London area of EC1 guide
What to do and where to stay in London's EC1 neighbourhood
Located just on the outskirts of the City, EC1 is a rather trendy part of town. Covering Clerkenwell and Farringdon, it's home to some very cutting-edge restaurants around Smithfield Market, including the Michelin starred St John with its particular brand of "nose to tail" dining. North of the market, London's original gastropub The Eagle opened its doors in 1991 and now it's surrounded by a host of similar establishments - The Well, The Peasant and The Coach & Horses - giving this district a cheerful, chilled-out vibe; a wonderful place for papers and pints on a weekend. Exmouth Market, a street of lovely independent shops during the day, continues the funky atmosphere with its bustling, continental-style bars and restaurants, twinkling with fairy lights overhead. Head here for a pre-theatre meal or post-show drinks if you're planning a visit to nearby Sadler's Wells, London's favourite contemporary dance venue. If you're looking for something oh-so sparkly for a loved one, Hatton Garden in the southwest corner of the district is the place to shop for diamonds and bejewelled rings, largely populated by nervous-looking guys and their expectant-looking gals.
See our recommended nearby EC1 Hotels, Entertainment, Sights and Attractions, Shopping, Restaurants, Pubs, Nightlife, Leisure, Education, and Meeting Venues.
EC1 Hotels
London > Hotels > Luxury Chain Hotel
335-337 Old Street, EC1V
Prison cells are VIP booths in the bar at the Courthouse Hotel Shoreditch, a 128 room hotel in the Old Magistrates Court and Police Station, opposite ... More
London > Hotels > Mid-Range Chain Hotel
1 Kings Cross Road, WC1X
Halfway between the City and the west End, the Bloomsbury area is an oasis of calm in the very heart of the capital. It's a lovely ... More
London > Hotels > Luxury Chain Hotel
252 High Holborn, WC1V
Located in High Holborn, Rosewood London is the most luxurious hotel in the area and is nearby to the capital's main business district and a number ... More
EC1 Entertainment
London > Entertainment > Theatres
Silk Street, EC1, London EC2Y
The Barbican Centre's two theatre spaces - the Barbican Theatre and The Pit - offer everything from gritty reality to far-flung fantasy, from dance to ... More
London > Entertainment > Arts Centres
Silk Street, EC1, London EC2Y
Described by the Queen as 'one of the wonders of the modern world' , the Barbican Centre has also been voted 'London's ugliest building'. Ugly or ... More
London > Entertainment > Theatres
Silk Street, EC1, London EC2Y
In the two theatre spaces - the Barbican Theatre and the Pit - you can enjoy everything from gritty reality to far-flung fantasy, from dance ... More
EC1 Sights and Attractions
London > Attractions > Art Galleries
1 Honduras Street, EC1, London EC1Y
Host was established in 2005 by Jon Levy, director of foto8, and Adrian Evans, director of Panos Pictures. Photojournalism - from classical black and white reportage ... More
London > Attractions > Art Galleries
63 Gee Street, EC1, London EC1V
The London gallery for renowned photo agency, Magnum. Representing the best in photography, The Magnum Photos selection process for new members is legendary for its toughness. ... More
London > Attractions > Art Galleries
Ground Level, Barbican Centre, Silk Street, EC1, London EC2Y
Part of the Barbican Centre for arts and conferences the Curve Gallery, situated on the ground floor, has changing exhibitions of photography, art and design. ... More
EC1 Shopping
London > Shopping > Music Shops
Cromwell Tower, Silk Street, EC1, London EC2Y
Tucked away near the Barbican multi-arts centre and the world-renowned Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Chimes Music is in illustrious company. Since opening in 1983 ... More
London > Shopping > Food and Drink Shops
91 Cowcross Street, EC1, London EC1M
Its location opposite Smithfield Market is a very appropriate spot for the Farm Collective to set up shop. Working with select farmers and small producers, this outlet ... More
EC1 Restaurants
London > Restaurants > Cafes and Delis
61-67 Old Street, EC1, London EC1V
Attempting to re-invent the coffee shop experience, Timberyard is a modern café that combines speciality tea, coffee and artisan food with the latest technology. Spread across ... More
London > Restaurants > Cafes and Delis
49 Old Street, EC1, London EC1V
This cycle repair shop crossed with a cafe is the perfect hang-out for two wheel enthusiasts. Combining coffee and cycling Look Mum No Hands! on Old ... More
London > Restaurants > Cafes and Delis
9 Old Street, EC1, London EC1V
All the food sold from this small but excellent cafe, launched in 2004, is made on-site using natural and organic ingredients. You can tell it's good ... More
EC1 Pubs
London > Restaurants > Gastropub
2 Clerkenwell Road, Clerkenwell, EC1, London EC1M
... More
EC1 Nightlife
EC1 Leisure
London > Leisure > The Basement, 49-51 Central Street, EC1, London EC1V
London Dance Academy is a dance studio in the middle of the City, five minutes' walk from Old Street and Barbican, which offers dance classes and ... More
London > Leisure > Sports Facilities
Norman Street, EC1, London EC1V
Excellent fencing courses for beginners with highly trained coaches, good facilities and years of experience teaching this ancient, noble sport. Fencing is very good fun and ... More
London > Leisure > Parks and Gardens
King Edward Street, EC1, London EC4M
Bounded in by surrounding office buildings, Postman's Park's appeal lies in what it symbolises as much as how it looks. Located just north of St Paul's ... More
EC1 Education
London > Education > Professional Training
161 Old Street, EC1, London EC1V
This gorgeous 18th century Grade I listed Hawksmoor church is one of a number of London churches which has, in recent years, been converted into a ... More
London > Education > Professional Training
106 Bunhill Row, EC1, London EC1Y
City’s Print Journalism course is recognised as the best in London. Although places like Goldsmith’s are trendier, City is respected in the industry thanks to a ... More
London > Education > Evening Classes
Garden Floor, 6 Coldbath Square, EC1, London EC1R
One day workshops, offering a friendly no-nonsense approach to teaching about wine, suitable for everyone from beginners to experts. Courses take place at the following venues: Atlas PH, ... More
EC1 Meeting Venues
London > Business > Venue Hire
161 Old Street, EC1, London EC1V
... More
London > Business > Venue Hire
Chiswell Street, EC1, London EC1Y
While the City of London is not short of modern, flexible event-spaces, not many can claim to be located in a Grade II listed building, or ... More
London > Business > Venue Hire
Silk Street, EC1, London EC2Y
The Barbican Centre is the jewel in London's artistic crown, with its theatres, concert halls, art galleries and cinema providing a year-round programme of ... More
London Hotels
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