Islington came recommended by a friend when we were looking for an area in London to base ourselves for the weekend. It is a typical residential neighborhood with many shops and restaurants, plus there is the metro station Angel. From Heathrow it takes about an hour and twenty minutes to get here, but once you arrive it is worth your while.
My first stop was The Three Johns, a pub which specialises in pizza and also serves an excellent G&T. It was right around the corner from my place for the weekend and therefore an excellent choice.
The Three Johns @London
The next morning saw me sitting at Tudee’s on Chapel Market, a tiny place with freshly baked goods. A cinnamon roll and an Americano were the perfect start into the day while watching the comings and goings in this pedestrian zone.
breakfast @Tudee’s
The first block of Chapel Market is an actual market which is open six days a week. From produce to household goods there is lots to be found. I had planned on going out for every meal, but as a local it must be so convenient. On Sundays there is also a farmers market and the produce on display was mouthwatering.
Chapel Market @Islington
Farmers market on Sundays @Chapel Market
Chapel Market Kitchen is an oyster bar and grill where I had dinner one evening. The oysters were fresh and the service lovely. This really is the kind of neighborhood restaurant that serves excellent food.
Chapel Market Kitchen @Islington
Not far from Chapel Market is Camden Passage, probably the area why most people come to Angel. This colorfu pedestrian zone is chock full of small boutiques, bakeries, and restaurants.
Camden Passage in the morning @Islington
Camden Passage in the evening @Islington
On my last morning I walked to Brother Marcus, which serves Eastern Mediterranean food due to the Cretan and Cypriot heritage of one of the owners. This restaurant group already has eight locations, yet it still feels like another typical neighborhood place and the service was lovely.
Brother Marcus Angel @Camden Passage
I was one of the first to arrive that Monday morning and chose a window seat. This is definitely the best seat in the house when you are on your own. There is lots to see during the day and it never gets boring.
coffee @Brother Marcus Angel
Brother Marcus has a long list of breakfast favorites, but I went with mine. The eggs Benedict here come with a sumac burnt butter Hollandaise. While it was not much to look at, it was actually tasty, albeit a tad too greasy. I think the sauce had split.
eggs Benedict with sumac and burnt butter Hollandaise @Brother Marcus
There is another pub I passed but for which I had unfortunately not the time. Plaquime Lock pub serves Cajun and Creole classics. Best of all is the location on Vincent Terrace right next to Regent’s Canal and its late afternoon sunshine. Who does not want to drink a pint here in the sun?
Plaquemine Lock pub @London
On my last night in London I went to The Pig and the Butcher, a gastropub within walking distance from the apartment. I loved the relaxed atmosphere even when the pub was filled to capacity. My waitress never lost her smile and helped me choose a lovely meal.
The Pig and the Butcher @Islington
Islington really was the perfect area to stay for a weekend. It is easy to get anywhere by metro, but also far enough away to enjoy great neighborhood restaurants and bakeries. During my stay I felt like one of the locals. This is definitely an area I want to revisit. Yours, Pollybert
