I'll be leading a group of 10 students to the UK this summer, and we will be staying in Highbury for 3 nights. While we will be spending our days in the city center, I am looking for advice about good food and hang out ideas for our late afternoons and evenings in Islington/Highbury. These are all high school students on a modest budget.
Posted by
London, United Kingdom
4684 posts
There are lots of chain restaurants in that area on Upper Street and the streets leading off it. Not fine dining but worth trying. Nando's, which is a spicy South-African-style grilled chicken place, is pretty much THE current authentic British working-class eating experience. My personal place to eat in the area is Masala Zone, which is a chain Indian restaurant but pretty good. Le Mercury is a famous budget French restaurant, but the one time I went there I found the speed with which we were hustled to eat very annoying.
Be aware that the legal drinking age in Britain is 18 and there are a lot of bars and pubs in the area. Be ready to clamp down hard or have to deal with some ratted students.
Posted by
Tunbridge Wells
6113 posts
Camden Market is THE place to go for teenagers and twenty somethings and they have late night food events on Thursdays in the summer plus lots of fashion shopping. Not far away and easily reached by bus or tube from Highbury. Plenty of budget eateries around.
Nando's Portuguese chain has already been mentioned. Wagamamas at the small Angel Central shopping centre in Islington offers canteen style Japanese food and at the same place is Ed's (American style diner) and Gourmet Burger Kitchen.
Posted by
Vancouver, BC
299 posts
I second Camden Market. Also, a picnic in either Regent's Park (check for Shakespeare or other outdoor plays) or Hampstead Heath might be nice on the budget.
Posted by
Nashville, TN, USA
3896 posts
Look for Pizza Express. It's a chain, but it's good pizza and budget-friendly. Good place for students to get fed on the cheap.
Posted by
Land of La
9261 posts
I third Camden Lock. Your students will be VERY pleased and think you're hip if you take them there!! In Islington visit the 2 story, Afghan Kitchen. Communal tables, cheap and plentiful food.
According to this 2013 article in The Evening Standard, http://tinyurl.com/nwo43k8, you'll not have to worry about food options for your students.
Posted by
London, United Kingdom
4684 posts
Also, don't take the tube from Highbury to Camden Lock, take the Overground train from Highbury and Islington to Camden Road.
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Thanks for the replies. It looks like Camden Market will be a definite for us!