Area Guide to Crouch End
Crouch End, despite being in the capital, feels very much like a village – almost all the way up the hill nestled between Highgate and Harringay – it’s accessible only by bus, on foot or overground. Brimming with independent cafes, ex Eastenders stars who’ve settled there to start a family, and an excellent array of charity shops, it’s a pretty neat place to live. If you do, where might you want to hang out?
Coffee
We have it on authority that Sable D’or does excellent coffee. It’s also an artisan French patisserie with windows stacked high with custard tarts, meringues and more. It’s been in the area since 1998, fixing itself firmly as a community hub, and the ultimate destination for a treat, or two.
43 The Broadway / @sabledorpatisserie
Do also check out: Edith’s House – dedicated to all Nanas everywhere, this cafe is nostalgically fashioned to remind you of being at your nana’s gaff. Adorned with relaxing, familiar and vintage furniture, they also serve a good vegan menu, as well as big, delicious breakfasts.
Brunch
Run by a mother and son duo, this cafe is famed in the local area for its Mediterranean brunches (they’re opening a second cafe in Arsenal in summer 2018, too), which draws on their family heritage, with a British influence. Winner of many neighbourhood awards, when we asked where was best for brunch in Crouch End, the answer was a resounding ‘Beam!’
@cafebeam / 40-41 Topsfield Parade
Pub
Don’t worry, guys, the beers at Small Beer aren’t actually all that small, but come in all kinds of craft forms and sizes sourced from microbreweries around London. The menu is projected onto the wall and there are cocktails and pizza, too. The atmosphere is cosy and relaxed, with plenty of corners to hide in with a hot date.
22 Topsfield Parade / @smallbeern8
Do also check out: Earl Craig Hall – Be sure to check out the beer garden and regular evening events at this here community-hall-come-pub, from movie screenings to choir practice, and live comedy. 18 Elder Avenue / @earlhaighall
Dinner
Sacro Cuore is just the place if you’re looking for pizza just the way they make it in Naples – from the soft dough, to the sauce, and the oven it is baked in. We don’t really believe, however, that they make nutella pizza in Naples (just sayin’) but we’ll certainly try it at least once. Head here for a weeknight treat, or takeaway to squirrel home again for the watch of the day on Netflix.
10 Crouch End Hill
Thanks @Londonist and @Deliveroo for listing us as one of the best pizza in London for delivery https://t.co/RkN3XaGgcX pic.twitter.com/1VEPXmKehI
— Sacro Cuore Pizzeria (@SacroCuorePizza) March 2, 2017
Do also check out: Heirloom, a small restaurant serving modern, seasonal food. 33-35 Park Road / @heirloom_london
Drinks
Four friends came together to create Nickel – a neighbourhood bar and restaurant influenced by their mutual love for the small bars of Europe. Expect here to find cheese boards, oysters and small plates, as well as delicious aperitifs and other bevvies.
143 Crouch Hill / @nickel143
Walk
There are plenty of places to get your stroll on in and around Crouch End, but – if we had to recommend your first port of call – we’d suggest heading towards Highgate Woods. In the summer, the quaint cafe there is open all day and in the evenings, bat experts hold bat watching nights where you can creep through the woods admiring the nocturnal wildlife.
Take the Family
Banners might be a bit bonkers looking (with walls adorned with old posters and illustrations) but it’s been a firm family favourite in the area since 1992. They boast a comprehensive menu, from jerk chicken to salt fish cakes, and a killer key lime pie – and a great kids menu, meaning you can take the fam for the evening and find something for everyone.
21 Park Road
First Date
First date not going well? Head to the Arthouse Cinema where you can sit in the dark and avoid talking to each other. First date going well? Do the same, but hold hands and talk about the movie over milkshakes after. Housed in a former Salvation Army Hall, this indie cinema has won numerous awards for being the best cinema in the city – combining films, live streaming, discussion groups, workshops and more.
159a Tottenham Lane
Public Transport
Bus routes: 41 / 91 / W5 / W7
Nearest Tube: FInsbury Park (Victoria Line)
Nearest Overground: Crouch Hill
Nearest National Rail: Finsbury Park
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 Crouch End to find your next home in the neighbourhood.