The Abigail Ahern Guide To Islington
Take a meander through one of the coolest hubs in London.
I'll let you into a little secret—I don't think destinations have to be packed with famous landmarks or endless lists of "must-sees" to be worth visiting. Sometimes all you need is a few places that make you slow down, notice the details and leave feeling inspired.
That's what this guide is about.
Abi x
Welcome to My Neighbourhood
If you're visiting the Abigail Ahern store, why not make an afternoon of it?
Stop for a coffee, wander a few lovely streets, browse a handful of stores and finish with a big dose of interiors inspiration.
Over the years I've discovered a few places nearby that I genuinely enjoy returning to. Some are great for people-watching, others for finding something unexpected, and a few simply have the sort of atmosphere I love. They're the places I'd recommend to a friend visiting the store for the first time.
I hope this guide helps you enjoy your visit just that little bit more and discover something unexpected along the way.
ABIGAIL AHERN 12-14 ESSEX ROAD LONDON N1 8LN
Start Here 📍
The Abigail Ahern store is where you'll find my world brought to life. Every corner is layered with rich colour, tactile textures and beautifully imperfect pieces, designed to inspire you to create a home that's full of personality rather than perfection.
One thing you won't want to miss is our Botanical Bar. Overflowing with incredibly lifelike faux flowers and foliage, it's a place to play, experiment and discover combinations you might never have considered. Whether you're looking for a single stem or a statement arrangement, our team is on hand to help you create a bespoke bouquet that's beautifully tailored to your home, your style and the season.
Coffee Next @ Jolene
Every good wander starts with a great coffee, and luckily my favourite spot is right next door. Jolene is one of those places I find myself returning to time and again. Their coffee is excellent, the pastries are dangerously good, and there's an effortless simplicity to everything they do that I really admire.
Grab a coffee, perhaps a flaky pastry if you're feeling indulgent, and spend a few minutes watching the neighbourhood wake up before a little wander.
A Little Wander
Don't worry about having a plan. Some of the best discoveries happen when you take a turn simply because it looks interesting.
One of my favourite things to do is simply wander. There's something wonderfully restorative about slowing your pace, looking up and taking in the architecture, the shopfronts and the little details you might otherwise miss. From the store, take a stroll towards Angel and spend a little time exploring Camden Passage. Tucked just off the High Street, it's one of those places that still feels full of character. You'll find independent boutiques, antique shops and little cafés nestled among the cobbled passageways, perfect for an unhurried browse.
Time For Lunch (or a little glass of something)
Bellanger
Perfect for a relaxed lunch.
Classic French brasserie feel, beautiful interiors, great for lingering.
The Duke Organic
For something more relaxed and local.
A cosy neighbourhood pub a few streets back from the store. The name reflects its pioneering organic ethos.
Nico
For wine and small plates.
Buzzy, contemporary and perfect if you fancy a glass and a bite before heading home.
My Favourite Shops
I always make time to pop into a few favourite shops when I'm in the area. Whether I'm picking up something delicious for supper or simply browsing for inspiration, these are the places I return to time and again.
Neal's Yard Dairy – for exceptional British and Irish cheeses.
Cubitts – beautifully crafted eyewear.
Le Labo – fragrance blended to order and a wonderful sensory experience.
Pophams Bakery – yes, it's known for its pastries, but it's also a lovely place to browse ceramics, tableware and thoughtfully chosen homewares.
Haut Vintage – a tiny, sweetly curated vintage clothes boutique in Camden Passage.
Before You Leave
Before you head home, take one last wander through Duncan Terrace Gardens and continue on towards Regent's Canal. It's a peaceful stretch that feels a world away from the bustle of Upper Street, and the perfect place to end an afternoon spent exploring. If you've still got a little time, I'd highly recommend extending your walk. Follow Regent's Canal for another 15–20 minutes and you'll come across Towpath Cafe, one of my favourite canal-side spots. It's wonderfully understated, with simple seasonal food and a relaxed atmosphere that's hard to beat.
If You're In No Rush ...
You can keep following the canal all the way to Broadway Market and London Fields. It's a longer walk, but one of my favourite ways to spend an afternoon. Along the way you'll pass houseboats, waterside cafés and some of East London's loveliest scenery before arriving at one of the city's most vibrant neighbourhoods.
One Last Thing
If you're planning to stay into the evening, I'd recommend booking a table at Bistro Sablé. It's already become one of Islington's most talked-about restaurants, serving beautifully executed French classics in a warm, elegant setting. The perfect way to round off a day of wandering.
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