The Islington Company is situated almost directly across the road from Steve Hatt fishmongers store on Essex Road. It is a privilege in its own right to share a high street with a local business that first opened its door in 1895 and has been an integral part of the community ever since.

Every day when we come to work the long standing experienced Steve Hatt team is already there waving a ‘good day’ to us. Each Saturday a stretched line of regular customers persists almost around the block for the entire morning.

It is very inspiring that Steve Hatt has kept up the sterling reputation of the iconic store and remains popular in an age where supermarkets have spelled the decline for many businesses of its kind.

The selection of first class fresh fish is mind blowing and so great that one is likely to be spoilt for choice. One should be proud to recognise half of the fish on display. Expect prime examples of wild Scottish halibut, bluefin tuna, gilt head bream, prawns, scallops, fresh samphire as well as lobster, mussels and crab.

This is a perfect reason to make a detour from Upper Street and shop local!

Article by Vaida Filmanaviciute at The Islington Company

Images by photographer Aida Nedzelskyte

Essex Road in Islington is home to Polish Pottery Shop. Its warm natural wood facade sits well among the bars and pubs that surround it. Polish Pottery provides a great choice of premium handmade pottery from across Poland, both decorative and functional.

From dinner sets to teapots each piece is playful and elegant at the same time, beautiful dishes that suggest themselves for everyday use in a discerning home. All products are hand decorated with the traditional stamp method, can be used in microwaves, dishwashers and ovens.

The shop has its roots in Boleslawiec (Poland) - one of the biggest ceramics centres in Europe with the long-established tradition of the local artistic craft. Established in 2010 by siblings Agnieszka and Adrian Pawlus, who grew up in Boleslawiec and where Adrian was employed in the Artistic Ceramics for six years.

If you are looking for an exceptional artistic value, high quality and functionality then be sure to visit this unique boutique. At The Islington Company’s office we adopted a very cute tea bag plate in the shape of a blue teapot with love hearts that everyone fights over.

To visit Polish Pottery Shop website click here

Article by Vaida Filmanaviciute at The Islington Company

Images by photographer Aida Nedzelskyte

We all know the old Adage “A dog is man’s best friend” well now, thanks to Endsleigh Insurance and the Dogs Trust; the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, letting your home to tenants and their furry friends just got a whole lot easier!

According to an article posted on Landlord Today  a new specialist insurance policy is being launched this month that will give piece of mind to landlords and hope to pet owners struggling to find private rented accommodation that will accept their four legged accomplices.

The insurance policy will be available to individual landlords and will cover accidental pet damage as standard, as well as 120 days occupancy, £2m property owners’ liability, theft by tenants, malicious damage by tenants, and landlord’s contents.

A recent survey revealed 88% of landlords would rent to pet owners if there was an insurance product available covering pet damage.

The ‘Specialist Landlords Insurance – In Partnership with Lets with Pets’ was created as a response this demand, and caters to landlords who need specialist buildings and contents insurance to cover rental properties where tenants have pets.

Dogs Trust Lets with Pets manager, Clare Kivlehan, said: “Over three-quarters of pet owners experience difficulties finding privately rented accommodation that allow pets, so we are delighted to be teaming up with Endsleigh to offer landlords this specialist cover.”

To find out more about lets-with-pets insurance visit Endsleigh website here

Our advice at TIC is to ask for a specific pet reference before taking a measured risk. If you are letting a property to professional tenants you are also entitled to enquire if they will be hiring a dog walker. A positive to consideration is also that tenants with pets on average stay longer, which also helps to account for any additional wear and tear.

Highbury is the leafy northern end of Islington neighboured by Canonbury in the south, Arsenal in the north and Stoke Newington in the east. The grand tree lined avenues provide a quiet residential feel to the area despite it's central location. Upper Street links Angel in the south to Highbury Fields in the north, making the area very accessible.

Highbury Barn is a lovely stretch leading past the Highbury Clock, which was presented in 1897 in celebration of the 60th anniversary of the reign of Queen Victoria. There are some good restaurants nearby; The Beach Hut serves the best fish and chips in Islington and Iznik is great for authentic Turkish cuisine. For those who are seeking a tasty Sunday lunch or generally enjoy good traditional pub food, The Highbury Tavern is the place to go. There is also a quality butchers, a good Italian deli and a fantastic cheese shop which also has a cafe allowing you to eat in. The flower shop, gift shop and independent vintners add to the charm of the area, giving it a real village feel.

Highbury Fields is a great place to take an afternoon stroll providing stretches of grass perfect for joggers and dog walkers. Clissold Park in the north is also a nice green space where you can relax away from the busy city life. 

Arsenal is just above Highbury Fields, bordering Holloway Road in the west and Finsbury in the north. While still being a part of Highbury, Arsenal is distinguished by the famous Arsenal Stadium showing regular football matches. Arsenal tube station is quite curious, exiting on a quiet typical residential street springing up beside terraced houses and front gardens.

Highbury & Islington station provide excellent transport links with the Victoria line, the Overground line and the fast trains directly to Moorgate in the City.

Newington Green is tucked away at the top of Essex Road between Dalston in the east, Highbury in the west, Stoke Newington and Green Lanes in the north and De Beauvoir town and Canonbury in the south. Like all the areas in Islington, Newington Green has it's own distinct character and feel.

It's a great place to have a coffee or buy groceries, with numerous small shops and bakeries as well as several lovely cafes. 'Tina, we salute you' is a great cafe/art gallery serving delicious coffee and breakfast.

The Alma Pub is a nice place for good food or a drink and there's a sweet walled garden with hanging plants at the back. At the top of the Green there's also great bike shop called PUSH Cycles, who are really helpful and friendly.

The area's rich history is reflected in the abundance of Grade II listed buildings, with its surprising wealth of historic architecture and Newington Green has become a conservation area. 

It has good transport links with numerous bus routes going in all directions, Dalston Junction and Canonbury Overground stations are also only a short walk away.