Islington Area Guide

Islington offers a lot of choice to residents, from impressive Georgian townhouses and timeless garden squares to purpose built apartments in mansion blocks and cutting-edge new developments, many of which are canalside. Canonbury and Barnsbury are arguably the most desirable neighbourhoods, although the area to the east of Upper Street, bordering Regent’s Canal is increasingly favoured by younger, often single, buyers.

Originally a wealthy inner suburb, after a period of decline up to the mid-20th century, Islington steadily regained its popularity, becoming a prime residential area as well as a popular destination for shopping, dining and entertainment. Today this vibrant neighbourhood has a distinctly metropolitan feel, and with the City and West end on its doorstep it is perennially popular with commuters.

Upper Street is the beating heart of the neighbourhood. It is busy day and night, with plenty to choose from in terms of shopping and leisure. It is shopping destination for interior design, fashion and antiques, with a mix of high street chains and quirky independents both along Upper Street and in the two shopping centres, Angel Central and the new Islington Square. It has a vibrant nightlife, attracting Londoners from neighbouring boroughs to its many gastro pubs, bars, restaurants and entertainment venues.

 At the southern end of Upper Street Angel underground station is one stop from King’s Cross on the Northern Line, whilst at the northern end Highbury & Islington connects to the Victoria Line, two Overground lines and National Rail. Upper Street is also served by numerous buses.