great and has live music, good food and a fun atmosphere. On the weekends the first floor turns into a club which is good fun
Entertainment & Activities
Everyman Screen on the Green
83 Upper StParks & Nature
Wander along the canal and see the nature and visit the little cafes. Great fun to watch the canal boats navigate the locks
City Road Lock, Regent's Canal, Lock 5
Graham StreetWander along the canal and see the nature and visit the little cafes. Great fun to watch the canal boats navigate the locks