Two weeks ago, I was asked by a friend to move into her pied-à-terre in order to care for her cat while she skied. Though said cat was immensely shy and resisted even a friendly stroke, I was won over by her looks, so I packed up my goods and decamped to Islington.
Having spent very little time in Islington of late, I was rather eager to explore. Explore I did. Fall in love a little with the area I did, too.
Here are my favourite discoveries (and do travel to them by foot if you can – Islington is an excellent place to roam):
– Angelica Retreat, 104 Islington High Street. Newly-opened day spa offering REN treatments, I had an unforgettable massage here (a longer piece on it to follow).
– Paul A Young Fine Chocolates, 33 Camden Passage. I thought I could never find a chocolate shop to rival Melt. I was wrong: this is it.
– Frederick’s, Camden Passage. A restaurant and bar that serves an excellent cocktail, I took a friend here for a rather lovely evening. Go early enough to nab a seat by the window.
– Duke of Cambridge Pub, 30 St. Peter’s Street. An organic pub that is traditional and charming, this is the ideal place to spend a Sunday afternoon, provided you can find a table – it is mighty popular.