Exploring Islington: Meeting our new neighbours

This week, we’re exploring our new neighbourhood and meeting our neighbours to celebrate the opening of our new shop in Islington Square. Islington is a thriving hub of shopping, food, activities and culture, and we’re happy to join such a unique community. 

Shopping

With origins dating back to the 1960s, Camden Passage is a market of over 200 independent dealers of vintage and antique items. Just a stones’ throw from Angel tube station, the pedestrian-only outdoor market is full of hidden gems and treasures to be discovered.

In addition to the fantastic markets, Islington is also full of independent boutiques, unique shops and eateries, many of which are housed in Islington Square. 

Some of our new neighbours to check out:

• Lone Design Club: a go-to for ethically produced women’s wear
• The Wearer: for beautiful independent jewellery brands
• Arlo & Jacob: a handcrafted and curated furniture shop for great homeware
• Conservatory Archives: indoor gardening and plant specialists 

 Some of our other favourite stores are:

• Twentytwentyone: for Scandi minimalist furniture and interiors 
• Haygen: curated fashion, homeware, art and gifts
• S120: an eclectic mix of vintage and emerging fashion, homeware and accessories
• After Noah: for mid-century and vintage restored furniture and decor

To Eat 

There are many excellent local spots and independent restaurant brands to visit in Islington to grab a cocktail or a bite to eat. 

Our recommendations:

• Pubs: Our favourite pubs in the area with the loveliest beer gardens include The Drapers Arms, The Narrowboat and the Albion
• Coffee: We’d recommend either Vagabond N7, Le Péché Mignon, or all-day brunch spot Appestat
• Cocktails: Both the Little Bat and The Bar with no Name 
• Our favourite dinner spots: Trullo and Black Axe Mangal 
• Plant-based: Mildred’s and The Gate

If you’re visiting Islington on the weekend, a visit to Exmouth Market is a must. This food stall market has a community focus, offering produce and artisanal goods from small, local vendors, with a commitment to ethically sourced, environmentally friendly products. 

In addition to Exmouth Market, the Islington Farmers Market is the oldest farmer’s market in London. Every Sunday from 10 - 2, the Chapel Market area is full of fresh produce, baked goods, flowers, fresh pasta and pretty much anything else you could imagine.

Islington Square also features some yummy eats: Megan’s, a fresh, Mediterranean inspired cafe and OmNom, a plant-based restaurant, yoga space and wellbeing hub.

Just for fun

If you’re not looking to shop or peruse the market stalls, there’s still plenty for you to do in Islington. The Culpeper Community Garden is a beautifully landscaped public park in the centre of Islington that also serves as a community-wide environmental project featuring a pond, an arbour walk and plenty of stunning greenery, perfect for a peaceful spring afternoon stroll. 

Another ideal place for a stroll is along Regent’s canal. Lined with various different boats and interesting architecture, the canal runs through the heart of Islington and into Camden. Don’t forget to check out the coolest floating used bookstore, Word on the Water, while you’re there – you’re guaranteed to find something amazing below deck. 

As you can tell, there is endless food and fun to experience in Islington. If you’re coming in to visit our new shop in Islington Square, why not wander around the neighbourhood and see what else you can find.