Islington Square is one of Upper Street’s most stylish spots for food, film and culture
If you are wandering along Upper Street and want somewhere that feels a little more polished, a little calmer and a little more curated, Islington square is worth knowing about.
Set at 116 Upper Street, London N1 1AB, this smart North London destination brings together restaurants, cafés, shopping, cinema, theatre and wellness in one beautifully repurposed setting. It sits inside the area’s former postal sorting office, which gives it more character than the average modern development. As a result, it feels distinctly Islington rather than generic.
For anyone searching for the best things to do in Islington, where to eat on Upper Street, or stylish places near Angel, this is one of the area’s best all-round addresses. It is easy to visit. It looks good. And, importantly, it gives you more than one reason to stay.
What is Islington Square?
Islington Square is a mixed-use destination in the heart of Islington, combining food, drink, shopping, leisure and culture in one central location on Upper Street. The official site describes it as a place to eat, drink and shop in North London’s old postal sorting office, which neatly sums up why it feels different from many other lifestyle destinations in London.
That heritage matters. Upper Street has long been one of North London’s best-known stretches for dining, theatre and local life. Therefore, Islington Square works best not as a replacement for the street around it, but as one of its most stylish pockets. It feels slightly tucked away, yet still right in the middle of everything.
Why Islington Square is worth visiting
The biggest strength of Islington Square is variety. You can come here for brunch, coffee, shopping, a workout, a film or an evening at the theatre. In other words, it is one of those rare places in London that works just as well for a casual daytime visit as it does for a proper night out.
That makes it especially useful in a neighbourhood like Islington, where people want convenience but still care about atmosphere. Here, you do not need to rush between different parts of the area to build a good plan. Instead, you can settle into one place and let the day unfold.
Where to eat at Islington Square
Food is one of the easiest reasons to visit. The square’s official directory brings together a mix of dining and café options, making it a strong choice if you are looking for restaurants in Islington or brunch near Angel.
What makes it appealing is the flexibility. You can stop for coffee in the morning, come back for lunch, or turn it into a full evening with drinks and dinner. That all-day quality suits Upper Street well. It also makes Islington Square feel practical, not just photogenic.
A cinema and theatre destination on Upper Street
This is where Islington Square really stands out. It is not only somewhere to eat and shop. It is also a genuine culture spot in Islington.
The square is home to King’s Head Theatre, one of the area’s best-known cultural institutions. The theatre’s official visitor information confirms its new venue is in Islington Square, just behind the old King’s Head pub, and around a 9-minute walk from Angel Station or 12 minutes from Highbury & Islington Station.
That gives Islington Square a real evening pull. You are not just coming for dinner. You are coming for dinner and a show, or drinks before a performance, or a full Upper Street night out with a cultural edge.
Wellness at Islington Square
Islington Square also has a more everyday side. Third Space Islington is located here, and the club describes itself as a luxury health club in the heart of Islington with state-of-the-art facilities, a pool, wet spa and over 100 classes per week.
This matters because it broadens the identity of the square. It is not only a place you visit occasionally. It is also part of people’s weekly routines. That helps it feel more like a neighbourhood hub and less like a one-purpose destination.
The atmosphere at Islington Square
The atmosphere is one of the main reasons people like it. It feels more contained than the busiest parts of Upper Street. However, it does not feel closed off. There is still a sense of movement, especially because the mix of venues draws in different crowds throughout the day.
As an editorial judgment, that is what makes it work so well. It feels stylish but not showy. It feels local but still polished enough for a date, a cinema night or a smart catch-up. That balance is difficult to get right in London, but Islington Square manages it.
Where is Islington Square?
Islington Square is at 116 Upper Street, London N1 1AB, right in central Islington. The official site lists the destination as open daily, with the broader site noting 08:00 to 23:00, although individual venue hours vary. The Visit page also lists general destination hours and seasonal opening updates, so it is worth checking ahead before you go.
Its location makes it ideal for anyone already exploring Angel, Upper Street or nearby parts of North London. It is central, convenient and easy to build into a wider day out in Islington.
Final thoughts
If you are looking for one of the best places to visit in Islington, Islington Square is an easy recommendation. It combines food, culture, film, wellness and a strong Upper Street location in one refined setting. More importantly, it feels like somewhere you actually want to spend time, not just pass through.
It may not be Islington’s most hidden address anymore. Even so, it remains one of the area’s smartest and most useful spots for a day or night out.
FAQ
What is Islington Square?
Islington Square is a lifestyle destination on Upper Street in North London, set within the area’s former postal sorting office and home to restaurants, cafés, shopping, theatre, cinema and wellness.
Where is Islington Square?
It is located at 116 Upper Street, London N1 1AB in the heart of Islington.
Is Islington Square near Angel Station?
Yes. King’s Head Theatre’s official visitor information says Islington Square is about a 9-minute walk from Angel Station.
What can you do at Islington Square?
You can eat, drink, shop, go to the theatre, visit the cinema and use wellness facilities including Third Space Islington.
Is Islington Square worth visiting?
Yes. It is one of the most polished and versatile destinations on Upper Street, especially if you want food, culture and atmosphere in one place. This is an editorial assessment based on the venue mix, location and official destination information.
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