Guidebook for London
Food Scene
Simply the best Pizza ever... fresh picked salad and lovely staff.
143 locals recommend
Sodo Pizza Clapton
126 Upper Clapton RdSimply the best Pizza ever... fresh picked salad and lovely staff.
The Haberdashery
170 Stoke Newington High StGreat for coffee and breakfast
Oh boy we love this place, simple fish and chips bring your own wine, great hosts who make everyone welcome. We call this place the rock and roll chip shop with an esoteric mix of vintage rock & roll
14 locals recommend
The Beach Hut
28A Highbury ParkOh boy we love this place, simple fish and chips bring your own wine, great hosts who make everyone welcome. We call this place the rock and roll chip shop with an esoteric mix of vintage rock & roll
The now famous Ottolenghi never fails to deliver fine food with a myriad of wonderful tantalising flavours.... belly rumbles....
364 locals recommend
Ottolenghi Islington
287 Upper StThe now famous Ottolenghi never fails to deliver fine food with a myriad of wonderful tantalising flavours.... belly rumbles....
Dotori
3 Stroud Green Rdsmall unassuming Japanese/Korean restaurant a little gem, queues likely
Turkish renowned for serving tasty skewered kebabs, especially good for meat eaters!
150 locals recommend
Mangal 1
10 Arcola StTurkish renowned for serving tasty skewered kebabs, especially good for meat eaters!
Small snacky tasty vibrant tapas bar birth child to larger Moro restaurant next door. busy and queueing likely. It's a 20 minute bus ride (no 19). But well worth the visit
162 locals recommend
Morito
195 Hackney RdSmall snacky tasty vibrant tapas bar birth child to larger Moro restaurant next door. busy and queueing likely. It's a 20 minute bus ride (no 19). But well worth the visit
Friendly Brazilian South American bar and restaurant in up and comng Clapton that does yummy cocktails also...
9 locals recommend
Candela Clapton
159 Lower Clapton RdFriendly Brazilian South American bar and restaurant in up and comng Clapton that does yummy cocktails also...
Great Vietnamese restaurant a bus drive away on the Kingsland road towards Shoreditch.
22 locals recommend
Viet Hoa Cafe & Mess
70-72 Kingsland RdGreat Vietnamese restaurant a bus drive away on the Kingsland road towards Shoreditch.
Young owners were mentored by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver to create a really good modern Italian restaurant can be walked from house. Pricey but good for special occasions.
153 locals recommend
Trullo
300-302 St Paul's RdYoung owners were mentored by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver to create a really good modern Italian restaurant can be walked from house. Pricey but good for special occasions.
An old established Georgian eaterie in Holloway road. No Russian tanks allowed.
23 locals recommend
Tbilisi Restaurant
91 Holloway RdAn old established Georgian eaterie in Holloway road. No Russian tanks allowed.
One of the few Argentinian restaurants in London. Steak and meat orientated dishes. Not so great for Vegetarians.
12 locals recommend
Garufa
104 Highbury ParkOne of the few Argentinian restaurants in London. Steak and meat orientated dishes. Not so great for Vegetarians.
New noodle bar on the cusp of trendy Dalston Vietnamese style street food meets Dalston hipster grunge interior.
91 locals recommend
Salvation in Noodles
122 Balls Pond RdNew noodle bar on the cusp of trendy Dalston Vietnamese style street food meets Dalston hipster grunge interior.
This is another little gem, with a food passionate owner great for dinner and breakfast or brunch... oh and the dangling lights are for sale if you feel the urge...
3Course
412 Essex RdThis is another little gem, with a food passionate owner great for dinner and breakfast or brunch... oh and the dangling lights are for sale if you feel the urge...
Fab for Vegetarian food, serving Kerala inspired curries. An entrenched favourite with locals and a nice change from the zillion Bangla deshi curry houses. 15 minute walk to Church St.
171 locals recommend
Rasa South Indian Vegetarian Restaurant
55 Stoke Newington Church StFab for Vegetarian food, serving Kerala inspired curries. An entrenched favourite with locals and a nice change from the zillion Bangla deshi curry houses. 15 minute walk to Church St.
Another locals favourite an imposing Thai restaurant with a bar at the far end of Church street on the high street.
69 locals recommend
Yum Yum
187 Stoke Newington High StAnother locals favourite an imposing Thai restaurant with a bar at the far end of Church street on the high street.
situated in Hackney Wick, this coffee shop and cafe serves up great brekkies, lunch and diner in an odd urban street cul de sac
44 locals recommend
CLOSED
situated in Hackney Wick, this coffee shop and cafe serves up great brekkies, lunch and diner in an odd urban street cul de sac
Short walk from house, now one of our favs.. Tapas bar and restaurant.
Great food cosy and intimate. Booking advised. open Tuesday - Saturday. Also operates as coffee bar during day with breakfast.
30 locals recommend
Highbury Arts Club
73 Highbury ParkShort walk from house, now one of our favs.. Tapas bar and restaurant.
Great food cosy and intimate. Booking advised. open Tuesday - Saturday. Also operates as coffee bar during day with breakfast.
Mumbai/Bombay old style dining room. Queuing highly likely. This place is going down a storm in hip Shoreditch. Fantastic deco, great food ... You can only book ahead if you are a table of 6 or more.
475 locals recommend
Dishoom Shoreditch
7 Boundary StMumbai/Bombay old style dining room. Queuing highly likely. This place is going down a storm in hip Shoreditch. Fantastic deco, great food ... You can only book ahead if you are a table of 6 or more.
We love new places and this one is proving to be a success divine coffee. Ever changing menu for lunch/dinner quality all the way that is proving very popular with locals especially at weekends.
71 locals recommend
Fink's Salt and Sweet
70 Mountgrove RdWe love new places and this one is proving to be a success divine coffee. Ever changing menu for lunch/dinner quality all the way that is proving very popular with locals especially at weekends.
Curry is considered the national dish of the UK having been adapted by Bengalis for the Brits palette. To be honest most curry houses are similar and average food wise. This one however is quality.
17 locals recommend
Zaffrani
47 Cross StCurry is considered the national dish of the UK having been adapted by Bengalis for the Brits palette. To be honest most curry houses are similar and average food wise. This one however is quality.
Everything Else
The best cheese in London, smelly smelly cheese shop... brilliant. If only there was an app on the smartphones that did smell.
143 locals recommend
La Fromagerie
30 Highbury ParkThe best cheese in London, smelly smelly cheese shop... brilliant. If only there was an app on the smartphones that did smell.
Clissold Park
Green Lanesfab park to wander in and great for picnics in the sūmmer
Independent cinema that shows art flicks old and new. occasionally will have directors there doing a questions and answer stint with the audience.
177 locals recommend
Everyman Screen on the Green
83 Upper StIndependent cinema that shows art flicks old and new. occasionally will have directors there doing a questions and answer stint with the audience.
interesting street market where Londoners go, organic food, independent designers and crafts plus small boutique shops and eateries make this a great destination to wander around on a Saturday.
1735 locals recommend
Broadway Market
Broadway Marketinteresting street market where Londoners go, organic food, independent designers and crafts plus small boutique shops and eateries make this a great destination to wander around on a Saturday.
One of the best butcher shops in London is a short stroll from our house
18 locals recommend
Godfreys.co
7 Highbury ParkOne of the best butcher shops in London is a short stroll from our house
A bit of a misnomer in that it is not exactly fields more a green park space where you can sit on a summers day, there is also tennis courts and astro football pitch for budding Leonardo Messi types
209 locals recommend
Highbury Fields
Highbury CrescentA bit of a misnomer in that it is not exactly fields more a green park space where you can sit on a summers day, there is also tennis courts and astro football pitch for budding Leonardo Messi types
Shortish walk past Clissold Park will take you to this public leisure centre complete with large lap pool and sophisticated fully equipped gym, ideal for gym bunnies and fish wannabes. Great value.
72 locals recommend
Clissold Leisure Centre
63 Clissold RdShortish walk past Clissold Park will take you to this public leisure centre complete with large lap pool and sophisticated fully equipped gym, ideal for gym bunnies and fish wannabes. Great value.
An interesting little independent home wares shop offering quality products.
6 locals recommend
Folklore
193 Upper StAn interesting little independent home wares shop offering quality products.
Premier pro golf course in London for those who want to hit the greens. just 3/4 miles away. My father played here for 40 years. Me.... I always end up in the sand bunker.
13 locals recommend
Muswell Hill Golf Club
Rhodes AvenuePremier pro golf course in London for those who want to hit the greens. just 3/4 miles away. My father played here for 40 years. Me.... I always end up in the sand bunker.
Islington Boat Club
16-34 Graham StCanoeing or kayaking on London canals at nearby boat club
Dance and ballet a short bus journey from the house
253 locals recommend
Sadlers Wells Theatre (Stop UB) station
Dance and ballet a short bus journey from the house
If you like a sing song then this is the place for you, bar with party atmosphere for all budding Lady and Lord Gagas
17 locals recommend
Lucky Voice Islington
173-174 Upper StIf you like a sing song then this is the place for you, bar with party atmosphere for all budding Lady and Lord Gagas
Good quality Chinese restaurant weirdly placed in an old East End pie and mash premises.
24 locals recommend
Shanghai
Good quality Chinese restaurant weirdly placed in an old East End pie and mash premises.
If you can get past the queues and the weather is sunny then this lively summer pop up bar provides a different urban perspective for sipping at cocktails...
79 locals recommend
Dalston Roof Park
18-22 Ashwin StIf you can get past the queues and the weather is sunny then this lively summer pop up bar provides a different urban perspective for sipping at cocktails...
Steve Hatt Fishmongers
88 - 90 Essex RdOne of the best Fishmongers in London....
Why on earth would anyone put a shop that sells carrots in a guide you may think! Well simply put this has got to be the best shop on the planet that sells fruit and vegetables. The queues prove it.
79 locals recommend
Newington Green, fruits & vegetables London
109 Newington Green RdWhy on earth would anyone put a shop that sells carrots in a guide you may think! Well simply put this has got to be the best shop on the planet that sells fruit and vegetables. The queues prove it.
ok I am not an Arsenal fan but they do have a nice shiny stadium that you can not only watch football in, but can do a tour in. There is also a shop for Arsenal kits and gifts.
385 locals recommend
Emirates Stadium
Hornsey Roadok I am not an Arsenal fan but they do have a nice shiny stadium that you can not only watch football in, but can do a tour in. There is also a shop for Arsenal kits and gifts.
An ūnusual music venue that hosts concerts and gigs of erstwhile esoteric and quirky performers, great acoustics.
87 locals recommend
Union Chapel
19b Compton TerraceAn ūnusual music venue that hosts concerts and gigs of erstwhile esoteric and quirky performers, great acoustics.
A lively noisy down em boozy bar with Rock n Roll and Blues... saw dust optional....
20 locals recommend
Slim Jim's Liquor Store
112 Upper StA lively noisy down em boozy bar with Rock n Roll and Blues... saw dust optional....
London has the whole world here. Locally there is a large Turkish population and that means a Hamman, this is an authentic soak up, scrub up, bubble up, rinse and rub down ... its bliss.
HAMAM
4A CrosswayLondon has the whole world here. Locally there is a large Turkish population and that means a Hamman, this is an authentic soak up, scrub up, bubble up, rinse and rub down ... its bliss.
Need to take something back for babies or toddlers? ... great quality gifts. Church Street is short walk from house.
Born
168 Stoke Newington Church StNeed to take something back for babies or toddlers? ... great quality gifts. Church Street is short walk from house.
Hairdressers a bit like Edward Scissorhands in a skill sense.. men and women, appointment advised. In trendy Chatsworth Road which is a 20 minute bus ride (no 236)
Johnny's
75 Chatsworth RdHairdressers a bit like Edward Scissorhands in a skill sense.. men and women, appointment advised. In trendy Chatsworth Road which is a 20 minute bus ride (no 236)
Situated in Church Street little bakery with added coffee and tables to people watch.
83 locals recommend
The Spence Bakery
161 Stoke Newington Church StSituated in Church Street little bakery with added coffee and tables to people watch.
Borough Wines & Beers
163 Stoke Newington Church StGreat independent shop selling good quality wines and beers
Two Wheels Good Ltd
165 Stoke Newington Church StIndependent Bike shop for bikes accessories and repairs.
Old Spitalfields market is reduced in size compared to its halcyon days, but surrounding area has exploded with interesting sub-markets, shops and pop up events. Sunday is best day to go.
696 locals recommend
Old Spitalfields Market
16 Commercial StOld Spitalfields market is reduced in size compared to its halcyon days, but surrounding area has exploded with interesting sub-markets, shops and pop up events. Sunday is best day to go.
Close to Spitalfields and Columbia road flower market, Sundays are made for meandering around all these areas.
825 locals recommend
Brick Lane Sunday Market
Brick LaneClose to Spitalfields and Columbia road flower market, Sundays are made for meandering around all these areas.
Olive Loves Alfie
111 Stoke Newington Church Stcutesy childrens clothing shop
Small street market come pedestrian street a short bus ride from house. Moro and Morito restaurants are here along with many more shops, bars and cafes.
219 locals recommend
Exmouth Market
Exmouth MarketSmall street market come pedestrian street a short bus ride from house. Moro and Morito restaurants are here along with many more shops, bars and cafes.
Another oddity on Hackney Wick... German deli come cafe come pop up bar, oh boy I wish I had been there for the World Cup.
German Deli
Priestley WayAnother oddity on Hackney Wick... German deli come cafe come pop up bar, oh boy I wish I had been there for the World Cup.
The real happening area, situated within the Olympic zone. Hackney Wick and surrounding area is giving birth to interesting places, some so new air bnb automated listing cannot find them. Cool.. ssh
7 locals recommend
Swan Wharf
60 Dace RdThe real happening area, situated within the Olympic zone. Hackney Wick and surrounding area is giving birth to interesting places, some so new air bnb automated listing cannot find them. Cool.. ssh
Sunday tradition for many Londoners cut flowers, plants, pots, trees and bulbs all to be gathered when the sun shines (and it does sometimes honest!). Independent shops and cafes add to the area.
1660 locals recommend
Columbia Road Flower Market
Columbia RoadSunday tradition for many Londoners cut flowers, plants, pots, trees and bulbs all to be gathered when the sun shines (and it does sometimes honest!). Independent shops and cafes add to the area.
Quirky little eaterie, coffee during day including brekkies and lovely Morrocan fried eggs. This area Homerton is becoming very interesting with many classic British fashion labels moving in.
16 locals recommend
Railroad
120-122 Morning LaneQuirky little eaterie, coffee during day including brekkies and lovely Morrocan fried eggs. This area Homerton is becoming very interesting with many classic British fashion labels moving in.
Nothing to do with Camden or Camden Market. Camden Passage is a little area of nooks and crannies with shops and antiquities where you can buy the quirky and esoteric.
213 locals recommend
Camden Passage
Camden PassageNothing to do with Camden or Camden Market. Camden Passage is a little area of nooks and crannies with shops and antiquities where you can buy the quirky and esoteric.
Castle climbing centre is by the reservoirs and within walking distance of the room.
For younger children there is also the pirates playhouse....
81 locals recommend
Castle Climbing Centre
Green LanesCastle climbing centre is by the reservoirs and within walking distance of the room.
For younger children there is also the pirates playhouse....
New daytime eatery. Catering company set this up to showcase there food. Not open at night.
29 locals recommend
Franks Canteen
86 Highbury ParkNew daytime eatery. Catering company set this up to showcase there food. Not open at night.
Drinks & Nightlife
Divine cocktails for night owls. Was once crowned the best Cocktail Bar in London. Still fab and although small on occasions will have music or cabaret.
9 locals recommend
Colebrooke Row
Colebrooke RowDivine cocktails for night owls. Was once crowned the best Cocktail Bar in London. Still fab and although small on occasions will have music or cabaret.
Good quality pub serving food also, situated close to Clissold Park. can be walked from house.
70 locals recommend
The Rose & Crown
199 Stoke Newington Church StGood quality pub serving food also, situated close to Clissold Park. can be walked from house.
Local pub with lively customers and great for traditional Sunday lunch. close to Dalston and Newington Green 20 minute walk from house.
93 locals recommend
The Railway Tavern
15 Liverpool StLocal pub with lively customers and great for traditional Sunday lunch. close to Dalston and Newington Green 20 minute walk from house.
Another good pub serving food, pavement tables for sitting outside when weather permits
38 locals recommend
The Cellars
125 Newington Green RdAnother good pub serving food, pavement tables for sitting outside when weather permits
Another 'gastro' style pub quaintly situated among the green posh residential houses of Canonbury, approx 15/20 minute stroll from house.
18 locals recommend
Marquess of Anglesey
39 Bow StAnother 'gastro' style pub quaintly situated among the green posh residential houses of Canonbury, approx 15/20 minute stroll from house.
Small and intimate rustic Sardinia style restaurant, close to house. Romantic... i guess!
21 locals recommend
Little Sardegna
170 Blackstock RdSmall and intimate rustic Sardinia style restaurant, close to house. Romantic... i guess!
Tapas a bit of everything here not just food wise, old vintage shabby chic furniture you can not only sit on, but buy too. In the basement flamenco music and dance, film screenings and cabaret.
67 locals recommend
Tranga Market x Tapería
61 Newington GrnTapas a bit of everything here not just food wise, old vintage shabby chic furniture you can not only sit on, but buy too. In the basement flamenco music and dance, film screenings and cabaret.
Beer and Thespians... to beer or not to beer that is really the question! A well entrenched institution in Islington, sometimes has live music at weekends. Pub in the old sense and theatre in the back
75 locals recommend
King's Head Theatre
115 Upper StBeer and Thespians... to beer or not to beer that is really the question! A well entrenched institution in Islington, sometimes has live music at weekends. Pub in the old sense and theatre in the back
cool jazz, funky jazz... drinks and boogieing
for night owls based in Dalston.
The square outside is sometimes used for art events.
125 locals recommend
Vortex
11 Gillett Squarecool jazz, funky jazz... drinks and boogieing
for night owls based in Dalston.
The square outside is sometimes used for art events.
one of our favourite pubs for Sunday lunch reasonably priced and friendly staff
58 locals recommend
Island Queen
87 Noel Rdone of our favourite pubs for Sunday lunch reasonably priced and friendly staff
Burlesque acts and dining, food and frivolity. About 3 miles away so taxi or two buses will get you there.
271 locals recommend
Bistrotheque
23-27 Wadeson StBurlesque acts and dining, food and frivolity. About 3 miles away so taxi or two buses will get you there.
Larger parent to next door Morito serving Moorish food (a fusion of Spanish and North African/Arabic food). Well established and well worth the visit.
131 locals recommend
Moro
34-36 Exmouth MarketLarger parent to next door Morito serving Moorish food (a fusion of Spanish and North African/Arabic food). Well established and well worth the visit.
Italian great for breakfast. Opposite Newington Green 10-15 minute walk from house.
52 locals recommend
Trattoria N16
44-45 Newington GrnItalian great for breakfast. Opposite Newington Green 10-15 minute walk from house.
In Hackney Wick on an industrial estate, the oldest Salmon smokehouse in the world. Feted by famous chefs including the show offs on TV Masterchef, 4 stops on overground via Canonbury near house.
47 locals recommend
Forman's
Stour RoadIn Hackney Wick on an industrial estate, the oldest Salmon smokehouse in the world. Feted by famous chefs including the show offs on TV Masterchef, 4 stops on overground via Canonbury near house.
An old established restaurant and bar. Upmarket and pricey, but worth going to for special occasions.
75 locals recommend
Frederick's
106 Camden PsgeAn old established restaurant and bar. Upmarket and pricey, but worth going to for special occasions.
Back street true local pub, no food other than getting a pizza delivered from next door, but lively atmosphere and quirky locals.
58 locals recommend
The Shakespeare
57 Allen RdBack street true local pub, no food other than getting a pizza delivered from next door, but lively atmosphere and quirky locals.
Shopping
Voila... Fab little cosy French bakery, our favourite coffee shop, cafe and deli and you can also buy cool funky Cd's. A hidden gem around back streets off Highbury Fields close to Holloway rd.
78 locals recommend
Le Péché Mignon
6 Ronalds RdVoila... Fab little cosy French bakery, our favourite coffee shop, cafe and deli and you can also buy cool funky Cd's. A hidden gem around back streets off Highbury Fields close to Holloway rd.
Search & Rescue
129 Stoke Newington Church Stan esoteric mix of vintage and modern homewares