lifestyle
Islington Launches Free 'Families for Life' Programme With Food Discovery Walks
Families with children aged 2 to 11 can access advice on food and activity while exploring the borough's independent stops on Chapel Market and Upper Street.
Listen in English · 3 min
How we reported this
Islington offers the free 'Families for Life' healthy lifestyle programme for families with children aged 2-11, covering food, activity, and weight advice. The borough's self-guided food tour provides an accessible way for residents to sample local stops without paying the £50 or more that commercial tours often charge.
Interest in affordable local exploration has grown as paid food tours rise in popularity across London. The free option from Free Tours By Foot lets participants buy only what they eat, focusing on longstanding spots that reflect Islington's mix of traditional British dishes and newer arrivals.
Stops Along the Route
The walk begins outside Angel Underground Station and heads into Chapel Market. The first stop is M. Manze at 74 Chapel Market, which opened in 1902 and serves pie and mash made from prime cuts along with liquor gravy and the option of jellied eels. The shop retains its original simple interior and keeps prices low for everyday customers.
On weekdays between noon and 2 p.m., the next stop is Smokin' Aces in the market for American-style barbecue. A £6.00 BBQ Box includes a sandwich, macaroni and cheese, coleslaw, pickles and salad. At weekends or after 2 p.m., the alternative is Radicals & Victuallers at 59 Upper Street, which offers mustard macaroni and cheese in a pub setting.
Practical Details for Participants
The route continues through the Angel Shopping Centre toward Camden Passage and ends near The Winchester pub. The market itself is closed on Mondays and the first stop is closed on Sundays, so Tuesday through Saturday works best. Free Tours By Foot notes that the walk suits pairs or small groups to avoid over-ordering at each stop. Families can combine the route with advice from the 'Families for Life' programme when planning meals and activity for children aged 2 to 11.
Participants should check current opening times before setting out and bring the movable map available on the tour page for navigation. The experience highlights Islington's range of independent food outlets that remain within walking distance of the station.