h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Scary as it may seem to some people the borough of Islington is more than just the small area around the Angel.

For those who have braved some of the more 'slummy' parts (I can't believe someone used that word on this 'board' ) I'm sure they will have discovered some of the most interesting, fascinating and beautiful parts of a borough rich in history.

There was even a time when Upper Street had a quaint charm all of its own, with second hand bookshops and curio shops stretching all the way to Highbury Corner. It now seems to have become a souless strip of cafes, restaurants and bars catering for the young or those who have no idea where to go but think by hanging out around the Angel somehow makes them 'cool'.

Of course some of the shops around Camden Passage have tried to maintain some of what was good about the area but for how much longer will they be able to compete with Borders, HMV, Starbucks and the like? The day the 'Card' shop closes will be a sad day indeed.

Dave

Actually, I think most people would agree with you. I personally think that the new N1 shopping centre hasn't really added anything to the area and only serves to make it even more of a homogenous high street (though it's always nice to see a wagamama). The new cinema is crap and pales in comparison to Screen on the Green.

It's the small independant shops and galleries that make islington cool.

I was working at Islingon last week I think its got to be one of the nicest parts of London Its like a small market town, and upper street has so much character and for London is unusually wide. And I love camden passage market