Sitting inside the borough of Islington, Angel has a lot going for it. It’s the perfect spot if you want to spend the day meandering through some of London’s prettiest back streets and exploring the boutique shops of Camden Passage. You may want to spend some time nibbling your way through Exmouth Market, but Angel also has some wonderful restaurants and bars for a sit down.
Take a stroll by Regent’s Canal
Regents Canal flows beneath Angel and comes out through the Islington Tunnel. From here, you can take a stroll along the waterfront to the Narrow Boat Pub (which isn’t actually a boat, but it’s close enough to the water to make it feel like you’re floating). If you really love London’s waterways, you might want to pop into the London Canal Museum, which you’ll find if you follow the canal west from the Islington Tunnel, on New Wharf Road.
Explore Camden Passage
Camden Passage, with its independent boutiques and cafes, is a lovely place to explore any day of the week. There are street markets which run on Wednesdays and Saturdays, selling a variety of vintage and retro clothes, antiques and collectables, jewellery, second hand books and endless quirky items. If you’re looking for something unique or just want to peruse some pretty things, then stroll on over to Smug, where you’ll find plenty of cute stuff for your home, as well as irresistible stationary. If it’s artisan cheese you’re after, head to The Pistachio and Pickle Dairy. And for vintage clothing, Annie’s is the one.
Have A Weekday Lunch At Exmouth Market
The food vendors at Exmouth Market are open from Monday-Friday between 12pm and 3pm. Culinary highlights include the Ghanaian stall, Spinach and Agushi, which cooks up some amazing, heartwarming stews. If you’re after table service, then Moro is a quaint street-side restaurant, open for both lunch and dinner, that serves up a selection of small plates, as well as large portions.
Wander through Islington’s Gorgeous Mews
Camden Passage isn’t the only picturesque cobbled street in Angel. For a walk that will spark some serious property envy, wander around the lovely Rheidol Mews.
Dine in one Angel’s restaurants, like Galley
Angel is one area of London that isn’t short of fantastic, atmospheric and varied restaurants. If you’re a lover of seafood and meat, then Galley is simply superb. The menu, which takes influence from flavours all over the globe, particularly North Africa and Europe, is split into small plates and large plates. You’ll be tempted by everything on the small plates menu and will have to battle with yourself not to order every item. The prices of these vary between £9 and £11, but the portion sizes are generous. Amongst our favourites are the Venison Carpaccio, which simply melts away in your mouth, the tender and perfectly seasoned Moroccan Squid, the utterly meaty crab and prawn fish cakes and the Grilled Octopus and Chorizo with black squid ink risotto and dollops of lemon aioli (worthy of licking the plate). I can assure you, that nothing will go to waste.
Featured image: Exmouth Market