Living in Crouch End

About Crouch End

Tucked into a pocket of the Haringey borough, Crouch End offers a village-like atmosphere with top-rated schools, beautiful period architecture and plenty of green spaces. From the iconic red-brick Clock Tower at the heart of the Broadway to scenic strolls through Alexandra Park, the area is full of character and natural beauty.

With plenty of cafes, independent shops and a wide choice of restaurants and food markets, there’s little need to venture into central London. And while the lack of Underground stations adds to its secluded charm, it also encourages a more sustainable, community-focused lifestyle.

Fact file

• In 2023, The Sunday Times voted Crouch End the best place to live in London.
• The red-brick Clock Tower in Crouch End Broadway was built in 1895 to honour Henry Reader Williams, a local politician who helped preserve the area’s character and saved Highgate Wood from development.
• Crouch End is home to celebrities including actors Tamzin Outhwaite, James McAvoy and columnist Caitlin Moran.

Architecture and property

Dating back to the 19th century, Crouch End was once consumed by grand villas, but the arrival of the railway introduced a wave of suburban development. Architect John Farrer played a key role in shaping the area’s character, designing the distinctive red-brick homes found in the east, particularly along Cecile Park, which remains one of the most desirable streets in the neighbourhood.

Today, Crouch End retains a wealth of period properties, with many homes on the market being either full houses or stylish conversions. Its timeless charm and appeal to young families and professional couples have also made it a hotspot for buy-to-let investors.

Going out

The local area boasts plenty of options from Thai to Caribbean, Japanese to Indian so you are never short of options. Local favourites include Bistro Aix for its amazing French food, Paesan or Soughdour Sophie for the Italian lovers or for something more classic Cafe Beam serves up the best breakfast menu as well as lunch options.

For a lively night out, The King’s Head pub is a local favourite, hosting popular quiz and comedy nights (it’s also home to one of the oldest comedy clubs in Britain!). Other well-loved spots include The Maynard Arms and The Queen’s pub, both serving up modern pub grub in relaxed settings. 

For a more laid-back day, the ArtHouse is a boutique cinema offering kids’ clubs and special screenings. There’s plenty more to explore, from the Picturehouse cinema to the many art galleries dotted around the area. Alexandra Palace adds to the cultural mix with year-round events, live music and exhibitions. And every June, the Crouch End Festival celebrates the area’s creative spirit with art shows, poetry readings, theatre performances and more.

Local amenities

Crouch Enders have their pick of supermarkets, with Waitrose, Tesco, Marks & Spencer and Co-op all centrally located near the iconic clock tower. Locals also enjoy excellent Turkish grocery stores, while Walter Purkis and Sons is renowned for fresh seafood and fish smoked on-site. Join the queues at Gails for homemade loaves and pastries or visit the family-run Dunn’s Bakery for cakes and buns. While chain coffee shops line the Broadway, those in the know head to Beam or Coffee Circus on Crouch Hill for expertly crafted espresso.

Hornsey Library is a cultural hub, housing two art galleries. The Original Gallery and The Promenade Gallery as well as the Community and Youth Music Library with its extensive collection of musical scores. Film lovers can enjoy Picture House which boasts four screens, a 22-seat screening room, a café, and a stylish restaurant-bar. 

Fitness lovers are at home in Crouch End, with its several gyms including Virgin Active and Park Road Pools and Fitness. If you're looking to try something different, head to The Pilates Place or 3Tribes, which hosts a mixture of fitness classes.

Green spaces

Crouch End locals are spoilt for choice when it comes to outdoor space, as the area is surrounded by acres of parkland. Amongst Alexandra Park’s 196 acres of woodland, you’ll not only have stunning views of London, but you’ll also find a boating lake, Sunday farmers’ market, pitch and putt course, skate park and an ice rink.

Residents can also enjoy the amenities offered by several other local parks, such as an adventure playground at Queen’s Wood, the walks in Highgate Wood, the paddling pools and sports facilities of Priory Park and the tennis courts at Stationers Park. Nature lovers enjoy the 4.5-mile Parkland Walk, which stretches from Finsbury Park to Alexandra Palace, following the route of a former railway line. This scenic trail is now a designated nature reserve.