have lived in De Beauvoir in Islington for nearly 11 years. Before this, I lived in Waterloo, right in the middle of all the crazy. It was close to work — I just used to walk across the bridge to Covent Garden — but because it was so central, everyone was always coming to stay.
I got sick of it and moved to a one-bedroom place in De Beauvoir in December 2012. Five years ago, I sold it and moved to a bigger place three roads over. I love it here. You’ve got everything you need without having to try too hard. I really feel like I’ve found my place.
Choices: the area boasts the De Beauvoir Arms and De Beauvoir Wholefoods
/ Matt WrittleEating and drinking
Restaurant-wise, Bellanger on Islington Green has great food (nothing too fussy) great drinks and nice staff. They let dogs in and it’s got a nice vibe. It is my favourite place to meet up with friends, although it’s closed for refurbishment until June.
To drink, there’s 69 Colebrooke Row, which is a little cocktail bar that doesn’t really have a name. It’s tucked away. They do the most amazing cocktails — I did a cocktail-making class there for my 40th birthday. I’m into anything tequila-based at the moment.
There’s also Pophams on Prebend Street for a Sunday morning croissant, which is just around the corner for us.
Pophams bakery and pasta restaurant
/ Matt WrittleWhere I work out
In the pandemic, it was great to have Shoreditch Park and Highbury Fields to run and walk. But in terms of going to the gym and working out, I do that in Covent Garden, near to the Opera House.
I find I need to remove myself from anything that’s too close to home to seriously get my head in the workout.
To commune with nature
Shoreditch Park is great. We’re not too far from Victoria Park, Hackney and all the open spaces down there, which are great to walk through. That’s what I love about the area — it’s an easy walk to anywhere.
Shoreditch Park
/ Matt WrittleGrocery shopping
I would love to say that I go to Planet Organic all the time, but I don’t. There’s an M&S, Sainsbury’s and Waitrose all next to each other on Liverpool Road. I’m lazy and do that. I do a Planet Organic shop every now and then if I’m feeling rich.
For a culture fix
I love going to the Everyman Screen on the Green on Upper Street. It’s my favourite place in the area to get a sofa, a glass of wine and maybe order a pizza while you watch a film. It’s not big blockbuster-y. It’s an old, chilled local cinema.
Islington’s Screen on the Green, Ed’s favourite local cinema
/ Matt WrittleThe Almeida Theatre is not far away. I’ve seen a lot of great stuff there, too. There’s Sadler’s Wells on Rosebery Avenue for dance, obviously — I’ve got to put that one in. I try and go as often as I can. It’s the best place in London to see all the visiting companies that I never really get the chance to see otherwise. It’s great to have it on the doorstep.
Getting around
Ed’s trusty number 38 outside Sadler’s Wells
/ Matt WrittleIt’s so easy to get anywhere. We’re in between Angel, Highbury & Islington and Canonbury, so our options are good. We’ve also got Essex Road mainline station.
I take the 38 bus everywhere — or, if it’s not raining, I walk. I can walk to Covent Garden for work in 40 minutes. I like having that time to clear my head and get out.
Dream street
Northchurch Road, Ed’s dream street
/ Matt WrittleNorthchurch Road, the first street that I lived on. Southgate Road cuts it in half and on one side are the really posh big houses. My dream is to live on the posh side.
Something you only see in De Beauvoir
Su Pollard in Tesco and M&S.
What’s the catch?
Regent’s Canal on one of its calmer days
/ Matt WrittleYou think you’re going to have a nice, relaxing walk along the canal. Actually, it’s hellish with prams, bicycles and people walking arm in arm. I always forget and then I get stressed and it takes me forever to get down there.
In three words
Location, location, location.
Ed Watson is the longest-serving principal at the Royal Ballet, where he now works as a coach. His book, Ed Watson: A Different Dance, is published on May 2 (Prestel).
@Edwatson11; edwatsonofficial.com
Schools
There are 37 primary schools under a mile away, with 11 rated outstanding. Top picks include Hackney New Primary School and Shoreditch Park Primary School.
For secondaries, City of London Academy Islington and Richard Cloudesley School are two of four outstanding choices.
What it costs
Buying in De Beauvoir
Average flat price: £584,230
Average property price: £616,560
Renting in De Beauvoir
Average rent: £2,900 pcm
Source: Hamptons & Land Registry
