Area Guide to Finsbury

Finsbury is a busy district in the London Borough of Islington, located in the central section of the city. The town has a nice mix of charm and peacefulness as well as the influence of Islington’s hyper active atmosphere. The town, once a popular industrial and commercial zone, is now a thriving residential area.

Finsbury is probably best known for the Finsbury Estate. This is a large housing area with many complex residential blocks and houses. The estate is dominated by four purpose built flats which consists of a community library, underground car parking and outdoor playing areas. The buildings are multi storied with the highest having a 25 storey high Tower block. The architecture of the buildings is of Brutalist Style from the High Modern Period. Finsbury also has several converted lofts and apartments.

Entertainment in Finsbury is concentrated around its trendy nightclubs, hip wine bars and restaurants. For a more traditional feel of the area, there are a few old public houses still opened for entertainment and leisure. There is also the Saddler’s Wells Theatre which provides great shows and cultural performances among other enjoyable events, the Finsbury Library and Town Hall. The theatre is really a compilation of six ancient theatres from the 17th century.

Finsbury has a wide mix of food, drink, sports and entertainment at the Bar Aquarium. Other great food and drink spots include Bar Meze with its splendid Greek Restaurant, Dollar Grills and Martinis, the Easton gastro pub and Exmouth Arms. There is also the legendary Filthy McNasty’s on Amwell Street

Finsbury is strategically located near major shopping areas like Angel and Moorgate which makes shopping a wonderful experience in the area. The Exmouth Market is another fabulous shopping area in Finsbury, with a wide range of local produce and items. Cheapside, the Convent Garden Market, Fleet Street and High Holborn are other great shopping locations in Finsbury. The famous Marks and Spencer branded store can also be found in Finsbury.

The area is home to a few open spaces, the most popular being the public garden squares. Finsbury Square is a major highlight while there is easy access to places like Highbury Fields, Paradise Park and other major open areas in Islington. The Finsbury Estate is equipped with an outdoor playing area and a wonderful games area.

The nearest tube stations to Finsbury are the Angel and Barbican tube stations. The Old Street Zone 1 tube stations also serve the area while trains can be accessed at the same vicinity. The nearby train stations of Clerkenwell, Pentonville and Islington can also be accessed. Buses and cabs as well as vehicle hires are readily available.

For any queries relating to the services being delivered to the Finsbury area, the Islington Council can be contacted as they are the local authority in charge of the area. Council taxes in Finsbury are approximately £848 in the lowest band while the highest band attracts a cost of £2,544.00. Prices may be higher than some other places in Islington due to its attractive properties. You may also be eligible for a reduction in council tax these reductions are applicable if you are disabled, only person lives on the property or if you qualify for the second adult rebate. Finsbury has a high concentration of wealthy professionals, most of who work in London city. Finsbury showcases a trendy and attractive side of the city of London.

Important Information
Islington Council