Details
Home of the Gunners and increasingly more events like concerts, the Emirates is the centerpieces of this guide. While Islington does extend further south than the area on this guide, we'll consider this as the center point.
Getting to the Emirates
There are two main stations on the Tube (Piccadilly line) around the Emirates, Holloway Road is on the south side and is closer to the main view of the Emirates. The Arsenal stop is on the north side and allows you to get the more traditional local neighborhood, including the old facade of Highbury (the old stadium). To get a good view, I'd say take one station on the way out and the other station in the other direction.
Details
Arsenal
@markfedoronko
Fun fact: the Arsenal Tube stop is the only Underground station named after a sporting team or venue.
Details
Food Options
I've stuck to the "traditional gameday food". However, the Islington area has a wonderful array of other restaurants. Lots of wonderful Asian restaurants and even some trendy brunch spots can be found around if you explore the area!
Chippy on the Corner
@markfedoronko
There are a number of different chippys around for fish and chips. The best one in the area is Chippy on the Corner. While a little further away, this spot is a great spot to get a big serving of fried fish with some chips.
Details
The Tastebox
@markfedoronko
Looking for some gameday jerk? This local Jamaican spot is the sort of food that will knock your socks off. If you're feeling adventurous, go for the oxtail
Details
I can't put a list of traditional football gameday foods and not mention pies. However, there are no pie shops in Islington anymore. The classic pie shop, Piebury Corner, is now closed. However, the stadium does have some ok options for that sort of fare. If British savory pastry is on your bucket list, I've gone for the cheeky choice of putting a Greggs in the areas - a sausage roll should hit the spots.
Details
Pubs
No gameday is incomplete without a stop at the pub. Islington is filled with numerous pubs. All are great places to stop for a pint or hang out with other Arsenal fans, as the area is super active on game days.
The Gunner
@markfedoronko
Probably the most famous of the Arsenal pubs, I remember going and a man telling a tourist the only requirement to enter was being an Arsenal fan! Lots of games on the tvs and filled with Arsenal memorabilia.
If you are curious to go to several pubs, this is one of several along Blackstock Rd. All of these are super active during gameday
Details
The Tollington Arms
@markfedoronko
Another one of the classic Arsenal pubs, this pub is a great place to mingle with other Arsenal fans. They also serve Thai food
Details
The Twelve Pins
@markfedoronko
Irish style pub, another top option for fans of the Gunners!
Details
The Horatia
@markfedoronko
One of a number of spots on Holloway road, if you aren't too sure about options, the Horatio is a great place central to other pubs as well. This pub also happens to be a slightly "nicer" spot relative to the other more authentic options
Details
Other Attractions
If you aren't a regular at the Emirates, there are lots of places to check out in the area! Islington has a good number of sites to visit on your Arsenal pilgrimage.
Highbury Square
@markfedoronko
Home of Arsenal for decades, old Highbury stadium is now a flat complex. However, the historic facade is still in perfect shape. The lobby is a bit of a shrine to the old home of Arsenal. You can even see the old pitch still around in the middle of the complex. You won't be the only person snooping around on gameday
Details
The Armoury
@markfedoronko
The main Arsenal fan shop, the Armoury is a perfect spot to get Arsenal gear! This is also where tours of the Emirates begin.
Details
Arsenal Stadium Tour
@markfedoronko
The tour takes you through all different parts of the stadium, including the press room and the boxes where the gold Premier League trophy from the Invincibles season is held. They offer a special version on gameday - if you're lucky you'll see the players driving in on the way to the Emirates (which I was able to do!). It departs from the Armoury
Details
Arsenal Museum
@markfedoronko
If you take the stadium tour, you get admission to the Arsenal Museum as well. A treasure trove of memorabilia from all of Arsenal's history, any Arsenal fan is sure to have a great time exploring the space
Details
Less of an "attraction" but a historic part of gameday is the candy vendors around the old Highbury. These stands have been around for decades. If you want a real old fashioned treat make sure to make a stop!
Reach out to Mark!
Mark provides all sorts of info to help your travel needs! This includes specific travel itineraries and planning services. Please reach out if you have any questions or would like customized travel services.
Like this guide? Don't be afraid to say thank you and send a tip!
* * *
