Condé Nast Traveller's senior visuals editor Sophie has lived in Islington since 2019 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 seek out; while retaining a peaceful, local feel.
Highbury punches well above its weight when it comes to eating and drinking, too – this might be the foodiest corner of North London. From starting the day with a wholesome coffee and stroll to ending it with a post-club kebab, this is our expert guide to the area. 9am: Walk around Highbury Fields with a coffee Head for a morning walk around the pretty Highbury Fields while admiring the homes that line the park.
In spring, expect rows of daffodils, and in summer, shaded pathways towered by huge leafy trees. Grab 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. Website: instagram.
com/13thfloor.coffee 10.30am: breakfast at Pophams A 20-minute walk from Highbury Fields (sorry, this one isn’t close, but it’s worth it) is the infamous Pophams.
The much-loved East London bakery opened a little branch for lucky North Londoners with the same snaking queue. We take this as a good sign, and the line does move fast. Share with a friend and ord.