I was greeted warmly by Gabrielle's daughter Saskia and felt at home straight away. Studio 81 was exactly what I expected. It is a comfortable, light-filled apartment; a peaceful space, well equipped and tastefully furnished. To sit by the window in the mornings was a real pleasure.
The surrounding is relatively quite and safe. Two underground stations are within easy walking distance (Caledonian Road on the Piccadilly line, and Highbury & Islington on the Victoria line). If you are feeling energetic it is even possible to walk into the centre of London (it took me about 35 mins; a pleasant walk, especially taking the Liverpool Road/ Islington High Street route). Waitrose and Tesco are readily accessible (Holloway Road). Studio 81 will be my first choice for my next trip to London.