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

Islington's a great borough and has a lot going for, though it's a place frequently satirised for being full of 'medja' types and artist.

I think it's lost some of its charm now. Ten years ago it was just getting popular, but it still had that slightly run-down feel to it. I think it's over-crowded and over-priced now. Mind I'll be pleased when they finish that cinema in front of Sainburys. I prefer places on the edges of Angel, like Barnesbury and Highbury.

The new cinema will be good, though in some ways I do quite like Screen on the Green (with it's overpriced, bucket-like seats on almost a flat floor). But you're right, the area is becoming a lot more clinical and modern, and far less arty. There's still qutie a lot going for it though, always quite busy at night (though it depends what kind of crowd you are looking for).

I tend to think there's good bits in most areas, you just have to know where to look. And in a way, that's one thing this site might be good for.

I live in Angel and I have to say that it is one of the most community-minded areas I have come across in Central London.

It's not bad I agree. I know quite a few shop keepers and resteraunt owners in the local area. My problem is that it's not the area I go to college in though, so I don't have any friends in the area really. I'd like to go out and meet some but it's a bit tricky and it's too boring to go out on your own. Any ideas?

That's a good point Ashley - one good thing about the Angel is the fact people live in the heart of it. I know a guy who bought a tumbledown house off Essex Rd in the 60's, when his neighbours were the likes of Joe Orton. Although its changed alot, he says there still is a sense of community, and I think it's because its still residential.

I live on Pentonville Road and each house has a garden divided in two for each part of the house. In the summer, it is quite normal for all the neighbours to sit on the walls and chat, passing beer to each other until the eraly hours of the morning. Our neighbours include Italians, Irish, Islintonites... this is Why I love Angel - if you go 5 minutes up the road to King's Cross, it's another matter entirely...

I live in a flat (above one of the shops) so I don't quite get that same sense of community as Ashley speaks about, but there is a nice feel to the area. Another great thing about Islington is that it's in a great location in London, you can walk or catch the bus to Central London really quickly...

I know that I am *so* lucky because I can walk to work...

Though not in this weather.

Yeah, that's really lucky! Miserable weather at the moment isn't it. (How British is this conversation?)

Yes, Islington is getting very overcrowded and over-priced. I've lived here for over two years and on the whole I've loved it. I can walk to work and have enough friends nearby to be able to meet up and have a great social life. But what depresses me is how many more eating places and coffee shops are opening - how many Starbucks and Coffee Republics does Upper St need? The new shopping development - while convenient - will open at the expense of some of the more interesting, niche shops that Islington currently has. I'm worried Islington will lose its identity and turn it just another bland borough with Gap, Starbucks, Coffee Republic and not much else to recommend it.....grumble over

Yeah, I agree, the new shopping area won't be nearly as good as the multitude of small shops that there are. I must admit the cinema might be useful, as the Screen on the Green, great though it is, only shows one film at a time and is often sold out.

There ARE still some great little independant shops and cafes around though. Some of my favourits are 'Diverse' (a funky clothes shop), 'Ruby in the Dust' & 'Giraffe' (great cafes) and 'S. Ferrari's' (a great italian deli on cross street).

Hmm... These forums haven't taken off as much I would have hoped...

I moved out of Islington in 1970 - I remember my father was given a payoff of 1500 quid from the landlord at the time - a lot of money then!

I saw the house next door to 'ours' is for sale the other day - 1.5 million! Unbelievable. How does anyone manage to afford to live here?

Well, there are slummy areas in Islington too. But yes, it is very expensive.

What do people think of the recent announcement that Council taxes will rise? Is it a time for improvement, or just another excuse for the council to rake in more money?

It's outrageous especially when you cosnider the level of service. I lived off Upper St for two years and weeks would go by without refuse collections, abandoned cars were left...abandoned for months, noisy neighbours etc etc.

I don't mind paying higher taxes if I can see a benefit. I must say since moving to the Borough of Camden the level of service is much better. Sorry to moan but it was one of the reasons I left Islington.

You're right, Islington Council is shocking. The only thing they seem to be able to do right is collect rubbish (collection every day where I lived).

Like you though I'm living in Camden now. Camden isn't without it's problems but I guess we should discuss those here: F88152?thread=178837

Islington is improving otherwise though. Some nice new cafes have opened up (though the place isn't exactly short of cafes).

Really? You had daily refuse collection? I was lucky to get one a fortnight!

Yes, all those cafe's! God forbid we walk more than a yard without our caffeine fix!

Yeah, but we were above a commercial property so it was part of commercial waste collection. (We basically threw all our bin bags onto the pavement at the end of the day).

My favorite cafe in Camden is Giraffe on Upper St, which is v. funky. They do good food too.

For bars, the Embassy Rooms is good.