Dunns Bakery
First established in Highgate in 1820, Dunns is one of the longest-running bakers in North London, with baker Christopher Freeman the fifth generation. Using fresh, local ingredients, the shop is famed for its cakes and still uses the traditional paper bags for its products.
6 Broadway Parade N8
Tel: +44 (0)20 8340 1614
www.dunns-bakery.co.uk/
The Haberdashery
A cafe that is quirky without being self-consciously so, offering great coffee in generous mugs, homemade cakes and treats and music on vinyl. Arts show and other events – check out the ‘barboot’ sale for vintage clothes etc every first Friday of the month – keep it fresh.
22 Middle Lane N8
Tel: +44 (0)20 8342 8098
www.the-haberdashery.com
Railway Tavern
A lovingly restored 1930s pub, where TVs and fruit machines are banned, and dark wood and eclectic fittings dominate. Traditional ales, a good chef in the kitchen – who does a great Sunday lunch – and a lovely private garden add to the appeal of this fine local.
23 Crouch Hill N8
Tel: +44 (0)20 8348 3396
www.the-railwaytavern.co.uk/
Angelica Rose
An eclectic collection of homeware and gifts make this a treasure trove of taste. The mix of shiny shiny things for the home and quirky little personal items, such as designer jewellery, make this a perfect place for present shopping – for yourself as well as for others.
Tel: +44 (0)20 8340 2060
www.angelicarose.co.uk/
Pleasantly rural until the end of the 1880s, the building of seven railway stations nearby turned this area into a Victorian suburb. It went downmarket during the post-war era but has been undergoing a marked revival in recent years. www.thecrouchendproject.co.uk
Tube: Turnpike Lane/Rail: Hornsey
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Hornsey 1 2
St James
One of the very best local restaurants in London, this chic place has a buzzing downstairs bistro, wine and cocktail bar, an elegant dining room and a lovely outside terrace for fine weather. With a robust modern menu, it is famed for its family-friendly Sunday roasts.
4 Topsfield Parade N8
Tel: +44 (0)20 8348 8348
http://stjamesn8.co.uk
Coffee Cake
An ‘Artisan Traiteur’ offering an interesting blend of French continental and North African cuisine in its handmade bread, pastries and rich salads. Ali Benammar, the third generation baker, says his simple philosophy is to ‘give people what I would want to eat’.
28 Broadway Parade N8
Tel: +44 (0)20 8342 8989
www.coffee-cake.co.uk
Hornsey Town Hall
By architect Reginald Uren, this was opened in 1935 and awarded a bronze medal by RIBA (Royal Institute for British Architecture). No longer the town hall, it is a Grade II* Listed Building with plans to make it an arts and performance centre. Gas and electric showrooms flanked it in the same Art Deco style.
Clock Tower
This red brick icon of the High Street was erected in 1895 ‘in recognition of the public services rendered by Henry Reader Williams. Williams was wine merchant who helped poor children in the East End and played a major role in preserving local open spaces including Priory Park (below), Highgate Woods and Alexandra Park.
Priory Park
A regular Green Flag winner, this is popular with families but also has a ‘Philosopher's Garden' to offer quieter moments. The fountain in the middle made of 50 tons of Cornish granite once stood beside St Paul’s Cathedral but was moved here in 1809 to honour Mayor Ernest Ebblewhite, a noted barrister.
