Living in Southgate

About Southgate

Southgate’s history dates back to 1370, when a small medieval settlement grew around the South Gate of the King’s hunting grounds at Enfield Chase. Today, the town centre is a lively hub of restaurants, bars and shops, surrounded by generous green space. With a mix of housing, from period homes to modern developments on tree-lined streets, Southgate appeals to families, professionals and those looking to upsize. It has the feel of a self-contained town, offering everything you need right on your doorstep.

Fact file

• In Waterfall Road is the Minchenden Oak, said to be the largest oak tree in England, at around 800 years old.
• The Royalty Ballroom (now PureGym) on Winchmore Hill Road was used as one of the locations for the filming of cult classic movie Quadrophenia (1979).
• Growing up in the area, singer Amy Winehouse attended Ashmole School, now converted into a successful academy specialising in music and science.

Architecture and property

Highgate’s architecture reflects its rich history and refined character. The area is known for its elegant Georgian townhouses and grand Victorian villas, many set along elevated streets with views across London. Conservation efforts have preserved much of its historic charm, while modern developments, often discreetly tucked among period properties, offer stylish living with contemporary comforts. From spacious family homes to chic apartments, Highgate’s property market caters to those seeking both heritage and high quality in one of North London’s most prestigious postcodes.

Going out

Southgate offers a vibrant mix of dining experiences. On The Broadway, La Paella is the go-to spot for authentic tapas, don’t be surprised if you spot a famous face or two! Just steps away, Warda serves up a modern twist on traditional Lebanese cuisine and for the Italian lovers, head to Fantozzi. 

For a traditional country pub feeling, The Woodman on Bourne Hill is the place to be and it prides itself on being family-friendly.

The Chicken Shed Theatre is a fully inclusive company welcoming adults and children of all abilities. Its packed calendar includes theatre, comedy, music and workshops - there’s something for everyone. Local music lovers can enjoy performances by the Southgate Symphony Orchestra, a community group or just a short trip away in Enfield, the Whitewebbs Museum of Transport is a must-visit for vintage vehicle enthusiasts. Southgate is home to two libraries: Southgate Circus Library, which also hosts a Citizens Advice Bureau and Oakwood Library.

Local amenities

Retail shops are mainly in and around The Green and The Broadway, with a mix of specialist shops like The Balloon Shop and high street staples including Marks & Spencer and Boots. 

For groceries, locals head to the large Asda on Chase Side or one of two nearby Tesco stores. Cook, on Cannon Hill, offers a range of frozen home-cooked ready meals and delivers them, making life a little easier. 

For fresh handcrafted desserts, cream cakes and savouries, Wilton Patisserie is a favourite with the locals.

Fitness enthusiasts can choose between Southgate Leisure Centre, offering a gym, swimming pool and indoor cycle studio or PureGym, which includes personal training options. For sports fans, Saracens Amateur RFC is based in Southgate, with teams for all ages and genders, from under-sevens to adults.

Green spaces

Surrounded by beautiful parks, there's a space for everyone. Grovelands Park, with its elegant mansion house designed by John Nash, is a vast green space featuring a nine-hole pitch and putt course, cafe, bowling green, basketball courts and more. Nearby, Broomfield Park spans 54 acres and includes a classically designed water garden, a model boating pond and a picturesque community orchard. Just a short distance away in Cockfosters lies Trent Country Park, a sprawling 400-acre expanse of meadows and countryside. In addition to its scenic walking trails, it hosts summer concerts, festivals, public equestrian and hockey centres.