My Crouch End guide provides helpful information about this North London neighbourhood. It has a village feel with an abundance of independent shops and eateries, while the supermarkets, bakeries, butchers and grocery stores mean you have everything you need in this N8 locale. The area has a thriving creative scene and is home to numerous talented musicians, singers, artists, writers and actors. It’s also been featured in films such as Shaun of the Dead. So, what are you waiting for? Join me on a tour of Crouch End, London N8. (I wrote the original post in June 2017 and have updated it with new information and images).
Best Things To Do In Crouch End
The Clock Tower is worth admiring. It’s situated in the middle of the primary shopping hotspot. This red-brick clock tower, erected in 1895, was built to memorialise Henry Reader Williams (Chairperson of the Hornsey Local Board for ten years).
The 1930s Hornsey Town Hall is another prominent building by New Zealand-born architect Reginald Uren. It is currently being transformed into an arts centre, hotel and apartments.
Around the corner, you’ll find the Hornsey Library, a Grade II listed building. Here, you can see permanent artwork, which includes the engraved Hornsey Window by Fred Mitchell. The fountain outside has a sculpture of a bronze lady by TB Huxley Jones.
The Church Studios (inside a church, hence the name) is where the Eurhythmics recorded Sweet Dreams in 1984. It is a state-of-the-art music facility now owned by Paul Epworth. The church exterior is stunning and deserves a closer inspection.
Try the Arthouse in a former Salvation Army Hall for cinema and theatre. It’s a hive of creativity with various arts-related activities ranging from community festivals to author readings. The Picturehouse is another cinema with a cafe.
On Crouch Hill, you can access the Parkland Walk Nature Reserve, a pathway along a disused railway track connecting Finsbury Park to Alexandra Palace.
Those wanting to keep fit will enjoy spending time at the Park Road Swimming Pool and Fitness Centre. Also check out the Crouch End Open Spaces and Crouch End Playing Fields for enjoyment and sporting activities.
Best Places To Shop In Crouch End
Crouch End has some lovely interior stores. My favourites include Little Paris, which features vintage French furniture and contemporary lifestyle goods.
For classic fifties, sixties and seventies furniture, lighting, and collectables, check out Solomon Retro. You can have a good rummage at Junk N8 Disorderly for second-hand furniture.
For a mix of vintage and contemporary furniture pop into Modern History.
For adorable gifts and greeting cards, try Treehouse or Rhoda which also has clothing. Baking enthusiasts and budding chefs will love the Season Cookshop. Aside from these, you will also find several picture framing businesses, a tile outlet, wood floor specialists, designer kitchens, plus carpet and curtain shops.
Cheer up your home with plants from The Grow or flowers from the Urban Flower Co.
Music lovers can get into the grove at FlashBack by flicking through the racks of vinyl, CDs and DVDs.
For fashion, try Broadway or Oliver Bonas which also sells gifts and homeware. Murray is excellent for menswear.
Treat the little ones to something adorable at Niddle Noodle.
Best Places To Eat In Crouch End
For Spanish tapas, head to Bar Esteban or La Fabrica; try Melange for Italian and French cuisine or Paesan for Italian dishes. Aix Bistro is the place for French fine dining. Asian cuisine options include O’s Thai Cafe, Khoai Vietnamese Café and Saki sushi.
Enjoy all-day dining, breakfast and brunch at Beam (Middle Eastern style breakfasts, pancakes, burgers and more), Sable d’Or (healthy salads and cakes) or Geographical Indications (deli sandwiches, cheese boards, daily soups and stews).
You can pick up your fresh loaf or cream cake treat from one of the bakeries. Dunns for takeaway options or head to Gail’s if you’d rather eat in.
Lastly, if you want a speciality coffee I can recommend Coffee Circus.
Watch My Ten Things To Do In Crouch End Video
Helpful Information About Crouch End
Crouch End is in the London Borough of Harringey. It is near Hornsey, Muswell Hill, Wood Green, Stroud Green (Finsbury Park), Archway and Highgate. Crouch End Hill, Park Road, Middle Lane, and Broadway Parade are key roads to explore. The nearest station is Crouch Hill Overground Line, and then there is a walk up and over the hill. You can take the W7 from Finsbury Park station, which takes 10 minutes. Walking up the mountain is well worth it because you can see Alexandra Palace in the distance. On your return, you get a fantastic view of London and can see The Shard very clearly.
If you are walking to Crouch End via Hornsey Station there is a cute brunch spot called Cloud 7 (40 A, Tottenham Lane, London N8) where I was invited to try their Mediterranean style veggie breakfast and pistachio pancakes.
While you are in the area, you may find these articles of interest:
Ten Things To Do In Crouch End London N8
Little Paris Shop Crouch End London N8
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London. To avoid disappointment, please check that the places I referenced in this article are still in business before you visit. Disclosure: Cloud 7 invited me for brunch and my meal was free.