We all know that lunch breaks can get a bit boring, especially if you are stuck in a dreary office canteen or cramped at your desk, but not here in Angel, Islington.
From its thriving cafe and restaurant culture to its array of green spaces, there is no shortage of places to spend your lunch hour. So, if you do work in the area like us and fancy a bit of time away from your desk, here are the best things to do in Angel when lunchtime comes calling.
Explore Camden Passage
Just a short walk across the road from the BDC, you will find Camden Passage, a must-visit for anyone in the area. At lunchtime, these narrow lanes and charming cobbled streets come alive with the buzz of shoppers, tourists, and office workers alike, all looking to soak up its vibrant atmosphere. If you’re looking to do some window shopping, then Camden Passage has plenty of shops to keep you occupied until the afternoon. From boutique clothing stores to artisanal crafts, you won’t be stuck finding somewhere to pass the time. Hunt for vintage treasures at their very own market, or simply grab a seat at one of the quaint cafes and watch the minutiae of Camden Passage life unfold.
Stroll along the Regent’s Canal
Past the hustle and bustle of the Angel high street is Regent’s Canal, a peaceful stretch of water that will make you forget you are in one of the busiest areas of North London. Created in the 19th century, the canal is 8.5 miles long and extends from Paddington to Limehouse. While walking the whole length on your lunch break may be a tad too ambitious, taking a short leisurely stroll along the path as it meanders through Islington is not a bad way to spend your lunch break. The tree-lined waterway is the perfect escape from your office desk, where you can admire the many houseboats along the way. Just don’t get too carried away, and be back in time for any afternoon meetings.
Enjoy the greenery
From leafy parks, charming community gardens, and open green spaces when looking for a quiet place away from your office for an hour – Angel has it all. While spring has yet to have sprung, this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t take the time to explore these areas on your next lunch break (when the weather allows, of course).
Visit Islington Green, a little triangle oasis right in the centre of Angel, just a short walk from the underground station. It offers a quiet spot to eat your lunch, do some light reading, or simply watch the world go by. Explore the beautiful Culpeper Community Garden and get lost in its winding paths. Or take a stroll to Caledonian Park, home to the famous 19th-century clock tower. Angel’s plentiful parks are the perfect places to unwind and find your inner zen in the middle of a hectic workday.
Work up a sweat
Get your endorphins kicking and beat that afternoon slump with a workout on your lunch break. Angel has a wide selection of gyms and workout classes, so there really is no excuse. So lace up your trainers and jump on that treadmill. You’ll be thanking yourself later, we promise. Here at the BDC, we have a selection of gyms and fitness studios you can visit to get your heart rate pumping, including PureGym and Revolution Personal Training Studios. If you aren’t quite a gym bunny, then there are plenty of alternative exercise classes to try around the area that will leave you feeling reenergized and ready to take on the afternoon.
Grab a coffee
Angel is home to an eclectic selection of lively cafes and independent coffee shops where you can enjoy some of the best coffee London has to offer, and perhaps a sweet treat or two to get you through the second half of your workday. If you are looking for the best coffee in Angel, there are many places to choose from. Here at the BDC, we even have the amazing Caffè Culture Show trade show serving up artisan coffee to the hospitality and cafe industry.
Whether you prefer a bustling cafe like Redemption Roasters or a quiet little nook like Kape Konnection, you’re sure to find the perfect spot to relax and recaffeinate before heading back to work
So now you know all the things to do in Angel on your lunch break, you have no excuse to be left sitting in your office when the clock strikes twelve.
While being a leading London event space, here at the BDC we are also a thriving hub for business and home to over 100 tenants that have office spaces and showrooms with us.
With Angel being such an ideal office location in North London, it’s no wonder so many businesses choose the BDC to set up shop. So if you are a business on the hunt for a new office, then get in touch.
Or, if you want to learn more about our list of leading events, find out what’s coming up on our What’s on page.
