Islington Council is exploring ways to ensure that its thriving experience economy benefits all residents, with a focus on embedding social value into its cultural and night-time offerings. The council is also working to address skills shortages in the experience economy through creative internship programmes.

The Islington Council Licensing Committee met on 13 November 2025, to discuss how to improve social value within Islington's experience economy, which includes live music, theatre, food and beverage, cultural and creative scenes, and markets. The committee considered a report (Licensing Committee Experience Economy report) highlighting the importance of these sectors for economic growth and inclusion, while also acknowledging existing barriers.

Key Areas and Opportunities

The report identified several key areas within Islington that are hubs for experience economy activity:

  • Angel: Known for live music, theatre, canalside pubs and pre-theatre dining.
  • Clerkenwell: Home to high-end restaurants, bars, clubs, and architecture and design practices, hosting Clerkenwell Design Week.
  • Finsbury Park: Highlighted as a night-time economy hotspot with a diverse food offer and independent businesses. A study of the Finsbury Park night-time economy is expected to conclude in March 2026, with recommendations for future projects.
  • Archway: Designated a Creative Enterprise Zone in 2023, hosting grassroots organisations in fine arts, performing arts and digital media.
  • Arsenal: A popular destination, with the growing popularity of women's football adding to its appeal.
  • Brewery Road: Home to successful production organisations like Big Sky Studios.

The report also highlighted opportunities to support and grow Islington's Experience Economy, including non-alcohol events, creative internship programmes to support recruitment pathways, support for Clerkenwell Design Week, and leveraging the popularity of Arsenal women's matches.

Challenges and Social Value

The report recognised that barriers to growth exist, including skills shortages, difficulty securing affordable space, lack of access to networks and data, and regulatory hurdles, especially for night-time economy businesses. The committee explored ways to embed a 'social value' approach into their work.

Late Night Levy

The Islington Late Night Levy (LNL), paid by businesses serving alcohol past midnight, generates income shared between the council and police. The income is used to fund Night Safe Patrols (comprising three officers and a paramedic operating from 8pm to 8am), two police officers embedded within the local authority, and additional police resources at night when available.

While a 30% discount scheme exists for businesses demonstrating high standards of management in relation to noise, customer behaviour and customer experience, only 30 businesses currently participate. The cost of the LNL for a medium-sized pub can be approximately £800 per year. Further investigation is needed to determine the specific barriers preventing more businesses from participating in the discount scheme.