Islington - An In-Depth Guide to Working in the Area
1. An Overview of Islington
2. Islington: Demographics
3. Buildings Found in Islington
4. How Islington Office Space Prices Compare to Nearby Areas
5. Areas With Similar Workspace to Islington
6. Where to Drink and Dine in Islington
7. A List of Green Spaces in Islington
8. Business Events
9. Accommodation for Professionals
10. Shopping
11. Wellbeing in Islington
12. Islington: Hidden Gems
An Overview of Islington
Islington is a bustling part of North London with a rich history and modern business infrastructure (it has some of the most innovative office spaces in London).
The area is great for living or working if you appreciate good food, arts and culture, and boutique shopping. In this guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about renting an office space in Islington (London’s second-smallest borough).
Islington: Demographics
Islington is a multicultural area, home to people from different socioeconomic backgrounds and walks of life.
Statistics include:
• Islington borough is England's second-most densely populated local authority area (after Tower Hamlets).
• The median age in Islington is 33.
• The percentage of employed people aged 16 or over rose from 59.3% in 2011 to 60.5% in 2021.
Buildings Found in Islington
Islington boasts beautiful architecture from the Georgian and Victorian eras, including sash windows, wrought iron railings, and other original features.
The area also has its fair share of modern developments, including new residential complexes and offices. In addition to private homes, the borough contains a mix of social housing to provide affordable accommodation to residents.
A number of old historic buildings have now been converted into a serviced office.
How Islington Office Space Prices Compare to Nearby Areas
The average price of a coworking membership in Islington is £249, while the average cost per desk in a private office is £406 per month.
A little to the west, in the borough of Camden, a coworking membership costs an average of £325, and a private office costs an average of £478 per calendar month.
To the east, in the borough of Hackney, the average cost of a coworking membership is £250, and the average price of a desk in a private office is just £288 per month.
Areas With Similar Workspace to Islington
Camden is like Islington in that it has a vibrant feel, busy streets, and an active entertainment scene. It caters to a variety of tastes, whether mainstream or esoteric. Both are also home to some incredible collaborative coworking spaces and serviced offices.
Where to Drink and Dine in Islington
Islington has many restaurants, so it's hard to choose. But if you work here, you can work through them all.
Frederick’s on Islington High Street is a long-standing, family-run Modern European restaurant with a vast wine cellar, a hidden garden, and a beautiful conservatory.
There are lots of pubs where you can enjoy a drink after work. Located on Essex Road, The Old Queen's Head is famous for its illustrious past and lively present. Choose from craft beers, ales, cocktails, and pub grub.
A List of Green Spaces in Islington
Islington offers several green spaces where office workers can enjoy nature and outdoor activities.
• Highbury Fields (view map) – One of Islington's largest green spaces, an excellent place for a picnic or walk.
• Caledonian Park (view map) – Picturesque views of London with ample greenery.
• Barnard Park (view map) – Popular with locals for sports activities and walks with the family.
• Gillespie Park and Ecology Centre (view map) – Recognised for its biodiversity, wildflower meadows, ponds, and woodlands.
Business Events
Islington is home to the iconic Business Design Centre, which attracts business travellers from London, the UK, and the rest of the world. Whatever industry you work in, the BDC hosts various events throughout the year.
Accommodation for Professionals
Citadines Apart'hotel Islington is just one option for business travellers. The building, which dates from 1907, is a former postal sorting centre that has since been transformed into a high-end hotel.
Websites like Airbnb offer various accommodation options for business travellers in Islington, including apartments, houses, and private rooms, which can be suitable for short-term stays or professionals needing short-term housing.
Shopping
One of Islington's main shopping hubs is Upper Street. On both sides of the thoroughfare, you’ll find high-street shops, boutiques, designer stores, and charity shops.
Camden Passage is another great place to shop, particularly if you have a penchant for antique shops and vintage stores. Head over on a lunch break to explore unique collectables, antique furniture, and vintage clothing from different eras.
Angel Central near Angel tube station is a modern shopping centre with high-street retailers, popular fashion brands, restaurants, and a multiplex cinema.
Wellbeing in Islington
Like everywhere in London, there’s no shortage of gyms in Islington.
FRAME Angel offers a range of exercise classes, including Pilates and yoga. You can also hire a personal trainer to help you achieve your fitness goals.
When it comes to relaxation and massages, Islington has you covered, too. The Massage Lab offers sports and remedial massages, pregnancy massages, acupuncture, and more. It opens early and closes late.
Islington: Hidden Gems
The Little Angel Theatre is one of Islington’s best-loved hidden gems. This charming puppet theatre is tucked away in a converted hall and offers gleeful performances for children and adults.
Freightliners Farm is a cute community-run city farm you can take your children to or explore on your lunch break.
The Estorick Collection of Modern Italian Art is housed in a Grade II-listed Georgian building. It exhibits an inspiring collection of modern Italian art, including Futurist works and pieces by renowned artists such as Giorgio de Chirico.
Finally, the Alwyne Castle is a Victorian pub with a cosy atmosphere, a wide selection of craft beers, and delicious gastropub fare. Consider it a viable option for drinks with coworkers or clients at the end of a busy day.
