Dear reader, here is the new list of recommendations by Islington London, received by all the newsletter subscribers at the start of the month!
As you may know, it all started with an Instagram profile during lockdown two years ago. Now the @islington_london page has grown so much that I felt that there was potential to do much more to contribute to our community. This inspired the launch of The Islington Storyteller, a blog and newsletter where contributors from all over London can share their love for our borough, tell amusing stories and give tips on making the most of neighbourhood life. Our new Newsletter editor, Bronagh Todd, will be sharing recommendations each month.
August events guide
10th August – Ultimate Friends Quiz at The Old Queens Head
Test your friends’ knowledge at this quiz hosted by Dave Cribb, who is known for his Friends with Friends podcast. £4 per person to enter, and maximum of six people in a team.
More info
11th August – Sessions Market, 77 Upper Street
Make sure to check out Sessions Market, a venue redefining the way we eat. There will be something for everybody, with the four available menus ranging from British to West African. Make sure to reserve your table to avoid missing out.
More info
11th August – Aperitivo Night at the Estorick Collection
Head down to everybody’s favourite local art collection and enjoy an Italian aperitivo in the gorgeous garden. You can also visit the current exhibition ‘Archipenko and the Italian Avant Garde’, the special display ‘Andrew Green: Rural Italian Towns and Villages + the Spaces in Between’ as well as the permanent collection.
More info
16th August until 3rd September – Brawn at Kings Head Theatre
Exploring body dysmorphia and men’s body image, Brawn has already been described as passionate and a play that offers the audience a view into unrealistic representations of the male body. Tickets are priced between £15 and £25.50, and have already earnt rave reviews.
Ticket info
19th August – Discover Italian Spirits
Italian experiential concept store EGRO partnered with Lifestyle Bartender Academy to host an aperitivo accompanied by explanations about the origins and significance of each spirit.
Event info
Until 20th August – Patriots at Almeida Theatre
Starring Tom Hollander and Aoife Hinds, who you may recognise from Bohemian Rhapsody and Derry Girls respectively, Patriots has already been described as ‘exciting’, with Hollander’s performance deemed as a ‘one of the performances of the year’. This show is sure to totally sell out, but you may just get lucky. Tickets are priced between £15 and £55.
Ticket info
21st August – Jenny Éclair: Sixty! (FFS!) at Angel Comedy Club
Jenny Éclair visits The Bill Murray as part of her tour warm-up. Now that she is sixty, she is wondering whether to embrace this and celebrate or should she take up walking as a hobby. Sure to be a crowd pleased. Tickets are £10.50, and this is an 18+ event.
Ticket info
22nd August – Trespasses by Louise Kennedy book club at Waterstones
This is a special one-off book club hosted at Waterstones on Islington Green. One of the shortlisted titles for the Waterstones’ Debut Fiction Prize, ‘Trespasses’ follows a school teacher through The Troubles and the effect this has on the local community. Places are free, but please do register to secure your place.
More info
August 24 and 25 – Steven Isserlis Concert at Fidelio Cafe
Fidelio is an artistic project that brings together the magic of great music and authentic culinary creations into an informal, friendly and captivating environment. For the upcoming performance, doors will open at 6:30 for drinks and nibbles ahead of a one-hour performance starting at 7:00pm. Price is inclusive of the concert and full dinner.
Tickets info
Every Saturday 10-11am until August 27th
Yoga and pilates at 250 City Road. Admissions free, just reserve your spot!
More info
Until 28th August – South Pacific at Sadlers Wells
Already world renowned and award-winning, ‘South Pacific’ transfers to the Sadlers Wells Theatre for a very limited season. Well known for its unforgettable score, this show is a love story which also explores racial prejudice and life during the war. Tickets from £15.
More info
Throughout August – Protean by Max Maxwell at No20 Arts
A hidden gem on Cross Street, No20 Arts is hosting a solo exhibition by Max Maxwell until the 3rd of September. These are all new works, ranging from sculpture to video, performance to painting all exploring Maxwell’s key interests, including transformation and the use of metals as well as the use of colour and landscapes.
More info
Throughout August – Harvest by Chris Ofili at Victoria Miro Gallery
Victoria Miro presents ‘Harvest’, the exhibition debut by Chris Ofili until the 10th of September. Be transported to another world, where you will explore moments of transformation and transcendence
More info
Every August Monday and Tuesday – Jazz and Blues at Plaquemine Lock. Every August Saturday – Jazz Brunch (highly recommended!).
More info
New places to check out!
Some fresh spots recently opened in the neighbourhood
For drinks & coffee visit Trampoline. They also have a cosy upstairs room, perfect for small events and meetups.
Miscusi – beautiful in its simplicity. Serving only pasta (but only the best and always freshly made!). Our favourite was pasta tricolore and pesto-pasta.
80 Upper St, London N1 0NU
New summery drinks at Crepeaffaire in Camden Passage. Highly recommend the coconut mango drink.
Check out the new menu at The Albion pub.
Clerkenwell Plant Design – new shop on 18 Exmouth Market. Perfect to find green friends to liven up your living room or study. They also run workshops and run flower subscriptions.
Birdies Angel – whether it’s a date night, birthday party or after-work hangout, crazy golf in Angel Central is a great option to check out.
And it’s a wrap! We will be back with more recommendations next month.
Event suggestions by Bronagh, edited by Ana.
