Islington is officially where north London begins! Bordered by Highbury to the north and Hoxton to the east, the area has been transformed in the past few decades and is now one of London’s most desirable neighbourhoods.
Formerly an agricultural area, Islington experienced a period of social decline in the early twentieth century thanks to the advent of railways and bomb damage from the Second World War. But, from the late 1950s onwards, a series of regeneration projects helped restore and revive its residential areas and squares.
Today, Islington is known for its cool bars, boutique shops and thriving food scene. Most of the best restaurants are on Upper Street which runs between the underground stations of Angel and Highbury & Islington. This lively thoroughfare has endless options for dining from Pera Bistro, a Turkish restaurant offering mezze and chargrills to Llrena, a classic Spanish restaurant with some of London’s best tapas.
Running adjacent to Upper Street is the picturesque Camden Passage, a cobbled backstreet for pedestrians only. Once famous for being one of London’s leading antique locations, the road makes regular appearances on ‘Cash in the Attic’ and ‘Bargain Hunt’. Today, it also offers a diverse range of shops from fashionable clothing stores to specialist delicatessens.
When it comes to nightlife, Islington tends attracts a slightly older crowd than neighbouring Shoreditch offering lots of culture and entertainment. The King’s Head and Old Red Lion pub serve a great selection of beers alongside shows ranging from operas to one-man plays. Nearby, ‘The Screen on the Green’ is home to one of London’s oldest running cinemas, while the O2 Islington has weekly concerts with some of the UK’s best known artists.
Georgian and early Victorian homes are the most typical style of house found in Islington. But, in recent years, several new developments have been opened which offer an exciting alternative to traditional living.
City Road, an impressive penthouse with floor-to-ceiling views of the city, is currently on the market with Dexters and features three generous sized bedrooms with an open plan design, wooden floors and bespoke joinery.
Designed to be a turnkey property, the kitchen and living area offers wall-to-wall windows, with a wraparound balcony that would be perfect for enjoying a glass of wine at sunset. The kitchen is fitted with Miele appliances and has a breakfast bar overlooking the city, while a six person dining table opposite makes the perfect space for entertaining.
‘This property is not only beautiful, it's also fitted with the latest technology,’ says Matthew Leitch, New Homes Director of Dexters. ‘With surround sound speakers and iPad controls for lighting, air conditioning and underfloor heating, it offers the perfect balance of thoughtful design and luxury.’
