To kick-start our four-part series introducing the main areas of Islington, local to the BDC, we will be rounding up the best spots to visit in the recently-renovated shopping and entertainment destination, based, less than a minute around the corner...
Only a 2 minute walk from Angel tube station and next door to the Business Design Centre, Angel Central (previously known as the N1 Centre) depicts the hub of the Angel community, with an array of food options, retail shops, and entertainment hot spots open late into the night. Based on Upper Street, the shopping centre welcomes all businesses, small and big, bringing the local community together, with its iconic angel wings above the Saint Espresso coffee shop.
So, without further ado, let’s run through what Angel Central has to offer!
Food
A quick bite to eat is easy to secure; whether you want a sit down meal or a takeaway box to enjoy on the steps of Angel Central and watch the hustle and bustle of the day go by, you’ll be covered here.
Wagamama is on the top floor of the plaza, with an option to sit on their outdoor terrace if the weather deems appropriate, with a view over the entire vicinity. Or, if you fancy a quick takeaway to sit within the outdoor space in the heart of Angel Central, you can grab a Korean hot dog from a recent addition to the area, Myungrang. Alternatively, take a visit to the local Itsu or Pret – both popular with the lunch crowd.
Shopping
Angel Central is home to the essentials when it comes to shopping, covering fashion, health and beauty, electronics, home décor and stationery, including some leading retail brands in its portfolio of shops.
The long-awaited and newly-refurbished H&M and H&M home has now reopened; based on the top and bottom floor, your lunch time/after event shopping is sorted. Other retailers include Monsoon, GAP, Uniqlo, Accessorize, Argos, Paperchase, and Flying Tiger Copenhagen to name a few.
Every stationery and homeware lover is aware of the vibrant and aesthetic Japanese brand Muji, which has also just had a significant refurbishment in recent months. The store, located a couple of shops down from H&M, has undergone a sustainable revamp to match Angel Central’s initiatives, showcasing their approach to having a more environmentally-friendly ethos, and it looks great!
Activities & Entertainment
Angel Central does not fall short of things to do aside from your standard eat and shop. Catch your favourite artists and tribute acts at the O2 Academy – you can head here to see the full line up of incoming entertainment and performances.
If you fancy a quick game or a post-event wind down with a bit of fun, head down to Birdies for a round or two of crazy golf over a drink, ending the night with one of their burgers from their selection. You can head here to see all existing offers, whether you’re a student, couple, family, or passionate mini golfer. Their happy hour also cannot go amiss!
Frame is Angel Central’s unique fitness location where you can work out, feel great, and have fun at the same time. Benefiting your fitness levels and mental health, Frame aims to provide your daily dose of endorphins and have that release, whether it be through high-intensity classes, yoga, or dance sessions. You can see Frame’s timetable here and book a class today.
Finally, a shopping destination would be incomplete without a cinema, right? Vue Islington is based on the top floor of Angel Central, showing all the new films at all times of the day through all 10 screens. And to top it off, all films are £6.99 at all times of the day, when booking online.
You can check out the full directory of things to do in Angel Central here, and stay tuned for the next installment of our ‘Angel, Islington’s Big Four’ series to get a deeper insight in the places not to miss near the BDC!
For more information on what’s happening at the venue in the coming months, head to our What’s On page to find out more.
