Top 5 Wifi hotspots in Islington

Thanks to Islington's 'technology mile', it's possible to get free Wifi reception in almost any cafe on Upper Street. In fact, as this particular chappie spotted by a passerby outside Angel Tube demonstrates, it's quite possible to get decent reception wherever you are in N1...

So how does the Street Net work? To those new to mobile working, all you need do is fire up your laptop, look for the Street Net network, register a username and password, and you’ll be given a one-hour session which is renewable as many times as you want (you’ll just have to log back on). There's more informatoin from Islington Council here.

The Breakfast Club

The wonderful retro diner on Camden Passage is not only a great place to grab a hearty, hangover breakfast (if you can beat the queue), it's an ideal temporary office, too. So grab yourself an OJ, ask for the password and enjoy free wifi in laid-back style.

Starbucks, Angel

Say what you like about Starbucks (there are

three to choose from on Upper Street) but the inter-galactic coffee

chain is good to the mobile worker. With a loyalty card you'll get free

unlimited wifi that allows you to roam anywhere in the cafe without

losing signal, and the friendly staff won't bat an eyelid if you want

to pitch up in the morning and work through.

25 Canonbury Lane

OK, so it is technically a cocktail bar, and you'll have to be strong-willed not to call our for a mojito at the end of a hard day's work, but 25 Canonbury Lane has its own free wifi provision. During the day the bar is clean, quiet and a great bolthole when you need to surf the net.

Almeida Cafe

The Almeida theatre is one of the borough's most pleasant buildings to visit, so it's no surprise that the adjoining cafe provides a calm and peaceful place to work. Staff are happy for you to pitch up and make use of the free wifi as long as you buy a coffee or two.

Mocha Cafe

Tucked away on Essex Road, this is a great option for those who like to 'keep it real', with classic cafe-style fare and the promise of free wifi emblazoned reassuringly on its frontage.

Runner up: Tinderbox

We love Tinderbox, with its crazy seating design and cheesecakes so epic you have to attack them with a pick-axe, but it's a shame they still make you pay to surf when so many neighbours offer wifi for free (reception in the cafe isn't ideal for picking up the StreetNet).