Lazy Days: Discover Inspiring Islington Square
Unleash your inner cultural explorer and discover why Islington Square is the perfect destination for your next lazy day.
How did Islington become London’s most inspiring borough? Home to a thriving community it’s transformed over the centuries from a medieval hamlet into a cultural hotspot.
Constantly reinventing itself, Islington is never short on discoveries. The newest being Islington Square, a freshly refurbishment Grade II listed building on Upper Street. Once the former home of the North London Royal Mail Sorting Centre, this historic spot has been transformed by CZWG Architects.
Originally built in 1904, its three Edwardian red brick buildings were a hub of activity for 3000 workers. Now this beautiful facade is home to thriving eateries, retail and green spaces. And yet again Islington has reinvented itself.
Despite the scale of Islington, what makes it an intimate neighbourhood is the community arts scene. This unique borough is home to some of the UK's most exciting galleries including Victoria Miro, Cubitt Artists and James Freeman. In addition, All Visual Arts, Modern Art and Fold Gallery are other must-sees. The inventiveness of its art scene is mirrored in its local eateries. Leading the charge is The Duke of Cambridge, celebrated as London’s first organic pub. Adding to the borough’s reputation as a healthy living hub is Omnom, which has opened its first UK flagship inside Islington Square.
Islington enjoys a long history of playing home to famous creatives. For instance, wandering through its labyrinth streets you will discover that it was the former address of George Orwell, Walter Sickert and Oscar Wilde. It is also a unique home to the design world with wallpaper pioneers Cole & Son having founded there in 1875. Now with the opening of Islington Square a new generation of cultural leaders and brands are set to transform the borough once again.