My ten reasons to visit Amwell Street, London EC1, highlight some of the best independent shops, cafés and local businesses tucked away in Islington, between Angel, Clerkenwell and Exmouth Market. While nearby Exmouth Market is better known, Amwell Street has a quieter, neighbourhood feel, with the Quentin Blake Centre, witty art at Mr Bingo’s, vintage boutiques, colourful textiles, speciality coffee and a traditional pub that’s been serving locals for more than 200 years. It’s the sort of street you’ll return to again and again once you’ve discovered it.
My list of ten reasons to visit Amwell Street includes, in a logical order:
1. Explore illustration at the Quentin Blake Centre
2. Buy witty artwork at Mr Bingo’s Shop
3. Discover colourful textiles at Wallace Sewell
4. Find beautiful fashion At The Dairy
5. Rummage through vintage fashion at The Stuffed Pigeon
6. Browse vintage treasures at Pennies Vintage
7. Refresh your look at The Hairdressers
8. Sip Ethiopian coffee at Ground Control
9. Enjoy a deli lunch at Myddeltons Deli
10. Socialise at The George and Monkey
My Favourite Ten Things To Do On Amwell Street
1. Explore illustration at the Quentin Blake Centre. The UK’s only permanent centre dedicated to illustration is housed in a beautifully restored Victorian waterworks. Visitors can explore changing exhibitions, public gardens, an illustration library, a café and a shop, making it a great place to spend an hour or two. The centre is open Tuesday to Sunday. Find it just off Amwell Street at 1 Myddelton Passage, London EC1R 1AG.
2. Buy witty artwork at Mr Bingo’s Shop. Known for colourful prints, cheeky humour and brilliantly observant one-liners, Mr Bingo creates artwork that often says exactly what others are thinking. His Amwell Street workshop opens to the public on Fridays, offering visitors the chance to browse his work and meet the artist. Find it at 46 Amwell Street.
3. Discover colourful textiles at Wallace Sewell. Founded by Harriet Wallace-Jones and Emma Sewell, the brand is known for bold geometric patterns and vibrant colour combinations. The shop showcases beautifully woven British-made scarves, throws, cushions and home accessories inspired by art, architecture and traditional weaving techniques. The shop is open Monday to Friday. Find it at 24 Lloyd Baker Street, on the corner of Amwell Street.
4. Find beautiful fashion At The Dairy. Set in a former dairy, complete with its original shopfront signage, this charming boutique sells carefully selected clothing, fragrance, and lifestyle pieces. It’s the sort of place where you’ll often discover something you didn’t know you needed. The shop is open from Wednesday to Sunday. Find it at 42 Amwell Street.
5. Rummage through vintage fashion at The Stuffed Pigeon. This friendly boutique specialises in curated vintage and designer womenswear alongside jewellery, shoes, hats, bags and scarves. The ever-changing stock means there’s always something new to discover on the rails, and the welcoming team make browsing a pleasure. The shop is closed on Mondays. Find it at 57 Amwell Street.
6. Browse vintage treasures at Pennies Vintage. This small but fascinating shop specialises in vintage clothing dating from the 1920s onwards. Expect flapper dresses, wedding gowns, veils and accessories, alongside plenty of fashion history packed into a compact space. Open daily. Find it at 41A Amwell Street.
7. Refresh your look at The Hairdressers. A local favourite with excellent reviews, this independent salon is known for its friendly team and expertise in cutting, colouring and styling. If you live nearby, it’s the sort of place that quickly becomes your regular salon. Open daily. Find it at 70 Amwell Street.
8. Sip Ethiopian coffee at Ground Control. This independent coffee shop by The Ethiopian Coffee Co, roasted in small batches for maximum freshness. Pair your coffee with a pastry and grab an outdoor table for a spot of people-watching as life on Amwell Street passes by. Open daily. Find it at 61 Amwell Street.
9. Enjoy a deli lunch at Myddeltons Deli. Popular with locals at lunchtime, this neighbourhood deli is best known for its excellent sandwiches and catering from Johnny Schnitzel. There are a few pavement tables outside, although most people order takeaway. Find it on the corner of Amwell Street at 25A Lloyd Baker Street, London WC1X 9AT.
10. Socialise at The George and Monkey. Established in 1824, this independent pub has been serving the local community for more than two centuries. Expect rotating craft beers, a carefully curated wine list and stone-baked pizzas, alongside a welcoming atmosphere that keeps regulars coming back. Open daily. Find it at 68 Amwell Street.
Helpful Information About Amwell Street
Amwell Street sits in the London Borough of Islington, close to Angel, Clerkenwell and Exmouth Market. While many people associate the area with Clerkenwell because of its EC1 postcode and proximity to Exmouth Market, the street is officially part of Islington. It combines the village-like feel of a neighbourhood high street with easy access to some of central London’s most popular destinations. One of the best times to visit is on a Friday, when every business on this list is open.
The nearest station is Angel Underground, around ten minutes away on foot. King’s Cross, St Pancras, and Farringdon stations are also within comfortable walking distance, making Amwell Street easy to reach from across London.
If you want to explore the area, you may find these articles of interest:
Ten Things To Do In Exmouth Market London
Ten Reasons To Visit Camden Passage Islington
Mr Bingo’s Art Shop Amwell Street London
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London. To avoid disappointment, please check that the places I referenced in this article are still in business before you visit.