Neighbourhood Guide: Best things to do in Old Street

Old Street is an edgy and cool area north of the City in the London borough of Islington. Famous as a street art canvas with works by lots of renowned and international artists, including Banksy, it has recently seen a significant influx of digital businesses which has created a globally recognised tech hub known as The Silicon Roundabout, as David Cameron called it when he became Prime Minister.

TRANSPORT in OLD STREET

Photo from Google Maps

The Old Street neighbourhood runs west to east from Goswell Road in Clerkenwell in the London Borough of Islington to the crossroads where it gets to [Shoreditch]) High Street to the south, Kingsland Road to the north and Hackney Road to the east in Shoreditch in the London Borough of Hackney.

Old Street Station lies in zone one on the Northern line and is also situated on the National Rail Line. There are plenty of bus lines running around this area which is one of the best served in London.

CAFFEINE & FOOD in OLD STREET

When I was living in Shoreditch, Old Street was one of my favourite destinations for my caffeine cravings. Since it's the tech hub of London, there are plenty of cafes where you can get some work done on your laptop (chill or read a book if you prefer).

Ozone

This great cafe is just a few seconds away from Old Street tube station. It's set in an industrial-cool building and it features cold press, traditional espresso drinks as well as delicious eggy breakfasts.
Address: 11 Leonard St, London EC2A 4AQ, UK

Shoreditch Grind

This is on the other side of the giant Old Street roundabout despite the misleading name - Shoreditch is a few blocks away. This is a very trendy spot for people watching, quick bites at lunch time as well as espresso martinis after work.
Address: 213 Old St, London EC1V 9NR, UK

Timberyard

Great coffee, a wide tea selection and LOADS of pastries. Plus point is fast wifi, friendliness towards digital nomads and a LOT of power outlets.
Address: 7 Upper St Martin's Ln, London WC2H 9DL, UK

Look Mum No Hands | by astonishme

If you get hungry, head to The Clove Club on Old Street, a private dining club that offers excellent British cuisine food along with good music and charming ambience. Other great spots for British cuisine are Boundary, Rivington Bar & Grill, The Lunch Club, Monikers and Hoi Polloi all around the Old Street area.

Chopsticks | on Pixabay

If you are looking for something more exotic, then go to BusabaEathai for authentic Thai, Chopsticks of Fury for some sumptuous Pan-Asian delights or OH-MY-GOSH-I-MISS-THIS-SO-MUCH On the Bab, Old Street’s best Korean restaurant.

BARS & CLUBS in OLD STREET

The Old Fountain

This is a classic & traditional English pub, just a few steps away from Old Street tube station. Scotch eggs, Sunday roasts and steaks along with a great selection of ales and lagers, (including some local craft options) make this place a great spot both during the week and weekend.
Address: 3 Baldwin St, London EC1V 9NU, UK

The Angel

This is the place to come to if you are into sports since it features four plasma screen TVs constantly showing sports. Otherwise, if you rather not watch football or polo, head to the outdoor area and watch the street-passers by on Old Street.
Address: 3-5 Islington High St, Islington, London N1 9LQ, UK

Nightjar

Nightjar offers four themed menus based on time periods in the history of mixed drinks: pre-prohibition, prohibition, post-war, and ‘Nightjar signatures’. Low-key atmosphere and classy vibe make this place the perfect meeting point for a date or with a small group of friends.
Address: 129 City Rd, Hoxton, London EC1V 1JB, UK

PARKS, GARDENS AND GREEN

St Luke’s Church & Gardens
This is a great place for al fresco dining or to take a lunch break if you happen to work around the silicon roundabout. The perfect spot on a sunny day.

Finsbury Square

This is a lovely city garden where you can relax and smell the roses throughout the square. There are also Jazz concerts sometimes as a soundtrack to your lunch breaks.

King Square Gardens
This is a more family-oriented park where your kids can play in the sandpit, on the children’s merry-go-round and plenty of slides & swings.

Shoreditch Park

This park has been awarded the Green Flag award for outstanding green spaces in England because it hosts a giant boulder for climbing, a beach volleyball court, various sports pitches, and, hear hear, an amphitheatre!

SHOPPING & MARKETS in OLD STREET

Even if it's more of a tech hub, there are lots of options to shop around Old Street.

Whitecross Street Market

Here you can find food from so many different countries that you’ll feel like you’re on a round-the-world trip: Turkish, Italian, Mexican, Spanish and French! It's the perfect place to go for lunch
Address: 13 Whitecross St, London EC1Y 8JR, UK(open from Wednesday to Friday)

Sh! Women’s Erotic Emporium

This lovely boutique mall features female-focused sex shops selling toys as well as books and erotica, in a relaxed, chilled-out environment. Massive plus is that you can come over and enjoy a cup of hot coffee or tea while browsing the collection of sex toys.
Address: 31-35 Pitfield St

Squint

This eccentric vintage store is where you can find all sorts of recycled old furniture, bedspreads, lamps and mirrors perfect if you have to furnish your new home.
Address: 178 Shoreditch High St

OTHER THINGS TO DO in OLD STREET

Rivington Place

Opened in 2007, Rivington Place is a public art gallery and a joint venture between Autograph ABP and the Institute of International Visual Arts. The art works are meant to prompt debates on cultural diversity.
Address: Rivington Place, London EC2A 3BA, UK

20 Hoxton Square

The big gallery is right opposite White Cube in Hoxton Square and it features contemporary and modern art pieces by emerging artists. The collection includes everything from collage and wall paintings to watercolours and photography.
Address: 20 Hoxton Square, Hoxton, London N1 6NT, UK

Check out Spotahome's accommodation options for Old Street.