Islington Area Guide

Schools

There are many well credited nurseries, schools and academies in and around Islington. A few to name are Canonbury Primary, St Mary Magdalene Academy, Scared Heart Primary, St Mary’s CofE Primary, William Tyndale is Islington’s most sought after primary school- rated overall ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted. The area has much to offer parents and families who are seeking excellent quality education. As of 2018, 93% of all schools in the borough were rated as good or outstanding in their most recent Ofsted inspections.

Theatres

Islington is home to a range of trendy theatres which feature multiple different types of live entertainment – including both performance and dance. In Islington you can find Almedia, Sadler’s Wells, King’s Head, The Little Angel Theatre and that’s only the beginning!

Eating out

The borough of Islington has an abundance of restaurants and cafes to choose from, with a range of boutique, chain and local family run eateries.

If you are looking for something fresh to eat Prawn on the lawn is a highly rated fish restaurant offering a tapas style menu which changes daily. Trullo is one of Islington’s finest Italian restaurants offering home style cooking in a relaxed setting, be sure to book in advance as it is often busy. Trullo have also recently opened a deli offering a wide range of ingredients and hot sandwiches.

Upper Street is lined with an abundance of restaurants with lots to choose from, you are quite literally spoiled for choice. If you are looking for some variety, Mem & Laz offer a vast and delicious Mediterranean menu which is a local haunt for both a lunchtime bite to eat or an evening meal. Frederick’s is one of Islington’s oldest hang outs, located on Islington High Street, it is a contemporary bar and restaurant with a relaxed feel. Gallipoli & Gallipoli again serve up some of Islington’s tastiest kebabs and grilled meat dishes, open 7 days a week for both lunch and dinner. If you are looking for something on the go Islington has a number of daily markets serving delicious hot food, Chapel Market based moments from Angel station or Exmouth Market based in Clerkenwell has lots to offer.

Voted one of Londons best beer gardens, the Canonbury Tavern has a huge beer garden in a leafy setting in the heart of Canonbury perfect for families and friends. If you are looking for a roof top setting, The Castle in Angel is the perfect place for a summer drink. Or the Alwyne Castle is the perfect place for a cosy winter ale or a summer Mojito in one of its outdoor booths

Green spaces

Although Islington is in very close proximity to Central London, there is still an abundance of nature, beautiful parks and green spaces. The most noticeable one being Highbury Fields, situated less than a minutes walk from Highbury and Islington tube station, equipped with plenty of outdoor sports including tennis courts and football pitches, perfect for a summers day. You could also take a quiet walk down Regents Canal which is at the end of Upper Street towards Angel, if you head south west down the canal it takes you along to Coal Drops Yard in Kings Cross. The New River walk runs through the heart of Canonbury, offering you an escape from the hustle and bustle of City life.