When you close your eyes and imagine a London neighbourhood, images of Highbury probably spring to mind. Tree-lined streets, pretty houses, cute little pubs, and leafy parks abound here. It’s also an area with the best of both worlds: central enough to have a real buzz and some exceptional businesses to explore while retaining a peaceful, local feel.
Highbury punches well above its weight when it comes to eating and drinking, making it one of the foodiest corners of North London. From starting the day with a wholesome coffee and stroll to ending it with a late-night kebab, this is your expert guide to the area.
9am: Walk around Highbury Fields with a Coffee
Begin your day with a morning walk around the picturesque Highbury Fields while admiring the charming homes that line the park. In spring, expect rows of daffodils, and in summer, shaded pathways crowned by large leafy trees. Pick up your morning coffee from 13th Floor Coffee, which operates from a truck on the grounds of Christ Church on Highbury Grove towards the top end of the park.
10:30am: Breakfast at Pophams
A pleasant 20-minute walk from Highbury Fields leads you to the renowned Pophams, a beloved bakery with a devoted local following. Share with a friend and indulge in both the marmite, Schlossberger, and spring onion swirl and the bacon and maple swirl—each offering buttery goodness wrapped in soft, flaky pastry. Enjoy your breakfast at one of the outdoor tables.
Address: Pophams, 19 Prebend Street, London N1 8PF
11:30am: Mooch Around the Shops
Islington High Street, officially Upper Street, stretches one mile southwards from Highbury and Islington Station toward Angel Station. This vibrant street is lined with cafés, pubs, restaurants, independent shops, and larger brands. Notable stores to explore include:
- Aria (2B Barnsbury Street) – contemporary decorative furnishings.
- Twentytwentyone (274-275 Upper Street) – retro furniture and independent artist’s items.
- After Noah (121-122 Upper Street) – coffee table books, ornaments, and classic children’s toys.
1pm: Tuck into Lunch at a Local Pub
Highbury offers an array of decent pubs serving delicious pub grub. Consider visiting The Pig and Butcher (80 Liverpool Road) for a casual but satisfying meat feast, or opt for Albion (10 Thornhill Road) for a more upscale experience with a lovely garden atmosphere. The Drapers Arms (44 Barnsbury Street) and Compton Arms (4 Compton Avenue) also provide excellent lunch options featuring seasonal dishes.
2:30pm: Head Down to Camden Passage Market
Camden Passage, located in Angel, is bustling with independent stalls open on Wednesdays and Saturdays, selling everything from vintage clothing to art deco jewellery. After browsing, consider stopping by the Camden Head (100 Camden High Street) for a refreshing drink.
3:30pm: Grab a Pastry
While at Camden Passage, don’t miss Buns From Home, known for its delightful hand-rolled buns and sweet pastries. Make sure to try their cheesecake bun—a circular delight filled with creamy vanilla cheesecake sauce. Their daily specials are also worth a taste, as they tend to sell out quickly.
Address: Buns From Home, 12 Camden Passage, London N1 8ED
6pm: Cocktail O’Clock
As evening approaches, head to the bar with no name at 69 Colebrooke Row for an exceptional cocktail experience. While they offer a variety of pure spirit options, the seasonal cocktails are also a must-try. Pair your drinks with snacks for an enjoyable pre-dinner experience.
Address: 69 Colebrooke Row, London, N1 8AA
7:30pm: Dinner at Trullo
Trullo is known for its rustic charm and serves a rotating menu that emphasizes fresh ingredients. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, making it an ideal spot for a romantic dinner. Keep an eye out for their signature pici cacio e pepe—a hearty pasta dish not to be missed.
Address: Trullo, 300-302 St Paul’s Road, London N1 2LH
9pm: Go Out-Out
For a vibrant night out, consider visiting Slim Jim’s (112 Upper Street), a dive bar known for its lively atmosphere—complete with live music. Alternatively, The Old Queens Head (44 Essex Road) offers a more mainstream vibe with a dance floor that opens later in the evening.
11pm: Head for a Kebab
If you’re craving a late-night kebab, Noa is open until 1am on Saturdays. Unlike conventional kebab joints, Noa offers delectable skewers of marinated lamb and chicken grilled over an open flame. Their kebabs are stuffed with fresh salads, pickles, and house-made sauces for a satisfying late-night meal.
Address: Noa, 247 Upper Street, London N1 1RU
