Heading north of the river? The London borough of Islington is brimming with beautiful parks, antiques markets and wonderful independent shops and bakeries. Here's our favorite spots. 

  • Pophams Bakery

    19 Prebend Street, N1 8FP

    A great little breakfast spot for beautiful pastries and good coffee. It’s tiny, so if they’re full, get a takeaway (the cheese and Marmite swirl is our favourite) and head to the nearby canal for an impromptu picnic. 

  • Regent's Canal

    City Road Basin, N1

    The canal is a cool green escape from the madness of East London, with some interesting food options to tempt you along the way, including Haggerston’s Towpath Café and Hackney’s Broadway Market.

  • The Drapers Arms

    44 Barnsbury Street, N1 1ER

    This local pub ticks all the important pub boxes: friendly staff, excellent bar snacks, a decent beer garden, epic Sunday roasts and a fire in winter. Do not miss their Comté and pickled chilli spring rolls.  

  • Antiques Market

    Camden Passage, N1 8EA

    Although smaller than it once was, this eclectic collection of antique sellers is always worth a wander. You might pick up a set of 1960s Champagne coupes, a vintage fur coat or a solid silver pheasant.  

  • Union Chapel

    Compton Terrace, N1 2UN

    This working church is also an atmospheric venue for live music, comedy and film screenings thanks to its incredible acoustics. There are some very good restaurants nearby, including Trullo, on St Paul’s Road, for dinner afterwards.  

  • Vermuteria

    Units 38-39, Coal Drops Yard, N1C 4DQ

    Vermouth is now the cool kids’ tipple of choice, and this all-day café/bar is the place to drink it. Founded by chef/restaurateur Anthony Demetre, its menu runs from morning coffee and cannelés to world-class bar snacks.

You may also like

Where to stay in London

Discover the best districts to visit in London

Read more

Explore King’s Cross and Camden

Grab a fancy sandwich at Kerb's market during the day and dance the night away at Camden's electric gig venues.

Read more

3 days in London

The must-see sights for your first visit to London, including Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace and Camden Town.

Read more

Image credits: © Getty; © Getty; © Pophams; © The Drapers Arms; © Alamy; © The Union Chapel; © Vermuteria; © Getty; © Alamy