Honestly, when I first walked into this Islington flat, I wasn’t expecting much – I mean, London rental descriptions can be pretty generous with terms like “trendy.” But you know what? This place actually delivers on that promise, and the private terrace is what really sold me. It’s not huge, but in Central East London, any outdoor space that’s actually yours feels like winning the lottery.
The flat sits right in the heart of Islington, which – if you’ve never been – is sort of like Brooklyn’s cooler British cousin. You’re literally a five-minute walk from Upper Street with all its gastropubs and indie theaters, but tucked away enough that you won’t hear drunk revelers at 2 AM (well, mostly). The area’s got this perfect mix of young professionals and longtime locals, so there’s actual character instead of just tourist traps. I spent way too much time at the cafés on Essex Road, and there’s this little farmers market on Saturdays that locals actually use – not just for show.
What I really appreciated about the space itself was how it felt like someone’s actual home rather than a sterile rental. The kitchen’s properly equipped (I mean, there’s decent knives and everything), and the living area has enough room to spread out without feeling cavernous. The terrace – God, that terrace – faces south, so you get sun most of the day, and I found myself working out there with my coffee every morning. It’s furnished with this simple outdoor set that’s comfortable enough for long dinners if you’re into that sort of thing. The 4-star rating feels right; it’s polished and well-maintained without being fussy. Check-in was straightforward through their key system – no awkward meetups or waiting around.
Location-wise, you’re spoiled for transport options. Angel tube is about an 8-minute walk (the Northern line, so you can get to central London quickly), and there are buses constantly running down Upper Street. I walked to King’s Cross in about 20 minutes when the weather was decent. Parking’s typical London nightmare stuff, so definitely don’t plan on driving unless you absolutely have to. The neighborhood quiets down nicely in the evenings – you’ll hear the occasional siren since it’s still central London, but nothing that kept me awake. That 8.6 rating makes sense to me; it’s the kind of place where small touches show someone’s paying attention, but it’s not trying too hard to impress you with unnecessary luxury.