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EAT: CROUCH END
The ‘best place to live in London’ as declared by the Sunday Times and, having jointly lived here for over 4 years, we can only echo this. With the combined years as proud locals, we’re not-so-quietly confident that we have the best recommendations for our corner of North London. This leafy suburbia is known for supporting local independent shops and restaurants with an extensive list of cuisines to choose from so whether you’re a fellow neighbour or just visiting, there's plenty to take your fancy. Scroll down for our list of faves, from brunch to dinner and drinks.
Our favourite brunch micro-chain and a local in its own right, originating in Crouch End and the fourth and last opening being situated just up the road in Muswell Hill. This family-run cafe adopts the same stylish simplicity as its trendy sister spot in Notting Hill.
MUST ORDER: Turkish Eggs with spicy beef sausages and garlic labneh
Born out of lockdown and here to quench the nation's sourdough thirst, this pink paradise serves up unique flavour bombs of cronuts, croissants and freshly baked breads. With queues snaking down the street, the locals know that good things come to those who wait.
Okay so this isn’t quite Crouch End but we’re claiming it. We were absolutely made up when Newington Green's Jolene announced it would be taking over the site Big Jo once housed in Hornsey. This all-day bakery, serving up chunky sandos, pizzetta and pastries in the day, doubles up as a small plates restaurant with a daily-changing menu focusing on seasonal British produce. The Jolene family is committed to regenerative and ethical farming, even more reason to pay a visit.
This local deli & bottle shop offers all the high end products we’d want for our dream charcuterie board, with a bonus of luxe candles and thick linen napkins (a green flag in any restaurant). Swing by for a coffee, fresh sarnies and our favourite sausage rolls. Fridays have an extra buzz of people for their cocktail and wine evenings.
This insta-worthy haven brings both style and substance with their amazing menu and foodie collabs. Head here for your post-dog walk feed-up or bring the girls along for bottomless brunch.
MUST ORDER: Korean BBQ chicken waffle
Dark green banquettes that line worn wooden tables, dripping candles that punctuate every surface and statement tiles that frame the bar. Every feature brings a warm buzz to this neighbourhood seafood restaurant. With daily specials scribbled on the chalkboard, Lyon’s sources all their fish sustainably from the British Isles for everything from their smallest snacks to their larger sharing plates.
MUST ORDER: dressed oysters and the Tandoori monkfish
A double whammy of winnings, this French bistro was called out as the Good Food Guide's best local restaurant in London’s best neighbourhood no less. If you visit Crouch End for one reason, it's surely got to be this. Unassuming from outside, this intimate restaurant is full of charm as soon as you step inside the curtains.
MUST ORDER: entire pear tarte tatin; this may seem steep at £22 but for the whole eff off pie, it is well worth it.
Tucked away just off the main high street, this independent eatery highlights regional dishes of Italy and their pastas. Sit amongst it all at the kitchen bar and watch the chefs at work or make your way upstairs to the sun-trap terrace with a view overlooking the red tiled roofs of North London.
MUST ORDER: frittelle al pistacchio for dessert, these mini doughnuts oozing with pistachio seal your food coma with a kiss
A buzzy tapas bar, eclectically styled with mismatched school chairs, vintage posters and retro el toro machine (hit 180 and claim a cocktail on the house). Formerly behind Barrafina and Morito, head chef recreates classic Spanish dishes from pan con tomate to arroz negro making this the ideal laidback night out. Their natural, low intervention wine list is predominantly from lesser known regions of Spain allowing you to discover something new.
MUST ORDER: ham croquettes and arroz con polpo
This neighbourhood restaurant has just one sitting, 16 seats and one £75pp set menu. Their aim is to reduce meat consumption and excessive restaurant waste, offering predominantly veggie dishes with one high quality meat dish per menu, where the meat has been ethically sourced and lived the high life. Not only do we love this concept, we are obsessed with the mid-century modern styling. Expect to book this in advance as reservations are taken for the month ahead.
A laid-back cocktail bar with a funky playlist, elegant glassware and more importantly an arsenal of sophisticated yet simple cocktails. They also serve up a menu of light bar snacks and small plates so you can spend the whole evening there.
MUST ORDER: kiwi gimlet
Beer isn't our speciality but the exposed brick, £9 cocktails and pizza-heavy menu drew us into this former pub. They have a buy-a-beer, get-a-free-slice deal on Mondays-Wednesdays so it’s a great compromise when the other half is gasping for a pint.
Unfussy with all the best bits of a Great British pub. This Victorian drinking hole still holds its character in its dramatic dark wood panelling and stained glass windows.
On the edge of the bustling high street you’ll find this quaint spot, perfect for pre-dinner drinks and post-work catch-ups. With a curated wine list of natural wines, they also serve a selection of small plates.
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