ANGEL

Some would have you believe this is the centre of world, if not the universe. Even along the shitter streets rents are high, but the gloss of Angel living has come off somewhat. Its all gone a bit boutiquey and middle class.

Apart from the main (small) shopping plaza, which offers an HMV, Borders and Vue cinema, there's not much in the way of high street standards, which is something. What Angel offers instead is wanky shops that sell a lot of tat. The only clothes shop of any note is the All Saints off Upper Street, aside from that, it's slim pickens.

You've got to pass the fire station before things start to get that seedy goodness again, the dirty floor of the Hope & Anchor, a KFC and then by the time you hit Highbury & Islington the hot gig place of the moment - The Buffalo Bar. Also up that end are the grimey indie club delights of The Garage, which has been closed for ages, but is due to open any day now.

Still, there's plenty to get excited about shop wise, that is if you want to buy a giant cushion or phallic lamp

Filthy McNastys
5 mins from the tube, a snug delight, with a rich musical history and tasty pie and mash for £6.

The Old Red Lion
5 mins from the tube, great selection of ale, old man atmosphere, big football matches on huge pull down screen and a theatre upstairs.

The York
2 mins, right out of the tube. Worth a quick pint, but a bit shite to hang about.

The Camden Head
Carry on past the York and wander the back streets and you'll end up here after 5 minutes or so. The place is packed at peak times, but there's generally a good vibe.

The Narrow Boat

As the name suggests this is a waterside bar and being only a leisurely 5 minute walk from Angel it is quite a surprise that it is so serene and idyllic. The bar is on two levels, approachable from the street or from the lock side walk below. Both levels of the bar have large windows which open up onto a view of the lock and passing barges. The menu is contemporary and the beer is inexpensive with a good range of guest ales. It doesn’t have a beer garden but you can take your pint down the lock side, sit and dangle them toes of yours near the water and watch the ducks go by, occasionally pursued by the odd pirate ship.

To get there aim for the canal and it’s on your right as you walk away from Angel tube.

Avoid: The O'Neils and the Walkabout. Need I say why?

EAT

The restaurants are broad but unadventurous, though there is a good, solid selection that can be relied upon:

Miso
Upper Street - pisses on Wagamama, good dim sum and a King Prawn Satay to die for. (£10-£15 a head)

Culture Revolution
5 mins out of the tube and turn right down past the York Pub - what it lacks in atmosphere it makes up for with clean, refreshing noodle-based fun. (£10-£15 a head)

The Fish Shop
St John's Street - warm and friendly, this is slightly more pricey, but the food is worth it. If you go for the set menu expect to pay £20 a head (without wine)Something quick:

Hamburger Union
overpriced and not all that, but I'd still take these guys over a Burger King. (£6-£10 a head)

Avoid: Pizza Express - because they are all shit