Angel Area Guide
ANGEL: A neighbourhood that has it all
Angel’s roots trace back to the Saxon period of the 8th century, though it only adopted its name in the 17th century, inspired by the Angel Inn, a pub that once stood at the corner of Islington High Street and Pentonville Road.
Located in the London Borough of Islington, Angel is a vibrant and thriving area near Hackney and Finsbury, and just a short distance from the City of London. With excellent transport links, it’s only a mile north of Farringdon and west of Old Street.
The area boasts a diverse mix of architecture, cultures, and amenities, making it one of the best places to live in the city. A quick tube or bus ride from Central London, Angel offers easy access to major transport hubs like King's Cross and Euston, thanks to its location on the Northern Line. This makes it an ideal spot for commuters, with quick connections to other parts of the city.
Green Spaces
For outdoor enthusiasts, Angel offers plenty of green spaces to explore
- Highbury Fields, spanning nearly 30 acres, is a local favourite with well-equipped play areas, a pool, gym, and tennis courts.
- Culpeper Community Garden, often referred to as a "hidden oasis," provides a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. This charming green space near Central London boasts cobbled paths, a tranquil pond perfect for picnics, and a stunning willow tree that invites relaxation.
- Regent's Canal is another popular spot for walking, running, and cycling, making it easy to enjoy the outdoors at your own pace.
Shopping
Shopping and dining are also a big draw in Angel. The fashionable and bustling Upper Street is home to a variety of shops, from well-known high street brands to independent boutiques, vintage clothes shops, and antique shops. And for those looking for a shopping mall experience, Angel Central is a large shopping centre that offers a variety of shops, restaurants, a cinema, and music venues. Check out After Noah, a quirky vintage toy and furniture store, ideal for unique finds and gifts.
Markets
- Exmouth Market, a lively street filled with street food stalls, cafés, and restaurants like Morito for tapas, Santorè for pizza, and La Petite Ferme for raclette.
- Camden Passage, a picturesque, pedestrian-only street brimming with independent boutiques, art galleries, and cozy cafés. If you’re there on a Wednesday or Saturday, don’t miss the vibrant street market, where you can find vintage clothes, antiques, books, and unique treasures, perfect for a relaxed afternoon.
- Chapel Market, just a short walk from Angel Station. This historic market, serving the community for over 100 years, is a charming spot where traditional traders still dominate, though a few trendy food stalls have recently joined in. It’s the ideal place to soak up a welcoming local atmosphere.
Dining
The area also boasts a wide variety of dining options, from specialist bakeries and cafes, to wine bars, pubs, and gastropubs. Have brunch at Urban Social, a must-visit for delicious coffee, juices, and brunch dishes like Spicy Shakshuka Stew or Avo Toast. Have lunch at one of the many Islington Gastropubs such as The Pig and Butcher or The Draper’s Arms, or grab a drink at The Camden Head, The Three Johns, or The York.
Culture
Culture lovers will also appreciate Angel's offerings.
- The Almeida Theatre is regarded as one of London's top theatres, and there are also pub theatres like The Kings Arms and The Old Red Lion.
- Victoria Miro Gallery, a must-see art gallery hosting exhibitions by renowned artists like Yayoi Kusama and Grayson Perry.
- Enjoy live Music at Union Chapel, a stunning venue known for its acoustics. Elton John, Patti Smith, Amy Whitehouse and Beck have all performed here in the past.
- Catch a Dance Show at Sadler’s Wells Theatre from ballet to flamenco, experience world-class dance performances, including the annual flamenco festival and Breakin’ Convention.
- Listen to live Music at Islington Assembly Hall, a historic Art Deco venue hosting top gigs by artists like Fall Out Boy and Jessie Ware.
- Watch a movie at Screen on the Green, one of London's oldest cinemas, opened in 1913 and remains a beloved spot in Angel. This single-screen gem offers a unique experience, with double-seated couches, cushions, and blankets for ultimate comfort. Enjoy the latest films while ordering hot food, snacks, and drinks delivered directly to your seat. It’s a must-visit for a cosy movie night.
Schools in Angel
Families will enjoy the high standards of schools in and around the area, such as Central Foundation Boys’ School and City of London Academy. There are also several great primary schools, like Ambler Primary and Canonbury Primary School.
Transport Links in Angel
With the City at your doorstep, Angel's Zone 1 location makes commuting a breeze. The Angel Underground Station, served by the Northern Line, offers direct access to the City, with just a 5-minute journey to Bank and a 7-minute ride to London Bridge. If you're travelling on the Victoria Line, Highbury & Islington Station is just a few minutes away, with quick connections to Oxford Circus and the West End.
Angel is also exceptionally well-connected by overground services, with direct trains to key destinations like Clapham Junction, Shoreditch, and Stratford.
For those who prefer to travel by bike or on foot, there are plenty of scenic routes, including the popular Regent's Canal, which runs through the area, perfect for cycling, running, or leisurely walks.
Fun fact: Angel underground station has the third-largest escalator in Europe, at 60 metres high and with an incline of 27.5 metres.
Property
One of the standout features of Angel is its diverse selection of properties. The area has everything from beautiful examples of Edwardian, early Victorian and Georgian houses, to 1930s to 1960s apartment blocks and luxury new developments. This eclectic mix of housing options, including "affordable" and "local authority" housing, provides a unique charm that attracts a wide range of people, from families to creatives, media professionals, and young City professionals.
New Developments
Angel has seen a number of new build residential developments in recent years. These developments offer modern, high-quality homes in a prime location and are a great option for those looking for a new build property in Angel.
One of the most notable new build residential developments in Angel is N1C, located on the corner of City Road and Old Street. This development offers a range of luxury apartments, penthouses, and townhouses, many of which offer stunning views of the city. The development also features amenities such as a 24-hour concierge service, a residents' gym, and a roof terrace.
Another popular new build residential development in Angel is The Angel Building. This development offers a range of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, all of which are finished to a high standard. The development also features amenities such as a 24-hour concierge service, a residents' gym, and a private courtyard.
The Angel Central development is also a new build development located in the heart of Angel. It offers a mix of studio, one and two-bedroom apartments, as well as a rooftop terrace and a residents' lounge.
The News Building, a mixed-use development featuring a high-rise tower that will be the second-tallest building in Islington, with office space, a hotel, and residential units.
These new build residential developments in Angel offer residents a range of high-quality homes in a prime location, with a host of amenities and services. They are a great option for those looking for a modern, low-maintenance home in this sought-after area. Prices tend to be on the higher side due to the location, but the area's popularity and the quality of the developments make it a great investment.
Developments in the area:
- The Atlas Building
- The Cube
- Canaletto
- City Wharf
- 250 City Road
- The Lexicon
- The Makers
- Queensland Terrace
- Arthouse
- The Residence