Clerkenwell in
London is a city district defined by two extremes. On one hand, the area boasts a rich history complete with glimpses of Medieval England, traditional pubs, and other peeks into the past. On the other hand, creative firms and warehouses converted to apartment blocks define its contemporary coolness and forward look into the future. Hence, Clerkenwell is another of those trendy London neighborhoods where you can enjoy the ideal cosmopolitan lifestyle. This is the sort of place where you can find and rent a luxury apartment, eat out at cool pubs nearby, and meet new and interesting people at every corner.
Where is Clerkenwell in London?
Clerkenwell is all the way by the southwestern edge of Islington, one of
London's central boroughs. Though it's a fair way's away from the city center, it's still slightly near many of London's most popular neighborhoods, including Camden Town, SoHo, and Shoreditch, among many others. Hence, it's also one of the most coveted places to live in London. It's a place where you can enjoy relative peace while also staying near many of the city's most beloved areas. Clerkenwell is also known as one of the most picturesque parts of the British capital with all the historic buildings located here.
Is Clerkenwell, London Safe?
Don't let
London's crime rates fool you! Though they tend to be high, the city isn't an entirely dangerous place. It's also worth mentioning that there are many neighborhoods that are safe, one of which is Clerkenwell. As one of the more historic hubs in the city, Clerkenwell enjoys low to mid crime rates and a largely peaceful atmosphere. It helps that it's not exactly a touristy place. While its historic buildings may draw visitors every now and then, Clerkenwell isn't exactly a place where tourists frequent. It's the fact that it's an underrated neighborhood that makes it one of the safest in town.
What is Clerkenwell, London Known for?
As already mentioned, Clerkenwell stands out as one of the most historic
neighborhoods of London. Not only does it still have glimpses of Medieval England that have mostly stayed the same over the years, but it also has many museums that teach more about history too. Among its most famous spots is St James's Church, which has been around since the 12th century. It's a prime example of how London has been around for a long time. At the same time, however, Clerkenwell is slowly but surely becoming known for its many hotspots. From gastropubs to sleek bars, the district lights up at night.
What's The Vibe in Clerkenwell in London?
“Cool” and “historic” might be too totally different words you'd rarely find associated with each other, but they both aptly describe the vibe at Clerkenwell. The district is historic in that it's filled with countless buildings, monuments, and landmarks that go as far back as the Middle Ages. Any history buff
moving to London will love it here! Simultaneously, Clerkenwell is emerging as one of the best places to hang out in London. It's gastropubs and upscale restaurants give it a slight foodie angle while the cool bars and clubs enliven its nightlife scene.
Is Clerkenwell, London Expensive?
Yes, it is! Though it's not a particularly affluent area, Clerkenwell falls in line in proving that
London's living costs are generally high. Take eating out here, for example. The average price for dining in an inexpensive or mid-range restaurant is about £16.00 to £25.00 per person. Not only are these prices already high for a single meal, but they're also comparatively higher compared to how much it costs to eat in other parts of London. The shops in Clerkenwell are also fairly upscale without necessarily being designer. The district doesn't offer luxury goods but the many finds here aren't cheap either.
What to Do in Clerkenwell, London
Clerkenwell is one of the best places to look at London through different lenses. As already mentioned, it's a historic district filled with centuries-old buildings and landmarks. You can let out your inner history buff by going to places like St. James's Church, the Charterhouse, Smithfield Market, and more. Clerkenwell also has some of the more fascinating museums in London, namely the Charles Dickens Museum and the Postal Museum. They're very niche as far as museums are concerned, but they're undeniably fascinating just the same. And if you want to end your day with a show, you can always go to Sadler's Wells Theatre too!
Clerkenwell, London's Best Restaurants
It's a shame Clerkenwell doesn't share the same level of popularity as, say, SoHo or Chelsea when it comes to its culinary scene. The district boasts such an interesting array of foodie hotspots that it considerably contributes to London's reputation as a food capital. From cool gastropubs to some of
London's best Michelin-starred restaurants, the culinary scene here is diverse, exciting, and even a little innovative. If you want to discover different sides of London's food industry, you couldn't have picked a better place. Here are some of Clerkenwell's best places to eat.
- Bocas at 178-180 St John St.
- Brutto at 35-37 Greenhill Rents
- Bouchon Racine in Upstairs at 66 Cowcross St.
- Garanger & Co. Clerkenwell at 50 Sekforde St.
- Josette at 104, 102 Farringdon Road
- Luca at 88 St John St.
- Morchella at 86 Rosebery Avenue
- Moro at 34-36 Exmouth Market
- St. John at 26 St John St.
- The Clerkenwell Kitchen at 27, 31 Clerkenwell Close
What to Know About Clerkenwell, London's Apartments for Rent
To say that it costs a lot of money to
rent a luxury apartment in London is a huge understatement. The British capital is notorious for how expensive it is, especially in places like Clerkenwell. The average rent here is about £2,574.00 per month, which is higher than the city-wide average that ranges from £1,500.00 to £2,100.00 per month. To stress it even further, a common monthly rental for a studio or a one-bedroom flat is about £2,475.00 per month. It's £3,407.00 per month for a two-bedroom apartment and about £6,934.00 per month for a three-bedroom property. Can you afford to live here?
History and creativity are alive and well in Clerkenwell in London. There's arguably no other neighborhood in London that offers fascinating glimpses of the past while also serving as an oasis for the vibrancy of today and tomorrow.
