Theo James and Ed Templeton on Highbury and Islington
Our friends Theo James, star of The White Lotus and The Gentleman, and restaurateur Ed Templeton, co-founder of London’s most exciting pop-up space, Carousel, are both long-time Highbury locals. They recently opened Roman-inspired osteria Lupa together on Highbury Park. They share their favourite foodie neighbourhood hang-outs.
Theo: “I rented my first flat in Highbury when I moved to London after drama school. That was 15 years ago. My family and I have moved around a few times since then but it’s home for us – there’s nothing like a stroll through Highbury Fields on a warm summer’s evening. The food scene is fantastic – I love Trullo, Jolene and Cadet. On the weekend I’ll pick up a coffee from Profile, or go for a Japanese breakfast at Kissa Wa. Tiny neighbourhood wine bar and restaurant Giacco’s is always great for an early evening cocktail or I’ll pick up a bottle at Highbury Vintners and ingredients from Harvest N5 if I’m cooking at home. The beauty of Highbury is that you’re so close to town you can be in the West End in 15 minutes, but there are great independent theatres such as the Almeida in the area too.”
Ed: “I’ve lived in Highbury for the past decade. I like how many independent businesses there are. It also helps that I grew up supporting Arsenal. I love walking up Gillespie Road on match day with a bag of vinegary chips from the Golden Fish Bar and crossing over the bridge to the Emirates Stadium. Lupa definitely isn’t the first Italian in the area but I think we’re doing something a little different. I also love Thai restaurant Farang, beautiful Saltine and the best Neapolitan pizzas at Doppio Zero. For a caffeine hit, it’s Fink’s all the way, and you can’t beat a Guinness and a packet of Taytos at The Woodbine pub."
Fiona Kerr
