In the hood....

N1. That's the neighbourhood by the way, specifically my neighbourhood. THE neighbourhood, the ONLY neighbourhood worth knowing. Islington of course - duh, is there any other?! Well, I'm pretty sure my friends who live south of the river (shock horror) would disagree, but for me nowhere in London comes close.

Let me spell out for you the reasons why it floats my boat so much - there are many, but I am going to focus on the thing I enjoy most - eating. I'm a pro.

First of all it is an absolutely massive borough, which doesn't come without it's challenges. It has it's fair share of crime & other social issues that many other London boroughs deal with it & I'm not ignoring that. However, in the past 5 years it has transformed enormously. 

Upper Street or Supper Street as the Evening Standard renamed it and the surrounding areas around Angel and Highbury & Islington are a foodie's paradise. I'll start first with my favourite place - The Drapers Arms not only is the landlord one of the nicest people you could meet, but all the staff are incredibly friendly too. Their Sunday roasts are legendary & all over Instagram. To prove my points here is an example of their finery. 

Drapers Roast

I also have crockery envy. The big blue plates they are served on are just gorgeous. Brilliant wine list. Lovely location. Nice staff. What are you waiting for? 

There are other fine pubs too: The Albion, The Canonbury & The Pig & Butcher all worth spending a weekend in. And then you've got the restaurants. From the brilliant chains of Byron Burger (a Friday night institution for us) Wahaca & Bodean's (coming soon!) to some of the best restaurants (in my very biased opinion) in London. 

The outstanding Trullo, Le Coq (which now does home delivery via Deliveroo), The Fish & Chip Shop, Oldroyd (of Polpo fame), Sunday, Roots, Smokehouse & soon Bellanger from the Corby & King powerhouse. I could go on....

SO YOU SEE. On food alone it's winning & I haven't even scratched the surface of Kings Cross, which has regenerated beyond belief. Funny I spent my entire 20s clubbing in Bagley's and The Cross and now I take the kids to run around Granary Square in the same area. Man, the 90s were fun! 

Granary Square. Outside The Grain Store (Bruno Loubet)

But if you do ever venture towards that direction, you will be spoilt for choice. Sadly no nightclubs anymore - that will be a future post of mine, as yes, I am still a cheesy quaver and LOVE nothing more than going out with my friends for a damn good boogie. 

See you in the hood.