Old Street | EC1V

Previously viewed as a major thoroughfare in and out of the city and dominated by traffic, Old Street is now slowly starting to develop its own unique character, separate from the areas that surround it. Of course being home to the third largest cluster of technology companies in the world, after San Francisco and New York, has partly defined the area and has given rise to the main roundabout being known locally as the Silicon Roundabout. However, the wider area now has its own impressive culinary, art and wellness scene, with new additions popping up almost on a monthly basis.

What’s more, Old Street roundabout itself, once considered a blot on the landscape, is currently undergoing a major makeover, making it safer for cyclists and pedestrians to pass through. The redevelopment will also include more community spaces, retail stores and dining hot spots, which will further add to the area’s appeal.

Heavy investment in residential developments and flexible office space has also helped transform Old Street in the last ten years. Professionals can now choose from a wide variety of properties from luxury developments with gyms, swimming pools and cinema rooms to original warehouse apartments.

Residents here enjoy an easy commute into the city and beyond with Old Street being a National Rail and London Underground station. It’s on the Bank branch of the Northern line between Moorgate and Angel stations and on the Northern City Line between Moorgate and Essex Road stations.

Primary schools in the area are all ranked good by Ofsted and include Moreland, St Luke’s CofE and St Peter and St Paul RC, while the two nearest secondary schools, Central Foundation Boys’ School and City of London Academy Islington both get an outstanding Ofsted ranking.

Things To Do In Old Street

Like it’s nearby neighbours, there’s no shortage of cafes, restaurants and bars in Old Street. You can get your caffeine fix and a lot more besides at Shoreditch Grind on the roundabout, a very trendy spot for people watching, quick bites at lunchtime as well as espresso martinis after work. Just a few seconds away from the tube station on Leonard Street, meanwhile, is the ever-popular Ozone, a great café that’s set in an industrial-cool building and features cold press juices, traditional espresso drinks as well as delicious breakfasts and brunches on its extensive menu.

For more substantial fodder, we highly recommend Moor & Mead at Montcalm East where you’ll be dished up best of British classics with a modern twist – in short, refined comfort food. If you’d prefer your dining more casual, however, then Serata Hall is the place for you. This leafy all-day bakery and gin distillery also does a fine line in coal-fired pizzas, which you can wash done with a cheeky cocktail, should you wish. Talking of which, no visit to the area would be complete without a trip to Simmons Bar, where cocktails, dreams and disco collide to giddy effect. However, if you prefer to imbibe in subterranean, speakeasy style, complete with live jazz and blues, then head over to Nightjar on the City Road, it will not disappoint.

Whitecross Street Market is well worth a visit, especially if you’re a fan of street food. Here you’ll find stalls offering such a wide variety - Turkish, Italian, Mexican, Spanish, French, we could go on – that you’ll feel like you’re on a round-the-world trip! Keep your eyes wide open when in this neck of the woods, as it’s also home to some fabulous street art including work by Jef Aérosol and Banksy. You’ll also find some lovely pockets of green space round here, too, including Hoxton Square, Finsbury Square, King Square Gardens and Shoreditch Park.

Should you be looking for a cultural fix, then head over to St Luke on Old Street, an 18th-century Grade I listed Hawksmoor church that also happens to be home of the London Symphony Orchestra. As well as being the LSO’s rehearsal and performance venue, it also hosts regular performances here, with past notable names including Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen and Sir Elton John.