Things To Do In Barnsbury: The Ultimate Local Guide
Barnsbury is one of Islington’s most elegant, quietly beautiful neighbourhoods. While the crowds flock to the bustling pavements of Upper Street or the gleaming new developments of King’s Cross, those in the know take a slight detour into the peaceful, wisteria-draped enclaves of Barnsbury. Here, the city noise fades, replaced by the crunch of leaves in historic squares and the hum of conversation spilling out of some of the best gastropubs in London.
Defined by its sweeping Georgian terraces, leafy residential squares, and a distinctly village-like atmosphere, Barnsbury feels like a well-kept secret. It is a neighbourhood meant for aimless, atmospheric wandering down peaceful backroads before settling into a proper, wood-panelled pub. Yet, despite its hidden-gem atmosphere, you are never more than a ten-minute walk from the world-class restaurants of Upper Street, the transport hub of Angel, or the creative energy of Caledonian Road and King’s Cross.
Whether you are looking for a lazy Sunday roast, a quiet architectural stroll, or an intimate date night away from the Central London chaos, this guide will help you uncover the very best things to do in Barnsbury.
Quick Answer: What Are The Best Things To Do In Barnsbury?
The best things to do in Barnsbury include wandering its Georgian streets and leafy squares, visiting local pubs, exploring Barnard Park, walking towards Upper Street, discovering independent cafés and restaurants, and using Barnsbury as a quieter base between Angel, King’s Cross, Caledonian Road and Canonbury.
If you only have a few hours, here are our top local recommendations:
• Walk around Barnsbury Square: Admire the grand, impeccably preserved Georgian architecture and central gardens.
• Explore Thornhill Square: Take a peaceful stroll through this striking, crescent-shaped Victorian park.
• Have a pint in a local pub: Visit legendary local institutions like The Drapers Arms or The Hemingford Arms.
• Visit Barnard Park: Enjoy the open green space right in the centre of the neighbourhood.
• Wander towards Upper Street: Step out of the quiet residential streets into Islington’s premier dining hub.
• Eat nearby on Liverpool Road: Discover superb neighbourhood dining right on the edge of Barnsbury.
• Explore Caledonian Road: Walk the “Cally” for a more grounded, bustling mix of independent global food.
• Walk to King’s Cross: Take the scenic route down to Coal Drops Yard and Granary Square.
• Discover hidden residential streets: Get happily lost among the mews and terraces of the Barnsbury Conservation Area.
• Try a Sunday roast: Barnsbury is arguably the best neighbourhood in London for an upscale Sunday pub lunch.
• Visit nearby Regent’s Canal: Walk south to meet the water and stroll towards Camden or Victoria Park.
• Use it as a peaceful Islington walking route: Escape the traffic by charting a course through Barnsbury’s backstreets.
Why Visit Barnsbury?
Barnsbury is worth visiting because it offers a rare combination: it is undeniably one of Islington’s prettiest residential areas, yet it feels calm and profoundly central. While London can often feel overwhelming, Barnsbury is an oasis of historic character. The conservation area has protected its 19th-century streetscapes, making it feel like stepping onto a period film set.
It is an area that demands a slower pace. It works perfectly for lazy weekend walks, long afternoons reading in a quiet pub, or an atmospheric date stroll under the streetlamps. However, its greatest asset is its location. It acts as a serene buffer between the major food, drink, and cultural areas of Angel, King’s Cross, and Islington. It is ideal for people who like to discover hidden London neighbourhoods but still want easy access to the capital’s best hospitality.
Best Things To Do In Barnsbury During The Day
Daytime in Barnsbury is an architecture lover’s dream, filled with quiet coffee stops and leafy strolls.
• Barnsbury Square: The crown jewel of the neighbourhood. It’s an incredibly peaceful, tree-lined square surrounded by spectacular Georgian villas. Perfect for a quiet morning coffee walk.
• Thornhill Square: A massive, beautifully maintained garden square lined with sweeping Victorian terraces. It’s a favourite for local dog walkers and readers looking for a quiet bench.
• Barnard Park: A 9-acre community park offering open fields, an adventure playground, and a slice of greenery amidst the brickwork.
• Caledonian Road Wandering: Head to the western edge of Barnsbury to explore the “Cally,” a vibrant street full of local character, Ethiopian coffee shops, and independent grocers.
• Chapel Market Nearby: Just a short walk south, this traditional London street market operates daily, selling fresh produce, cheap homewares, and fantastic street food.
• Upper Street Nearby: Walk east to hit Islington’s famous high street for boutique shopping and endless lunch options.
• Cafés and Bakeries: Stop off at independent spots on the fringes, like Sunday Café on Hemingford Road, for phenomenal brunch.
• Local Architecture: Simply wandering down streets like Richmond Avenue or Ripplevale Grove is an activity in itself, thanks to the pristine housing and vibrant front gardens.
• Regent’s Canal Nearby: Walk down to the southern tip of Barnsbury to join the towpath, offering beautiful waterside walks towards King’s Cross or Angel.
Best Things To Do In Barnsbury At Night
Nightlife here is sophisticated, low-key, and entirely pub-led. You won’t find thumping nightclubs; you’ll find clinking wine glasses and roaring fires.
• Neighbourhood Pubs: Barnsbury is famous for its gastropubs. Securing a corner table at The Albion or The Drapers Arms for a slow evening of excellent wine and seasonal food is the quintessential Barnsbury night out.
• Quiet Date-Night Drinks: The atmosphere of the leafy streets makes the walk to the pub just as romantic as the drink itself. The Hemingford Arms, with its wildly eccentric, plant-draped exterior, is a fantastic spot for a memorable pint.
• Dinner Nearby: You have immediate access to world-class dining. Walk to The Tamil Prince on the edge of the neighbourhood for award-winning Indian food, or head towards Upper Street for endless options.
• Upper Street Restaurants: Just a ten-minute walk away, you can find everything from high-end French brasseries to buzzy tapas bars.
• King’s Cross Dining Nearby: Head west to Coal Drops Yard for incredibly sleek, modern restaurants and vibrant evening energy.
• Angel Cocktail Bars Nearby: If you want a proper cocktail, walk down towards Angel to find legendary speakeasies like 69 Colebrooke Row or the incredibly fun Little Bat Bar.
Best Restaurants Near Barnsbury
Barnsbury’s dining scene is heavily integrated with its pub culture, but its borders touch some of the most exciting restaurants in London.
Neighbourhood Highlights
• The Tamil Prince (Hemingford Road)
• What it is: A relaxed, corner pub that serves absolutely sensational South Asian cuisine.
• Why go: It has completely redefined the “Desi pub” concept in North London. The channa bhatura and the pulled beef masala are legendary.
• Best for: A lively, flavour-packed dinner with friends.
• Local/editorial note: It is incredibly popular; you must book well in advance, though they do save some space for walk-ins if you arrive early.
• The Drapers Arms (Barnsbury Street)
• What it is: An elegant, airy gastropub with a fantastic dining room and a beautiful back garden.
• Why go: The daily-changing menu focuses on robust, seasonal British and European cooking. Their wine list is phenomenal.
• Best for: A celebratory dinner or a long, luxurious Sunday roast.
• Local/editorial note: The upstairs dining room is one of the most handsome spaces in Islington.
• The Albion (Thornhill Road)
• What it is: A wisteria-draped Georgian pub that feels like a country inn dropped into Central London.
• Why go: For classic, high-quality British pub food served in what is widely considered one of the best pub gardens in London.
• Best for: Summer afternoon drinking and Sunday lunches.
• Local/editorial note: The whole suckling pig (which must be pre-ordered) is a spectacular feast for a large group.
Exceptional Dining Nearby (Angel & Upper Street)
• The Pig and Butcher (Liverpool Road)
• What it is: A rustic, farm-to-table gastropub that butchers its own meat on-site.
• Why go: Unbeatable quality of meat and incredibly rich, comforting British cooking.
• Best for: Carnivores and serious Sunday roasts.
• Plaquemine Lock (Regent’s Canal)
• What it is: A vibrant, jazz-filled pub serving authentic Louisiana Cajun and Creole food, right by the water.
• Why go: For gumbo, oysters, po’boys, and live jazz in a brilliantly colourful setting.
• Afghan Kitchen (Islington Green)
• What it is: A tiny, beloved local institution serving hearty, homestyle Afghan stews.
• Why go: It’s incredibly affordable, unpretentious, and the food is deeply comforting.
King’s Cross Standouts
• Dishoom (Stable Street, King’s Cross)
• What it is: The famous Bombay-style café.
• Why go: For the black daal, the bacon naan rolls, and the bustling atmosphere.
• Barrafina (Coal Drops Yard)
• What it is: Michelin-starred Spanish tapas served at a marble counter.
• Why go: Flawless seafood, tortillas, and sherry in a highly energetic room.
Best Cafés And Coffee Spots Near Barnsbury
While Barnsbury itself is mainly residential, its borders are ringed with excellent coffee spots.
• Sunday Café (Hemingford Road): A legendary neighbourhood brunch spot. The queues on weekends are long, but the courgette fritters and incredible pancakes are worth the wait.
• Pophams (Prebend Street, nearby Islington): An absolute must-visit. They serve arguably the best, most inventive artisanal pastries in London (the maple and bacon croissant is iconic) alongside superb coffee.
• Katsute100 (Camden Passage, nearby Angel): A serene, beautiful Japanese tearoom offering exquisite matcha, delicate cakes, and a quiet courtyard.
• Redemption Roasters (Islington High Street): A fantastic specialty coffee shop with a social mission, roasting beans inside UK prisons to reduce reoffending.
• Ottolenghi (Upper Street): While primarily a deli/restaurant, stopping in here for a coffee and a slice of their famous cakes is a quintessential Islington experience.
• Frequency Coffee (King’s Cross): A brilliant, independent spot for those walking west, offering great espresso and a laptop-friendly environment.
Best Pubs In Barnsbury
If there is one thing Barnsbury does better than almost anywhere else in London, it is the classic, high-end neighbourhood pub.
• The Hemingford Arms: Visually stunning, the outside is completely covered in hanging plants and flowers. Inside, the ceiling is hung with quirky memorabilia and old film posters. It’s cozy, eccentric, and serves great Thai food.
• The Drapers Arms: As mentioned above, it balances the feel of a proper local boozer at the front with a serious foodie destination at the back.
• The Albion: The ultimate summer pub. The Georgian facade and the massive, leafy beer garden make it feel like a rural retreat.
• The Crown (Cloudesley Road): A fantastic, slightly more relaxed local pub with an excellent, unfussy atmosphere and a great selection of beers.
• The Thornhill Arms (Caledonian Road edge): A proper, traditional London pub with a great community feel, right on the border where Barnsbury meets the Cally.
• The Regent (Liverpool Road): A great, spacious pub that is excellent for watching sports or grabbing a casual pizza with a pint.
Best Bars And Nightlife Near Barnsbury
Barnsbury is an area for quiet pints. For cocktails and late-night energy, you only need to walk 10 minutes to the vibrant borders.
• Little Bat Bar (Islington): A wonderfully whimsical, Alice in Wonderland-esque neighbourhood cocktail bar with innovative drinks and a great, buzzy vibe.
• 69 Colebrooke Row (The Bar With No Name, Angel): An internationally renowned, tiny, film-noir style speakeasy serving masterclass cocktails. Booking is essential.
• Homeboy (Essex Road, nearby): An award-winning modern Irish bar serving phenomenal cocktails, great Guinness, and a highly welcoming atmosphere.
• The Lexington (Pentonville Road): A legendary London venue. Downstairs is a bourbon-soaked American bar; upstairs is one of the best intimate live music venues in the city.
• Spiritland (King’s Cross): A café by day and a super-sleek bar by night, featuring an unbelievable, world-class audiophile sound system and guest DJs playing eclectic vinyl.
Barnsbury Walking Guide
Barnsbury is best experienced on foot. Here is how to take it all in:
Start your Barnsbury walk at Angel station and head west away from the traffic up Liverpool Road. Turn left onto Richmond Avenue to admire the strange, brilliant Sphinx statues flanking the front doors of the Georgian terraces.
Wind your way up to Barnsbury Square, taking a moment to appreciate the tranquility and the central gardens. From here, cut through the quiet backstreets to the massive, sweeping crescent of Thornhill Square.
Head south through the open space of Barnard Park, emerging onto Hemingford Road. Here, you can admire the eccentric foliage of The Hemingford Arms. From this point, you have options: walk south down Thornhill Road toward the Regent’s Canal for a waterside stroll, head east back towards the shops and restaurants of Upper Street, or continue west down to the bustling, grounded reality of Caledonian Road and onward to King’s Cross.
This route captures the very best things to do in Barnsbury—uncovering its architectural beauty, its Barnsbury hidden gems, and its unparalleled peace.
Culture, History And Local Character In Barnsbury
Barnsbury’s character is defined by its preservation. In the mid-20th century, while much of London was being modernised or demolished, local residents fought fiercely to establish the area as a conservation zone. As a result, the Georgian and early Victorian architecture remains remarkably intact.
Historically, the area was rural (the name comes from the Berners family, who owned the local manor in the 13th century) before rapid 19th-century development turned it into a wealthy suburb. Later, it fell into decline before being heavily gentrified in the late 20th century. Today, its cultural depth lies in this contrast: the immaculate, multi-million-pound Georgian squares sit just minutes away from the busy, working-class history of Chapel Market and the modern, high-tech regeneration of King’s Cross. It is a quiet residential enclave that manages to maintain a strong, protective local community feel.
Parks, Squares And Green Spaces In Barnsbury
For a central urban area, Barnsbury is exceptionally green.
• Barnard Park: The largest green space in the immediate area. It features wide lawns, sports pitches, and acts as a central thoroughfare for locals walking between Caledonian Road and Islington.
• Barnsbury Square: A formal, manicured, and incredibly peaceful garden square surrounded by some of the most sought-after properties in London.
• Thornhill Square: Larger than Barnsbury Square, this beautifully kept Victorian garden is ringed by grand townhouses and the striking St Andrew’s Church.
• Regent’s Canal: While not a park, the canal path at the southern edge of Barnsbury offers a brilliant, green, waterside walking route stretching east to Victoria Park or west to Camden.
• Culpeper Community Garden (Near Angel): An award-winning, secret oasis tucked away behind the busy streets of Angel, managed entirely by local volunteers.
Shopping And Local Streets Near Barnsbury
Barnsbury itself is free from major retail, preserving its calm. However, incredible shopping surrounds it.
• Upper Street: Islington’s famous high street is just a 10-minute walk away, packed with independent boutiques, high-end fashion, homeware stores, and artisan bakeries.
• Camden Passage: Tucked behind Upper Street, this pedestrianised lane is world-famous for its antique markets, vintage clothing stalls, and independent cafés.
• Chapel Market: A brilliant, traditional London street market selling everything from fruit and veg to household goods, offering a stark contrast to the upscale boutiques nearby.
• Caledonian Road (The Cally): A vibrant, busy street where you can find international supermarkets, local butchers, and everyday amenities.
• Coal Drops Yard (Near King’s Cross): A stunning, Thomas Heatherwick-designed retail destination offering high-end fashion, lifestyle brands, and design stores housed in converted Victorian coal viaducts.
Hidden Gems In Barnsbury
Venture off the main roads to discover these underrated local favourites:
1. The Albion’s Beer Garden: While the pub is famous, stepping through the back doors into the sprawling, leafy, wisteria-covered garden feels like discovering a secret country estate.
2. Richmond Avenue’s Sphinxes: Walk down this street to spot the bizarre, brilliant Egyptian-style sphinxes guarding the doorways of the Victorian terraces.
3. Ripplevale Grove: One of the most picturesque, quietest, and most enviable residential streets in all of North London.
4. Sunday Café’s Courtyard: The brunch queue is famous, but the tiny, serene back garden is a well-kept secret.
5. The Hemingford Arms Ceiling: Don’t just admire the outside; go inside and look up at the chaotic, wonderful collection of vintage toys, film posters, and oddities hanging above the bar.
6. Cloudesley Square: A beautiful, quiet, and slightly less-visited square surrounding the imposing Holy Trinity Church.
7. Keystone Crescent (Near King’s Cross): Just on the border, this is the only fully circular crescent in Europe, complete with identical, colorful doors.
8. The Canal Walk via Muriel Street: A quiet, hidden access point to the Regent’s Canal that drops you right by the picturesque narrowboats.
Things To Do Near Barnsbury
Barnsbury acts as the calm centre of a very vibrant wheel.
• Angel & Upper Street: Head east for theatres (Sadler’s Wells, the Almeida), boutique shopping, endless restaurants, and lively cocktail bars.
• King’s Cross & Coal Drops Yard: Head west for sleek, ultra-modern dining, the fountains of Granary Square, and connections to Europe via St Pancras.
• Caledonian Road: Head west to experience a more grounded, bustling high street with fantastic global food.
• Canonbury: Walk north-east to find another of Islington’s most affluent, leafy neighbourhoods, home to the Canonbury Tavern and the New River Walk.
• Clerkenwell & Farringdon: Walk south past Angel into Clerkenwell for deep London history, Michelin-starred dining, and design showrooms.
Best Barnsbury Itineraries
A Few Hours In Barnsbury
Grab a coffee from Sunday Café and take a slow, architectural walk around Barnsbury Square and Thornhill Square. Cut through Barnard Park and end up at The Drapers Arms for a relaxed, high-quality pub lunch.
A Day Around Barnsbury
Start with incredible pastries at Pophams in Islington. Spend the morning doing a Barnsbury walk through the historic streets and squares. Head south to browse the antiques at Camden Passage, then drop down onto the Regent’s Canal for an afternoon stroll. Finish the day with exceptional Indian food at The Tamil Prince.
Date Walk In Barnsbury
Keep it romantic and quiet. Walk the gas-lit style streets of the Barnsbury Conservation Area at dusk. Head to The Albion for a drink under the fairy lights in the garden, before walking to Upper Street for a late dinner.
Sunday In Barnsbury
This is prime Barnsbury territory. Have a slow, late breakfast near Angel. Walk through the leafy squares as the neighbourhood wakes up, and settle in at The Pig and Butcher or The Drapers Arms for one of the best Sunday roasts in London.
Cheap Things To Do In Barnsbury
Grab a coffee and enjoy a free, self-guided architecture tour of the Georgian terraces. Relax on a bench in Thornhill Square with a book. Walk down to Chapel Market for some cheap, incredible street food, and finish with a walk along the Regent’s Canal towpath.
Rainy Day Near Barnsbury
Take shelter in a cozy corner of The Crown or The Hemingford Arms with a pint and a good book. For lunch, head nearby to the comforting, warming stews at the Afghan Kitchen. In the evening, catch an indie film at the Screen on the Green in nearby Angel.
Where To Eat, Drink And Go Out Near Angel
If you are looking for things to do near Angel, you are stepping into Islington’s entertainment hub. Angel is immensely useful for accessing Upper Street, the antique stalls of Camden Passage, and the bustling Chapel Market. Restaurants near Angel range from the famous Ottolenghi deli to high-end spots like Bellanger. Bars near Angel are world-class, including the renowned 69 Colebrooke Row and Little Bat Bar. Pubs near Angel are plentiful, offering everything from lively high-street venues to quiet backstreet locals like The Earl of Radnor.
Where To Eat, Drink And Go Out Near Caledonian Road
Sitting on Barnsbury’s western flank, the “Cally” offers a grittier, more everyday North London experience. Things to do near Caledonian Road include walking through Barnard Park and accessing the fantastic Caledonian Park, which features a historic clock tower. Restaurants near Caledonian Road are incredibly diverse, featuring superb Ethiopian and Middle Eastern cafes. Pubs near Caledonian Road like The Thornhill Arms offer a brilliant, unpretentious community atmosphere, making it a great area for quieter, authentic Islington exploring.
Where To Eat, Drink And Go Out Near King’s Cross
Just a 15-minute walk west of Barnsbury brings you to one of Europe’s most successful regeneration projects. Things to do near King’s Cross revolve around the stunning Coal Drops Yard and Granary Square, where you can relax by the fountains or walk the canal. Restaurants near King’s Cross include mega-hits like Dishoom, Barrafina, and Hoppers. Bars near King’s Cross range from the audiophile haven of Spiritland to sleek hotel cocktail lounges like Hokus Pokus, providing the perfect energetic contrast to Barnsbury’s calm.
Is Barnsbury Good For A Night Out?
Barnsbury is best for relaxed, sophisticated nights out. It is the realm of cozy pubs, award-winning gastropubs, long Sunday roasts, and quiet date-night drinks. It is definitely not a clubbing or loud bar area. However, because it is entirely ringed by Angel, Upper Street, and King’s Cross, you can easily enjoy a peaceful dinner in Barnsbury and then walk 10 minutes to find livelier evenings, cocktail bars, and late-night venues.
Is Barnsbury Good For Food?
Yes, exceptionally so—especially when you include its immediate borders. Within Barnsbury itself, you have destination gastropubs and the brilliant Tamil Prince. By walking just a few minutes in any direction to Upper Street, Caledonian Road, or King’s Cross, you gain easy access to some of London’s best independent cafes, high-end dining, global street food, and unbeatable brunch spots.
Is Barnsbury Worth Visiting?
Yes, without a doubt. It is worth visiting if you want to experience one of Islington’s prettiest, quietest, and most historic neighbourhoods. With its leafy squares, pristine Georgian streets, legendary local pubs, and hidden corners, it offers a slice of village life in Zone 1. Plus, its incredibly easy access to Angel, Upper Street, King’s Cross, and the Regent’s Canal makes it the perfect base for exploring North London.
Practical Information
• Nearest Stations: Angel (Northern line), Highbury & Islington (Victoria line, Overground), Caledonian Road & Barnsbury (Overground), King’s Cross St Pancras (Multiple Underground lines, National Rail, Eurostar).
• Best Time To Visit: Sundays are magical here for pub lunches and quiet walks. Spring is particularly beautiful when the wisteria blooms across the Georgian facades.
• Walking Distances: Angel (10 mins), Upper Street (10 mins), King’s Cross (15 mins), Canonbury (20 mins), Regent’s Canal (10 mins).
• Safety/Nightlife Note: Barnsbury is a highly affluent, quiet residential area and is generally very safe. As with anywhere in Central London, exercise common sense when walking near the major transport hubs late at night.
• Accessibility: The area is relatively flat, but the historic Georgian architecture means some pubs and independent shops may have stepped access. Always check venue websites before travelling. The Overground at Caledonian Road & Barnsbury has step-free access to the platforms.
FAQs
1. What is Barnsbury best known for?
Barnsbury is best known for its beautifully preserved Georgian and Victorian architecture, its peaceful leafy squares (like Barnsbury and Thornhill Square), and its exceptionally high-quality gastropubs.
2. What are the best things to do in Barnsbury?
The best things to do include taking an architectural walk through the historic streets, enjoying a pint in the garden of The Albion, and eating at The Tamil Prince or The Drapers Arms.
3. Is Barnsbury good for restaurants?
Yes. While mostly residential, it is home to top-tier gastropubs and sits immediately adjacent to the massive culinary hubs of Upper Street, King’s Cross, and Angel.
4. Is Barnsbury good for pubs?
It is arguably one of the best areas in London for pubs, offering everything from the eccentric Hemingford Arms to the refined dining of The Pig and Butcher.
5. What are the best cafés near Barnsbury?
Sunday Café on Hemingford Road is a local legend, while Pophams (near Angel) and Katsute100 (in Camden Passage) offer world-class pastries and tea nearby.
6. What can I do near Angel?
Near Angel, you can browse antiques in Camden Passage, catch a show at Sadler’s Wells, drink at world-class cocktail bars, and dine along Upper Street.
7. What can I do near Caledonian Road?
You can explore independent global food shops, relax in Caledonian Park, or enjoy the unpretentious community atmosphere of local pubs like The Thornhill Arms.
8. What can I do near King’s Cross?
A short walk away, you can shop and dine at the stunning Coal Drops Yard, relax by Granary Square, or take a scenic walk along the Regent’s Canal.
9. Is Barnsbury worth visiting?
Yes, it is highly recommended for those who love architecture, history, quiet city walks, and discovering upscale, hidden-gem pubs away from the tourist crowds.
10. Is Barnsbury good for a night out?
It is perfect for a relaxed, food-and-drink-led night out. For dancing or late-night cocktails, you only need to walk 10 minutes to Angel or King’s Cross.
11. What are some hidden gems in Barnsbury?
Hidden gems include the sphinx statues on Richmond Avenue, the incredibly picturesque Ripplevale Grove, and the ceiling decor inside The Hemingford Arms.
12. What areas are near Barnsbury?
Barnsbury is bordered by Islington (Angel and Upper Street) to the east, King’s Cross to the west, Clerkenwell to the south, and Holloway to the north.
About This Guide
This guide is curated by Islington Local Guide, a North and East London discovery platform covering restaurants, bars, cafés, culture, nightlife, hidden gems and things to do across Islington, Barnsbury, Angel, Canonbury, King’s Cross, Clerkenwell, Shoreditch, Hackney and nearby neighbourhoods.
Last updated: May 2026
Written/curated by: Islington Local Guide
Area covered: Barnsbury, Angel, Upper Street, Caledonian Road, Canonbury, King’s Cross and nearby Islington
Explore more of North and East London with our other local guides:
• Things To Do In King’s Cross
• Best Restaurants In Islington
){kind=link}