A City Guide to Arsenal
Arsenal is one of those places where, if you don’t live there, no one in London really knows where it’s at (unless they’re a ‘gunner’). It has the benefit, however, of being one of the best-connected hoods in the capital, squared off by four other great areas:
– Finsbury Park, Holloway Road, Highbury and Newington Green/Canonbury. Serviced by all major bus routes, the Piccadilly Line, the Victoria Line, National Rail and the Overground – and with the centre of London less than an hour’s stroll away. It’s as close to the centre as you can get, without the price tag. Every few weeks, Arsenal plays a home game and the area is transformed – gardens spill over with pie vans, pick and mix stalls, and makeshift greasy spoons.
Coffee
You can’t swing a cat in Arsenal without striking a café, but you need to come off Blackstock Road into the leafy residential streets to find the best coffee at Finks – aka one of London’s most Instagrammable places for brunch. Often busy, it’s best to get here when the doors open if you want to get a seat basking in the sunlight that streams through the windows of this former military store and, before that, butchers. It’s a great find, with many characters. Oh, and it’s next to Sylvanian Families HQ. What more could you want in the morning?
@finkssaltandsweet / 70 Mountgrove Road
Do be sure to also check out:
Blighty Coffee – Themed by the Commonwealth countries, this cafe serves big, bold breakfasts named after famous politicians, and acts a hub space. 35-37 Blackstock Road
Brunch
Hands down, Franks Canteen does the best sausage sandwich at brunch or – if you prefer something more exotic – they also do a dreamy dhal with poached eggs and other seasonal specials.
It’s a stone’s throw from a number of independent bookshops and an excellent greengrocer, so ideal for late Sunday mornings.
Do be sure to also check out:
Highbury Arts Club – Set up by local residents, this is a great brunch spot by day, and tapas and jazz by the eve.
Pub
Given that Arsenal borders many other neighbourhoods, it would be easy to wander further afield and got lost in a sea of choice. If you’re looking for somewhere within a short stroll from the house, however, the Woodbine is a classic boozer, with a Thai kitchen thrown in. Or nip across the road to the Bank of Friendship where you can order pizza from nearby Yard Sale – it’s a proper old man’s boozer with a hipster twist.
Do be sure to also check out:
Clissold Park Tavern – Head over for craft beer, stonebaked pizza, weekend brunch, DJs, live music, sport and a super-chill place to work or study from during the week. Overlooking the park.
@clissoldparktavern / 177 Green Lanes
Dinner
Once again, the choice here is overwhelming but, if local is your order, head to Western’s Laundry where the focus is on produce from the sea and comes served within the walls of a beautiful old industrial building.
Lit by candles, huge windows open out onto a large patio, creating a breezy but intimate atmosphere. The food is fantastic, so do be sure to book in advance to ensure a table.
Should you be needing to stick to a budget, nearby Xian Impressions is a local’s favourite and it’s bring your own bottle.
A simple Chinese canteen, the food here is phenomenal and more akin to what you actually might eat when visiting China. It’s always busy, so arrive early or prepare to queue.
Drinks
There are so many boozers in Arsenal, so if you’re looking for something a little different or more upmarket, head to Mountgrove Bothy for a broad selection of wine and delicious small plates. Encircled by floor to ceiling windows, it’s ideal for people watching. They also run different evenings – such as Spanish nights – or pop-ups with local chefs.
Walk
While not strictly Arsenal, you’ll want to walk the extra couple of minutes to get to Clissold Park to watch the birds on the ponds, say hello to the fallow deer, and get a cup of tea at the mansion house. A beautifully neat green space, it’s ideal for running – if that’s your thing – or getting pissed in the summer on the grass while playing Frisbee. Open from early to late, depending on the season.
Take the Family
When you’ve family in tow, head to Little Sardegna for dinner.
It’s a characterful Sardinian restaurant run by charming waiters, serving gorgeous plates of pasta and other Mediterranean fares. In the summer, when the windows open into the street, it almost feels like you’re on holiday.
First Date
When sussing out a new date, for a quick bite to eat head to Yard Sale to share a stone-baked pizza.
It’s small, casual and the pizza is really rather good. From there, say your goodbyes or head on to the Brownswood pub for a bevvie or two in their spacious (and well-heated) yard. After that, well, that’s your business.
Public Transport
Bus Routes: 19 – 4 – 236
Nearest Tube: Arsenal (Piccadilly Line) Finsbury Park (Victoria & Piccadilly Lines)
Nearest Overground: Canonbury (approx. 20 min walk)
Nearest National Rail: Finsbury Park
On Foot: Stoke Newington, Finsbury Park, Holloway Road, Highbury & Islington
We’ve given you the scoop and the lowdown – think the area could be for you? Check out our selection of rooms for rent in Arsenal to find your next home in the neighbourhood.
