Originally Posted by
lhrsfo
I also think it depends what you mean by "at night". If you just mean "after dark", they're fine. If you mean "as the pubs close" then you're also fine, but use common sense. If you mean "at 3am", then I simply don't know but I would exercise caution as there's no one else around.
The other thing to watch out for at the Oxford Street end of Edgware Road is pickpockets, who feed off distracted tourists.
This is exactly what I was thinking. Especially since 'after dark' in the winter months is almost the entire day
I haven't spent alot of time around Islington, though some, but have spent plenty of time around Marble Arch/Hyde Park/lower Edgeware. Don't think you'd have any problems at all. As lhrsfo says, keep an eye out for pickpockets, though that just means not being completely oblivious with our purse/wallet/whatever sticking out of a pocket or something.
I've fortunately/unfortunately been out in the area well after the pubs close (around the 3a-5a time frame) and can confirm it can be a bit desolate (really anywhere in the city would be at that time). I never felt unsafe at those times, but I'm a 'big dude'