A Guide to Islington Square

Nestled on Upper Street between Angel and Highbury & Islington is Islington Square, a lively shopping, dining and lifestyle destination that offers something for everyone. This historic site was once a postal sorting office, and now, after careful renovation, the iconic Baroque buildings have been transformed into a bustling hub of independent restaurants, cosy cafes, and lively bars, with community and communication at its heart centre.

Wander through the arched gateway, into the charming courtyard and find yourself amongst unique boutiques and independent eateries. The square is also home to the luxurious gym Third Space, a six-screen Odeon Luxe cinema, and, for culture enthusiasts, The King’s Head theatre. With so much to offer, the area entertains from day to night.

Every Saturday, the square comes alive with a vibrant market in partnership with Urban Food Fest. From 11am to 5pm, the Boulevard hosts a carefully curated array of stalls featuring local makers, global street food and artisan products.

Shopping & Dining at Islington Square 

The Square is home to a host of homeware, fashion, jewellery and lifestyle stores along with a selection of eateries to meet all tastes. Here is the round-up of the stand-out stores and restaurants from our visit.

Borough Kitchen


For those who believe the kitchen is the heart of the home, Borough Kitchen is a culinary treasure trove. Since opening their first shop in Borough Market in 2013, founders Justin Kowbel and David Caldana have focused on offering beautifully crafted, durable kitchenware designed to last a lifetime.

Their Islington Square flagship is more than just a store — it's a full-scale cook’s haven. With an extensive product range and in-house cook school, the space hosts live demonstrations and hands-on classes on everything from barbecue mastery with the Big Green Egg to pasta making and knife skills. The expert staff are always on hand to provide guidance, ensuring you find the perfect tool and know how to use it.

A.P.C

This renowned French brand epitomises minimalist elegance with its clean lines and understated designs. This timeless brand, originally celebrated for its raw denim jeans, now offers a comprehensive collection of men’s and women’s clothing and accessories.

The Wearer

Established by Rachel in 2015, The Wearer is a jewellery boutique that specialises in timeless pieces with a contemporary twist. The different collections feature fine jewellery, engagement, and wedding rings crafted from ethically sourced stones, conflict-free diamonds, and recycled materials. They also offer expert repair and remodelling services, ensuring your jewellery remains as beautiful as the day you bought it.

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Dive into the fashion-forward world of premium streetwear, sportswear, and contemporary homeware under one roof. The store showcases the timeless comfort of iconic brands, Birkenstock, HAY and Beams Plus.

Give Your Best Pop-Up

This inspiring initiative tackles clothing and poverty head-on by providing free clothing to vulnerable communities, including refugees, asylum seekers, and survivors of domestic violence. Their innovative 'Thrift & Gift' concept is the first pay-it-forward clothing store, where every purchase made by the public helps fund someone in need to shop for free in the store. The staff are amazing, and often previous beneficiaries of the service. They offer fashion advice and even alterations on-site. It’s a beautiful example of community support and sustainable shopping. Pop on buy and donate some of your best outfits or buy an outfit and give your support for an incredible cause.

Percy Langley

Celebrating the slow fashion movement, Percy Langley offers beautifully curated collections from independent British designers. Their seasonal edits feature investment pieces that combine modern British aesthetics with timeless garments and rare vintage finds.

Each piece is designed to be worn and cherished for years, championing sustainability and craftsmanship.

The Rooms

An artisan florist, where they Source rare, curious, and exquisite plants and flowers, The Rooms, transforms botanical elements into stunning works of art. Their creations are inspired by the rich history of botanical illustration, art and floral design, making each arrangement a unique expression of beauty and nature.

Arlo & Jacob

Champions of British craftsmanship, Arlo & Jacob handcraft furniture that truly makes you feel at home. They emphasise comfort, affordability, and timeless style, making them an excellent choice for those seeking furnishings with longevity. Their Islington Square showroom invites customers to explore their fabric library and view their extensive range.

Dining in Islington Square

Megan’s

This independently owned, dog-friendly restaurant transports you to sunnier climes with its boho Mediterranean interiors and vibrant, flavour-packed menu. From breakfast to dinner, Megan’s offers a relaxed, stylish setting to enjoy dishes crafted with flair and authenticity.

The carefully curated menu is the creation of their Turkish Executive Head Chef, drawing on high-quality ingredients and cherished family recipes. The result is a diverse selection of dishes that balance health, comfort, and bold flavour. Megan’s serves up fresh granola bowls, vibrant smoothies, artisan coffees, and a variety of nourishing egg dishes. Favourites include the Turkish eggs with creamy labneh and Chef Sercan’s signature shakshouka — a rich tomato sauce simmered for eight hours and served with warm sourdough, made fresh every day.

A standout on the menu is the house favourite: the ‘Posh Kebab’. Choose from tender chicken or lamb doner, slow-cooked overnight and elegantly served on flatbread with crumbled feta and pistachios — a delicious fusion of comfort and sophistication. The service is warm and friendly, while the overall ambience exudes a relaxed, beachy charm — ideal for catching up with friends, unwinding, or a romantic date night.

OMNOM


OMNOM is more than just a restaurant — it's a movement. Blending Eastern philosophies with contemporary wellness culture, OMNOM fosters a vibrant community centred around conscious eating, connection, and positive change.

The food, in partnership with Norfolk-based Namaste, is a colourful celebration of authentic Indian flavours. The all-vegan and vegetarian menu showcases diverse regional dishes, with fresh, local ingredients used daily. Expect beautifully presented sharing platters, fragrant curries, street food favourites, and dishes cooked in the tandoor – all bursting with flavour and soul.

OMNOM also houses OMSpace, a stunning multipurpose venue that has hosted everything from yoga sessions, chanting to live gigs and comedy nights.

Bewliehill


Rooted in heritage and inspired by the land, Bewliehill takes its name from a small Scottish border farm once tended by the founder Angus’s grandfather. This deep connection to the land shapes everything they do — from sourcing local, seasonal ingredients to crafting flavourful, unprocessed dishes.

The result is a menu full of vibrant salads, smoothies, and wholesome snacks designed for both eat-in and takeaway. With a commitment to sustainable, plant-based eating that never compromises on taste.

With a longstanding community spirit, Islington Square has an independent soul, perfect for those seeking calm and charm, right in the heart of the city.

To find out more information visit https://www.islingtonsquare.com

Written by Claire Bloom

Photography by Nyla Sammons