by Dorothee Schröder
Location and transport
Angel is a district in north London, part of the Borough of Islington. The A1 (London–Edinburgh road) and the Inner Ring Road both pass through the area, making it an important transport hub.
The origin of the name
The district takes its name from The Angel Inn, a historic coaching inn dating back to the 17th century. The inn was connected to Clerkenwell Priory and featured a sign depicting the Archangel Gabriel.
Regent’s Canal
In Angel, Regent’s Canal re-emerges into daylight after running underground for about half a kilometre. From here, it can be followed on foot all the way to its eastern end in Limehouse.
Upper Street
Upper Street, running alongside Caledonian Road, is Angel’s main thoroughfare. Today it is lined with shops, cafés and restaurants, but Charles Dickens once referred to it as the “Devil’s Mile”.
Little Angel Theatre
The Little Angel Theatre is a much-loved puppet theatre, especially popular with children. Its performances are often inspired by well-known children’s books.
The Postal Museum
The nearby Postal Museum offers not only exhibitions but also a 20-minute ride on the Mail Rail — a miniature underground railway that once transported post beneath the streets of Angel.
Sadler’s Wells Theatre
Sadler’s Wells is world-famous for dance. While renowned for ballet, it also hosts leading contemporary and international dance companies.
Camden Passage
Camden Passage is a lively pedestrian area filled with independent boutiques, art galleries and cafés. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, a street market offers vintage and retro clothing, antiques, jewellery, second-hand books and countless curiosities.
Screen on the Green
Screen on the Green is a distinctive luxury cinema on Upper Street. With just one screen, it offers sofas, footstools and even a licensed bar, showing everything from blockbusters to independent films and classic cinema.
Business and food scene
Angel is an important commercial and gastronomic centre and has been designated a Business Improvement District (BID), reflecting its economic and cultural significance.
Cover picture: Sadler’s Wells Theatre (Philipp Röttgers)
