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The Best Things to do in Angel Islington

A modern building with a large sculpture in front of it.

During my visit to Angel, Islington, I experienced a delightful mix of culture, shopping, dining, and nightlife that made for a truly enjoyable and memorable time. The neighborhood’s charming atmosphere, diverse culinary scene, and unique attractions made it a surprisingly enjoyable time for a weekend getaway.

Islington itself is massive and jam-packed with a ton of things to do but this little part of the borough is an absolute standout! So, without further a do here are the best ones we’ve at so far!

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My Picks of the Best things to do in Angel

The 411

The interior of a restaurant with a bar and tables.

The 411 isn’t just any normal pub it’s like a jack of all trades of every bar experience you could get in the city of London. You’ve got funky music, delicious food, lots of beer, My favourite part about this joint is that it’s super close to Angel station, and the reason on why that’s important is because we frequently come back to this bar whenever we have the time so it’s nice it’s just a walk away.

Though we’re not here seven nights a week, they do hold a little event every Wednesday that I think everyone should get a chance to try out in the borough of Islington. They have this gimmick of stock market Wednesdays where the prices rise and fall just like the real stock market! It’s quirky, unique, and unlike the real stock market, you actually feel happy when the prices go down.

📍411 St John St, London EC1V 4AB, United Kingdom

Compton Arms

A yellow building with a sign on it.

One of the best things you’ll find tucked away in Angel London is Compton Arms.  It’s a delightful mix of the vintage atmosphere and hipster-like design and it does that extremely well. There is a wide variety of food and drink options available on the menu, with a focus on locally sourced ingredients, craft beer, wine, and cocktails.

There’s a reason why this is one of London’s best bars as it quickly became the favourite drinking holes of several famous people like George Orwell. It’s also nice that whenever Arsenal is playing a game then this pub is ready with TV screens inside and outside so you could bond with other football fans and make a few friends! (or enemies if you’re a West Ham fan)

📍Compton Arms, 4 Compton Ave, London N1 2XD, United Kingdom

Community Garden

A pathway in a garden full of flowers and trees.

Green Spaces aren’t hard to spot but this one in North London is particularly special. Because not only is it a landscaped park, it’s also maintained by the very community residing in Highbury and Islington! It’s such a beautiful garden filled with flora and fauna and is actually the perfect place to walk along and feel nature all around you.

This Islington green space is great because you can host events here! It’s a lovely spot especially for weddings and live music so if you’re ever in this part of London try to keep an eye out on what events are being held at this garden!

📍1 Cloudesley Rd, London N1 0EJ, United Kingdom

Postal Museum

 

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Now, the Postal Museum might be a bit too far compared to the other spots to visit here since it’s a bit further behind angel Station. But hey, it’s free to visit and if you could endure the maybe 20 minute walk from Angel Tube station, then you’ll find yourself in one of the most interesting things to do in Islington.

Consider the humble postman, you’d think that they’re just the city’s best and most efficient workers for delivering letters and mail, but they’re lives were as action-packed as any action movie out there. I mean, did you know they were issued guns just to protect themselves from robbers on the streets of North London? There’s also tons of exhibitions you can check out to learn more about stamps and other stuff.

📍15-20 Phoenix Pl, London WC1X 0DA, United Kingdom

Island Queen

A bar in a restaurant with a clock on the wall.

Right on Angel Central could be one of the most fun experiences you could have with friends! Island Queen is a sleek gastropub with high ceilings, gorgeous views of the Regent’s canal and board games available for every customer.

This is our favourite pitstop every Saturday, after a day of scouring the stalls and boutiques of Chapel Market, shopping for fruits and veg. This is a cosy little spot to have a bite to eat, unwind, or get competitive with your mates!

📍87 Noel Rd, Greater, London N1 8HD, United Kingdom

Little Angel Theatre

I did not expect I’ll enjoy the Little Angel Theatre. It’s basically a theatre that is meant to entertain kids with puppet shows, colorful set design, and catchy music. However, just because it’s meant for kids doesn’t mean the adults aren’t entertained!

Their set design is amazing and the shows they put on are actually quite interesting. Plus, the cosy interior and vibe is very comfortable. We took our niece here for a show and she never stopped asking for another visit since.

📍14 Dagmar Passage, London N1 2DN, United Kingdom

The Pleasance Theatre

One of the top things you could do while in Central London is to visit the many theatres scattered across the city. Unlike the Little Angel Theatre that was meant for kids or the Almeida theatre that show more thought-provoking and traditional acts like ballet, this one is a fringe theatre with a variety of shows from non-traditional performance acts to comedy shows and more!

They have great acoustics and is also home to a banger of a pub located in the building. It’s cozier and more laid-back compared to other theatres located in the city and is certainly a must-try! Best part is the beers are directly delivered to your table so you could literally just sit back and enjoy!

📍Carpenters Mews, North Road, London N7 9EF, United Kingdom

69 Colebrooke Row

A building with the number 69 on it at night.

Or better known by their cooler nickname “The Bar with No Name” has been a staple to the bar-scene for many many years. In fact, The best cocktails can be found at this speakeasy near Islington Station. Along with several house specialties, the cocktail menu features all the favorites.

My preferred option is the Manhattan Steel Corp, which is a creatively simplified version of Manhattan. Additionally, we completed two masterclass cocktail-making classes that were both highly enjoyable and educational.

📍69 Colebrooke Row, London N1 8LN, UK

Everyman Screen on the Green

Part of the Everyman Screen on the Green’s ccharm is their dedication to all things regarding the film industry. They show movies from new releases to even classic films from decades ago! They also hold events where they interview and ask questions to famous directors and actors so you could learn more about the movies they starred in.

It’s location on Upper Street also means that it’s super close to the iconic Islington square so you have a bunch of cafés, vintage shops, independent boutiques and so much more. So, I guarantee you, a visit here wouldn’t just mean you’ll see a great movie but the many independent shops that surround it add to the overall experience!

📍83 Upper St, London N1 0NP, United Kingdom

Looking for More Guides?

Like I said, Islington is massive! There’s still a bunch of other places to see from cafes, restaurants, and brunch spots so check our other guides for more information on this charming part of London!

If you’re still looking for something super memorable and fun to do, then come on over to our comedy club! Not only do we have top-notch comedy shows with award-winning comedians, but we’ve also got a bottomless brunch option for some amazing food and unending drinks, all paired with a lot of laughs!

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FAQ

What are some of the popular attractions in Angel?

Some popular attractions in Angel include the Union Chapel, the Almeida Theatre, and the Candid Arts Trust. You can also visit Islington Green, a beautiful spot with an orchard, adventure play area, and tennis courts

What are some of the best places to eat and drink in Angel?

Angel offers a variety of dining options, from classic pubs like The York and the King’s Head to trendy cafes like Rheidol Rooms on St. Peter’s Street. There are also several brunch spots in the area, such as Breakfast Club, Blue Legume, Brother Marcus, Sunday, and Beyond Bread.

What are some of the best shops and markets in Angel?

Angel is home to several independent boutiques, art galleries, and vintage shops. You can explore these shops at Camden Passage, where street market traders sell vintage and retro clothes, antiques, and collectables on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

What are some of the best nightlife spots in Angel?

Angel offers a variety of nightlife spots, such as the Angel Comedy Club, which hosts live comedy shows seven nights a week. You can also enjoy a nightcap at a neighborhood speakeasy like the Bar with No Name, located at 69 Colebrooke Row.

 

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