This is something new for my blog, but if you enjoy discovering different corners of London—like I do—especially on days when a full countryside trip feels like a bit too much, yet you still want a change of scene, then you’re in the right place.
I’ve lived in North London for over twenty years, mainly in and around Muswell Hill (which I’d love to cover in a future post), and I’ve visited the neighbouring Crouch End many times. Below, I’ll share some of my favourite spots—but I encourage you to explore and form your own impressions.
I’d like to start by introducing the area a bit—just to give some background and context—but if you’re the sort who prefers to skip the history lesson and head straight for the pastries and pretty streets, I totally get it—just scroll down for walks, shops, and snacks. 😉
Let me start by giving you a quick sense of the place. Crouch End feels like one of those rare London spots that manages to be both lively and laid-back. It has the charm of a village, but it’s very much part of the city—full of history, personality, and a surprising number of famous faces.
At its heart stands the red-brick Clock Tower, built in 1895 to honour local reformer Henry Reader Williams. It still serves as a central meeting point today, surrounded by independent shops, cafés, and a steady flow of locals—writers tapping away on laptops, parents with buggies, dog-walkers, and artists on their way to nearby studios. Despite its Victorian grandeur, nothing here feels pretentious—it’s one of those places where people genuinely say hello to each other.
Although Crouch End doesn’t have its own Underground station, it once had a railway line, now long gone. But what it left behind is arguably better: the old track has been transformed into the Parkland Walk, a green corridor that weaves its way between Finsbury Park and Highgate Station, passing right through Crouch End. And I’m told that beyond Highgate, the route can take you even further—all the way to Alexandra Palace. It’s leafy, peaceful, and full of quirky details—and I’ll talk more about it further down, with some of my favourite photos included.
Crouch End has always drawn a creative crowd. Around 40% of locals work in creative industries, and it shows—from the artsy window displays and murals to the strong community of musicians, writers, and performers. Some of the many well-known residents past and present include James McAvoy, Caitlin Moran, Andy Serkis, Katherine Ryan, Tamzin Outhwaite, David Tennant, and Peter Capaldi. Even Gillian Anderson spent her early childhood here, and Samantha Fox grew up in the area. Reddit user mechtraveller also pointed out a great addition upon reading this post: Simon Pegg—whose cult classic Shaun of the Dead was partially filmed in Crouch End’s Weston Park. But despite all this starpower, it’s not a flashy neighbourhood—celebs blend in easily and the vibe stays chill and grounded.
If you’re a music lover, The Church Studios is a hidden gem with serious history. Housed in a former 19th-century church, it was transformed in the 1980s by Dave Stewart of the Eurythmics. It’s since hosted Adele, Beyoncé, Coldplay, Radiohead, U2, Madonna, Massive Attack, and more. And in true Crouch End fashion, there’s even a local legend that Bob Dylan once knocked on the wrong door, mistaking someone’s house for the studio, and ended up having tea with a surprised local. True or not, it’s exactly the kind of story that fits this unassuming, quietly fascinating neighbourhood.
Beyond the famous names and the artistic history, what really makes Crouch End special is its community spirit. The annual Crouch End Festival celebrates local arts and performance with pop-up events all over town. There’s the YMCA Fun Run in Priory Park, and the cosy Christmas market and lights on the Green each December. These are events run by neighbours, for neighbours, and they bring the whole area to life—without ever losing that relaxed, local feel.
🥐 My Favourite Bakeries in Crouch End
Crouch End is spoilt for choice when it comes to bakeries, but two places have absolutely stolen my carb-loving heart: Sourdough Sophia and Dunns Bakery. Both are very different, but each in their own way is a little slice of heaven.
If you love proper sourdough bread, you have to visit Sourdough Sophia. It’s a small independent bakery tucked away on Middle Lane, and their wholemeal loaves are just next-level. Their signature No 8 Sourdough is honestly perfection — crusty, full of flavour, and with that proper chewy texture that makes supermarket “sourdough” weep in shame. Every kind of bread I’ve tried from them has been excellent.
But it’s not just the bread. Each month, they dream up a fresh set of pastries, often with bold, creative flavours. I’ve had a Tiramisu Danish there that I still think about, and their cruffins are dangerously good. There’s a small seating area if you can’t wait to dive in, and they even offer online courses if you fancy learning how to recreate some of their bakes at home.
Sourdough Sophia started as a lockdown microbakery, and it’s still run by the founders, Sophia and Jesse. You can tell they pour their hearts into everything — the bakery has this lovely, warm energy about it, and you really feel like you’re supporting something local and meaningful.
Now, if Sourdough Sophia is artisan and modern, Dunns is old-school bakery heaven — and I mean that in the best possible way. Located right on the Broadway, it’s been serving the community since 1946 (though the Freeman family started baking in the area way back in the 1800s!), and it still has that “family business” feeling. It’s the kind of place where everything smells amazing and there’s just a massive display of everything — breads, pastries, cakes, sandwiches and even great coffee.
My go-to is their low-GI multi-seeded bread, which I buy pretty much every other day. It’s delicious, healthy, and keeps well — which is saying something for bakery bread. But their real gem, for me, is the tiramisu. I know this sounds over the top, but I honestly think it might be the best I’ve had anywhere — including in Italy. I often bring it as a gift when visiting friends, and it’s always a hit.
There’s no seating area at Dunns, so it’s more of a pick-up-and-go spot, but that’s perfect if you’re grabbing treats before a walk through Priory Park or along the Parkland Walk (which I’ll talk more about later).
☕ My Favourite Cafés in Crouch End
Crouch End has no shortage of great cafés, but these three have become my go-to spots, each for slightly different moods. Whether you’re after an indulgent brunch, a peaceful corner to sip your latte, or just somewhere that really gets coffee, there’s something here for you.
Rosemary Café & Juicery
If you’re only visiting one café in Crouch End, Rosemary is a strong contender for the top spot. It’s elegant without being pretentious, full of greenery and soft lighting, and the food is the kind that makes you whip out your phone before your fork. Their brunch menu is easily one of the best in the area—both in variety and in how consistently good it is.
You’ll find all the classics here, but with extra flair. There’s shakshuka, eggs royale, or a Mediterranean-style plate called Medi Breeze, which comes with scrambled eggs, halloumi, olives, feta, and even molasses. Their Avocado & Greek Feta on Sourdough is a beauty, and I’m also a fan of their veggie breakfast.
If you’re in the mood for something sweet, go straight for the French toast — topped with banana, blueberries, strawberries, almond flakes, and clotted cream, it’s quite literally a dream on a plate.
But it doesn’t stop there — Rosemary also has a wide selection of fresh juices, smoothies, and shakes, and a separate menu with wraps, burgers, salads, omelettes, and even hot daily specials. It’s the kind of place where you can take your most health-conscious friend or your hungriest one and both leave happy.
A heads-up though — if you visit on a weekend, expect a packed house. It’s a family favourite, so there’s usually a fair bit of chatter, buggies, and the odd wailing toddler. The food is 100% worth it, but if you’re after something more peaceful, I’d recommend coming on a weekday or checking out one of the two quieter options below.
📍 11–13 Park Road, N8 8TE
🌐 rosemarycafe.co.uk
Coffee Circus
Tucked away at 136 Crouch Hill, Coffee Circus is a gem for coffee enthusiasts. Their passion for coffee is evident in every cup, and the funky decor adds to the unique experience. The atmosphere is laid-back and creative, making it a great place to unwind or catch up with friends. In my opinion, they serve the best coffee in Crouch End—a must-visit for any coffee lover.
📍 136 Crouch Hill, N8 9DX
Brunch on the Hill
Just up the road from the bustle, Brunch on the Hill feels like a calmer, more intimate retreat. It may not have quite the same theatrical presentation as Rosemary, but the food is lovely. The menu leans into Australian-inspired all-day brunch—fresh ingredients, bold flavours, and comforting staples with a bit of flair.
The staff are attentive and friendly, making you feel right at home. It’s an ideal spot for a relaxed meal, even on weekends when other places might be crowded.
📍 48 Crouch End Hill, N8 8AA
🍷 My Favourite Restaurant in Crouch End: Melange
Since I’ve already taken you through some of my favourite bakeries and cafés, I thought I’d highlight just one restaurant before moving on — though I do have one more food-related gem to share after this (cheese lovers, stay tuned). Otherwise, this post might start to look suspiciously like a full-blown culinary guide to Crouch End… tempting though that is!
Melange, located right in the heart of Crouch End, is a warm and stylish restaurant offering a blend of French and Italian cuisine with a Mediterranean soul. The menu is full of rich flavours, fresh ingredients, and the kind of dishes that linger in your memory long after the plate is empty.
One of my long-time favourites is their Mediterranean Tiger Prawns, served with toasted sourdough — simple, authentic, and beautifully done. Their calamari is also a must-try: light, crisp, and paired with a tartare sauce so good it deserves to be bottled. Honestly, I’ve tried a good number of dishes here and very few have ever let me down.
But the real standout for me — the thing that now defines our Sundays — is their relatively new Sunday Roast. Specifically: the Corn Fed Half Chicken Roast. We get it delivered almost every weekend now, and it’s become a bit of a ritual. The chicken is always perfectly cooked, the gravy rich and comforting, and the roast potatoes, which I usually find underwhelming in many roasts, are creamy and full of flavour. Even the Yorkshire pudding is spot-on — golden, crispy, and just the right amount of indulgent.
So if you’re looking for a proper meal — whether it’s a special dinner out or just an elevated Sunday lunch without lifting a finger — Melange is absolutely worth it.
📍 135 High Street, Crouch End, N8 8NG
🧀 The Most Dangerous Shop in Crouch End: Jumi Cheese
Crouch End is full of wonderful independent shops — you can pick up fine wine, flowers, health food, art, books (though, side note, the Waterstones really needs to improve their Mark Lawrence section), high-quality kitchenware, and quirky gifts. But let me introduce you to the one place that has truly caught me off guard… and possibly changed my entire view on cheese: Jumi Cheese.
Now, I’ve never been someone who was particularly into cheese. Sure, it’s nice on a board with crackers, or melted into something comforting — but I never saw it as a main event, let alone a dessert. And then I wandered into this Swiss cheese shop with its gorgeous interior, welcoming vibe, and friendly staff. I tried a sample of their Mountain Meadows cheese… and now I’m addicted. Truly. This shop is dangerous.
What makes their cheese so special is that it’s made from raw milk — which means it hasn’t been heat-treated the way most supermarket cheeses are. This allows the natural bacteria and enzymes to stay intact, giving the cheese a deeper flavour and a more complex character. It also means it may be easier to digest for some people and better for your gut — though of course, raw milk products aren’t recommended during pregnancy or for anyone with certain health conditions, so best to ask before diving in.
Jumi is based in Switzerland and produces their cheeses using traditional Alpine methods, from milk sourced from cows grazing in mountain pastures — which frankly feels like the most romantic origin story a cheese could have. Their offerings include a variety of hard, soft, blue, and raclette cheeses, each crafted with traditional methods that emphasize quality and flavor. Notably, their cheeses are produced without industrial processes, ensuring a unique taste experience. You may walk in curious, but you’ll likely walk out clutching a beautifully wrapped wedge and planning your next visit.
📍 57 Park Road, Crouch End, London N8 8SY
🌐 jumilondon.com
🚶♀️ Two Walks to Balance the Brunch
After all that bread, cheese, and tiramisu (no regrets), it’s only fair I recommend a little movement to go with all the indulgence. The good news is, Crouch End is perfect for that. Whether you fancy a quick reset or a longer ramble, there are a couple of easy, beautiful walking routes that let you explore the area properly — from its buzzy cafés and quirky shops to peaceful residential streets and green spaces.
The first walk is gentle and circular — about an hour depending on your pace and how often you stop to sniff roses, peek into shop windows, or photograph a squirrel mid-yoga pose. It’s the perfect way to take in the “village feel” of Crouch End while letting your food settle.
🌳 Walk 1: Clock Tower Loop via Park Road, Priory Park, and Middle Lane
Approx. 1 hour | Circular route | Easy walk
You can begin this walk in one of two ways — either from the Clock Tower, Crouch End’s central landmark, or after a satisfying meal at Rosemary Café, which is just up the street. Start heading north up Park Road, where you’ll pass an eclectic mix of shops, from boutiques to homeware stores and independent grocers. If you’re walking pre-lunch, this is the moment to stop by Jumi Cheese, the Swiss shop that may very well ruin supermarket cheese for you forever.
Once you’ve soaked in the shopfronts, turn right onto Lynton Road. Here begins the quiet residential stretch of the walk — peaceful, and filled with character. The houses here are mostly late Victorian and early Edwardian terraces, some with climbing vines, arched doorways, and intricate detailing. It’s the kind of area that makes you start daydreaming about moving in.
This tree-lined local favourite offers a peaceful contrast to the buzz of the high street — perfect for a gentle stroll, reading a book under the trees, or simply enjoying a moment of calm surrounded by greenery.
On the eastern side of the park, just off Middle Lane, you’ll find a striking ornamental fountain. Made of Lamorna granite (a distinctive Cornish stone known for its durability and speckled beauty), it was originally installed in 1880 outside St Paul’s Cathedral in central London before being moved here in 1909.
The fountain features the Arms of the City of London and was designed by Francis Cranmer Penrose. Once, it had a central vertical jet of water and four smaller jets spouting into the upper basin. It hasn’t been operational for many years, but its elegant form still gives the park a sense of character and quiet history.
Exit the park onto Middle Lane, which will take you south back toward the heart of Crouch End. If you’re in the mood for one last treat (let’s be honest, you probably are), stop by Sourdough Sophia for a loaf to take home or a pastry to share.
Where Middle Lane meets Tottenham Lane, you’ll spot Melange, the French-Italian restaurant I raved about earlier. From there, continue down Tottenham Lane, which offers more shops and cafés.
The walk ends right back at the Clock Tower, ideally with the feeling that you’ve both explored and recharged — exactly what a good city stroll should be.
🌿 Walk 2: Parkland Walk to Highgate Station
Approx. 30–40 mins | Linear route | Mostly shaded woodland path
If your idea of a perfect walk leans more toward whispering leaves than window shopping, then this one’s for you. The Parkland Walk is Crouch End’s green artery — a former railway line reclaimed by nature, transformed into a peaceful, slightly mysterious trail connecting the area to Finsbury Park in one direction and Highgate Station in the other.
You can absolutely do this on its own, especially if you’re craving a dose of woodland magic, but it also works well as a second leg to the Clock Tower walk, as long as you’re up for it.
Start again from the Clock Tower, then walk along Crouch End Hill (perhaps grabbing a pick-me-up from Dunns Bakery or Brunch on the Hill) and follow the signs toward the old Crouch End Railway Station, where the entrance to the Parkland Walk begins.
From here, the vibe shifts. You step off the pavements and into another world — a winding path lined with overgrown trees, ivy-covered walls, and layers of graffiti that pop out from the old brick arches. It’s like walking through an open-air art gallery that’s been slowly swallowed by a forest.
One of the most striking features is the sense of enclosure: for much of the route, you’re walking between two embankments, giving the feeling of being tucked into a gentle green trench. Occasionally, the path rises — taking you up and over small bridges, where you can peek out over rooftops or leafy side streets.
This route is also popular with dog walkers — see if you can spot the little explorer in one of my photos! There are several side gates along the way if you want to exit early or detour onto nearby roads, but it’s easy and rewarding to simply keep walking all the way to Highgate Station, where the route naturally concludes.
It’s a shady walk in the summer, a golden one in autumn, and peaceful year-round. Whether you do it with a friend or solo with a podcast (or just birdsong), Parkland Walk feels like a small escape — a reminder that even in London, nature finds a way.
✨ Final Thoughts
Whether you’re here for the cheese, the coffee, the culture, or the trees, Crouch End has a way of surprising you. It’s a place where quiet village charm meets creative energy, where you can grab a world-class tiramisu, stroll past graffiti-covered railway arches, and bump into a celeb buying oat milk — all in the space of an afternoon.
This post barely scratches the surface of what Crouch End has to offer — there’s still more I haven’t even touched on yet. But hopefully it gives you a taste of why I keep coming back, and why I think this North London pocket is worth exploring, whether you’re local or just passing through.
If you enjoyed this virtual wander, feel free to share your own favourite spots in the comments — or let me know if you try one of the walks! I’d love to hear what you discover.
Thanks for reading, and happy wandering. 🌸
🚇 Getting to Crouch End
Crouch End doesn’t have its own Underground station (yet another reason it feels like a hidden pocket of the city), but it’s still easy to reach:
- 🚇 Nearest tube stations: Highgate (Northern Line), Wood Green (Piccadilly Line), or Finsbury Park (Victoria/Piccadilly + National Rail)
- 🚆 By train: Hornsey and Harringay railway stations are both nearby and served by Great Northern trains from Moorgate and King’s Cross.
- 🚌 Buses: The W7 from Finsbury Park Station drops you off right in the heart of Crouch End, by the Clock Tower. The W3, W5, 91, 41, and 210 also serve the area.
- 🚶♀️ On foot: If you’re coming via Highgate Station, the Parkland Walk offers a scenic 20-minute stroll into the neighbourhood. Highly recommended!
🪄 Support a Fantasy Author (a.k.a. Toss a Coin to Your Bookish Bard)
If this blog post helped you plan a fun afternoon, discover a new favourite spot, or simply made you crave tiramisu (you’re welcome), there are two ways you can support my work:
☕ Buy me a coffee
Every “coffee” you send helps fuel my writing, blogging, and the eventual release of my sequel to A Gamble of Gods. Your support keeps this creative ship sailing and brings me closer to publishing my next book.
👉 buymeacoffee.com/mitrielfaywood
📖 Read my novel, A Gamble of Gods by Mitriel Faywood
This is a genre-blending debut that doesn’t sit quietly on any one shelf. It combines epic fantasy, sci-fi, fast-paced action, and a bold thread of romance.
You’ll follow three main characters — a rogue adventurer, a gifted scholar, and a troubled office worker — each from very different worlds, whose lives collide through a shared fate and a centuries-old secret order. Expect sword fights on galloping carriages, identity-shifting assassins, stolen magical relics, and enough plot twists to keep you guessing right up to the end.
It’s vivid, occasionally dark, and above all, an exhilarating ride with heart and humour.
Thank you so much for joining me on this Crouch End wander — and maybe even for stepping into one of my worlds, too. 🐉
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Mitriel Faywood 