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The inner London district of Islington grew up along the line of the Great North Road and originated as the site of a medieval manor. The Royal Agricultural Hall was built in 1862 on Liverpool Road for the annual Smithfield Show, the main hall of which has been incorporated into the Business Design Centre, now a key exhibition centre.

Islington’s links with food stem from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries when it was renowned for growing vegetables for the city. Thanks to its location on a hill, the bottom of which has many springs, the district had a good availability of water, later leading to the construction of its canal. It now boasts Islington Farmers’ Market, London’s first ever first and most established farmers’ market, which takes place on Chapel Market every Sunday and brings together around 30 stalls offering everything from seasonal flowers and free range poultry to fresh veg.

The area is an upmarket, thriving London hub, popular with professional city workers, students and creatives alike. In addition to four local theatres, shops and boutiques, Islington is known for some well respected restaurants and some lovely old pubs.