India, Nov. 17 -- For years, Clerkenwell was a place that few Londoners - let alone visitors - could confidently place on a map. But all that's starting to change, and The Sunday Times recently named Clerkenwell the best place to live in the capital, thanks to its flourishing culinary and arts scenes.

It's little wonder the spotlight is finally settling on this Islington neighbourhood in central London, just a 30-minute walk from both King's Cross and the buzz of Soho. Once the city's Italian quarter, today Clerkenwell still brims with character; home to ornate Catholic churches and some of the finest delis and pizzerias beyond the Mediterranean. Foodies-in-the-know often frequent the upscale Italian restaurant Luca. Nearby is another st...