The Olympic Site and Culture Scene

Angel Islington, aside from being a stop on the British Monopoly board, is a historical district in the center of London. It has been on the map since the 19th century, well known for its shops, theaters, pubs and music halls, the legacy of which survives today in a buzzing cultural and shopping scene.

Angel is the savvy spot to start taking a canal-side walk east. The Islington Tunnel carries the Regent's Canal Arm of the Grand Union Canal for 878 meters underneath the Angel area of Islington in London.

Here, at No. 25 of this beautiful 18th century terrace, sixties playwright Joe Orton was murdered with a hammer by his former mentor and lover, Kenneth Halliwell. At No. 87 is the wonderful Victorian pub the Island Queen, which makes a great stop for drinks or food. Enjoy a décor of intriguing original features reminiscent of a classic London gin palace.
---
The Island Queen
87 Noel Rd.
---
Hours
Monday-Tuesday, Sunday Noon-11pm
Wednesday-Thursday Noon-11:30pm
Friday-Saturday Noon-Midnight

This area is in a period of interesting change fueled by booming property prices. A canal basin waterfront of luxury flats and architecturally interesting office buildings offers a pleasing view.

A buzz is created by the activity around managed mooring facilities for narrow boats using the Regent's Canal. This zone of the canal is a particularly desirable enclave for a community of urban professionals who live in barges here.

As you walk along this stretch of the canal you notice the swathes of one-time industrial buildings that have been converted into "yuppie" flats. An early conversion of this kind was the now "des res" of Gainsborough Studios where Alfred Hitchcock made his early films, including the British classic "The Lady Vanishes." If you take a stroll into the publically accessible courtyard you'll be able to catch a glimpse of the corten steel sculpture of the great man's head.
---
1 Poole St.

The De Beauvoir Town Council Estate is a famous example of postwar planning in a London suffering from bomb damage and economic hardship. There are also some fine examples of Georgian and Victorian buildings in this historically significant neighbourhood.

Southgate Road is a good place to take a look at these. Climb up the steps that connect with it for a look around the charming vintage furniture shop and café 2&4 or stop for a drink at the Rosemary Branch pub, which has a vibrant community theater upstairs. It also has an installation of two big fighter planes on the roof.
--
2&4
2-4 Southgate Rd.
Hours
Tueday-Friday 9am-6:30pm
Saturday 10am-6pm
Closed on Sunday
---
The Rosemary Branch
2 Shepperton Rd.
Hours
Daily 11am-Midnight

This was just a regular East London street with an occasional food market until the tide of gentrification took it and dressed it with achingly cool bars and shops. It has become is a favorite haunt of young urban hipsters. On Saturdays the street buzzes with the market and creative types out for a jaunt. The Dove pub is a lovely spot to stop for a drink.
---
The Dove
24-28 Broadway Market
Hours
Daily Noon-11pm
Food served until 10pm

Victoria Park is a large expanse of fresh green lawns and trees, which form the lungs of East London. Designed in 1841 by James Pennethorn, it's a famous example of the 19th century Victorian parks movement that established the pattern of public green space as we know it today. A great place to relax, have a picnic or do some cloud gazing.
---
Hours
Daily 6am-Dusk

The Greenway is a level, almost continuous and straight traffic-free route that carves through East London at a high level, offering some interesting views, not least of which is the Olympic Park area.

The Greenway is a bonded-gravel track that has been constructed on top of a sewer embankment. The surroundings are, however, thoroughly pleasant and the elevated walkway is lined with numerous trees and shrubs, providing a great place to amble and take in the view.

Built using recycled shipping containers, the View Tube's yellow glow beckons from the end of the Greenway. This community project combines a café, education, arts and information spaces with a panoramic view over the Olympic Park and the rapidly transforming Stratford area of London. Stop to admire the future or rent a bike from BikeWorks and enjoy the unique views of the Olympic Park.
---
Marshgate Lane at the Greenway
---
Hours
Daily 9am-5pm
---
Admission Free