Guidebook for Greater London
Food Scene
Western’s Laundry is the second opening of Jeremy Cometto-Lingerheim and David Gingell, the pair behind Stoke Newington’s Primeur (recommended if you’re in the area). As good as its name, it really was an old laundry and inside has maintained a utilitarian feel. It’s all very a la mode, with food to match, centred around British produce – fish from the South West, in particular – with Asian flavours thrown in. A friend has been in raptures about a mackerel dish she had, but the menu changes daily so you never know quite what you’re going to get.
47 locals recommend
Westerns Laundry
34 Drayton ParkWestern’s Laundry is the second opening of Jeremy Cometto-Lingerheim and David Gingell, the pair behind Stoke Newington’s Primeur (recommended if you’re in the area). As good as its name, it really was an old laundry and inside has maintained a utilitarian feel. It’s all very a la mode, with food to match, centred around British produce – fish from the South West, in particular – with Asian flavours thrown in. A friend has been in raptures about a mackerel dish she had, but the menu changes daily so you never know quite what you’re going to get.
Old enough and wise enough to deserve the title ‘Islington classic’, dapper family-run Frederick’s just keeps on keeping on – driven along by loyal customers who greatly appreciate its lofty conservatory, striking artworks, secret garden and gently fashionable modern European food. Menus change with the seasons at this ritzy local treat.
75 locals recommend
Frederick's
106 Camden PsgeOld enough and wise enough to deserve the title ‘Islington classic’, dapper family-run Frederick’s just keeps on keeping on – driven along by loyal customers who greatly appreciate its lofty conservatory, striking artworks, secret garden and gently fashionable modern European food. Menus change with the seasons at this ritzy local treat.
Tom Oldroyd was chef-director of Russell Norman’s tentacular hit Polpo before going it alone with this diminutive and deceptively laid back solo debut in Islington. Small plates and high-impact flavours from Italy, France and Spain are the kitchen’s calling cards. Wines and cocktails are also seriously good… and (joy!) you can book.
37 locals recommend
Oldroyd
344 Upper StTom Oldroyd was chef-director of Russell Norman’s tentacular hit Polpo before going it alone with this diminutive and deceptively laid back solo debut in Islington. Small plates and high-impact flavours from Italy, France and Spain are the kitchen’s calling cards. Wines and cocktails are also seriously good… and (joy!) you can book.
Drinks & Nightlife
London Cocktail Club knows all about showing guests a good time, so if you’re looking for a party, you’ve come to the right place. The Upper Street branch has a loose pharmacy theme, hidden in true speakeasy style behind a medically inspired shopfront. Order in one of the bar’s takes on the classics – especially during happy hour – and you’ll be feeling better in no time.
44 locals recommend
London Cocktail Club
108 Essex RoadLondon Cocktail Club knows all about showing guests a good time, so if you’re looking for a party, you’ve come to the right place. The Upper Street branch has a loose pharmacy theme, hidden in true speakeasy style behind a medically inspired shopfront. Order in one of the bar’s takes on the classics – especially during happy hour – and you’ll be feeling better in no time.
This neighbourhood wine bar sits on a corner of Mountgrove Road where Highbury, Stoke Newington and Finsbury Park collide. Rare wine takes centre stage, with a young and clued-up couple running the show. It gets busy with local customers, lured in by a hip hop playlist, warm service and top drops of vino. Seek out a carafe of house red with a cheese plate for a bargainous £20.
The Mountgrove Bothy
90 Mountgrove RdThis neighbourhood wine bar sits on a corner of Mountgrove Road where Highbury, Stoke Newington and Finsbury Park collide. Rare wine takes centre stage, with a young and clued-up couple running the show. It gets busy with local customers, lured in by a hip hop playlist, warm service and top drops of vino. Seek out a carafe of house red with a cheese plate for a bargainous £20.
This historical watering hole is perfect for those fed-up with chains and predictable gastro-pubs. Set in what was once a brothel, The Four Sisters seems to capture the atmosphere of old London and is full of dark, candlelit corners perfect for sipping on the bar’s home-brewed, syrupy concoctions. A particular highlight is the Negroni, which can either be poured straight from aged oak barrels, or decanted into a take-away glass bottle.
51 locals recommend
The Four Sisters Bar
25 Canonbury LnThis historical watering hole is perfect for those fed-up with chains and predictable gastro-pubs. Set in what was once a brothel, The Four Sisters seems to capture the atmosphere of old London and is full of dark, candlelit corners perfect for sipping on the bar’s home-brewed, syrupy concoctions. A particular highlight is the Negroni, which can either be poured straight from aged oak barrels, or decanted into a take-away glass bottle.