The Clooper Guide To Crouch End
Crouch End, home to the iconic Crouch End Clock Tower, is a blissful urban valley nestled between multiple leafy parks. Lined with community owned shops and venues, evocative architecture and even home to celebrities: Crouch End is a must-see for those looking for something a little more unique.
Crouch End is an artsy little village well known for its entertainment scene large number of independently owned stores and restaurants. Though, it can seem off-putting for some considering the lack of a train station. Nonetheless, stations are as close as a ten-minute bus ride away. This minor detour is far from enough to deter residents from adoring their cozy little village, however. Here’s an insight into why Crouch End is such a source of pride for those who live there, and just how moving there could benefit you.
AN AUTHENTIC COMMUNITY
Crouch End isn’t available on the London Underground. Now, we know this may seem to be a drawback, but in reality, it’s a great boon. There are much fewer tourists and visitors, so Crouch End hasn’t been overrun by chain stores or overtly high property prices.
Residents love the vibrancy of the local bars, restaurants and shops. A lot of residents accredit this to their individuality and uniqueness. This fosters great pride in the area. Crouch End is truly an individual among the more transient London villages and boroughs.
From record stores to Caribbean restaurants, cocktail bars to charity shops: Crouch End is a treasure trove of community-owned venues. While there are of course local big brand supermarkets, such as Waitrose, they don’t dominate the village. They even have a dog-friendly cafe! So you can take time out for a lovely brunch while your furry best friend enjoys a Puppacino (or two).
LOCAL PARKS GALORE
Crouch Ends locals often refer to it as an ‘urban valley’. This is partly due to its location, nestled between three popular parks in particular. Alexandra Park, Finsbury Park and Highgate Woods.
Parkland Walk is another: a stretch of parkland that runs south all the way to Finsbury Park. Alexandra Park is also a stone’s throw from Alexandra Palace, one of Londons most popular entertainment venues.
Highgate Woods also sometimes hosts events, as do Finsbury Park and Alexandra Park. You can expect to hear about, and possibly even attend: music meetups, mini-festivals, sponsored walks and more.
ALEXANDRA PALACE
Alexandra Palace, affectionately nicknamed ‘Ally Pally’, is one of Londons most popular entertainment venues and an iconic gig venue. Living in Crouch End, you’d be a six-minute drive away. Otherwise, a 24-minute walk. Though that time is sure to go by in a flash as you take in the beautiful architecture and local greenery on your journey.
Ally Pally (which is very fun to say) is home to a plethora of events. Pantomimes, theatre performances, art events, comedians, music gigs: even live Q&A’s with celebrities! Crouch End itself is a hub for celebs. It’s home to Simon Pegg, Alan Carr and other notable names.
To get a better idea of what’s available at Alexandra Palace, you can click here. There’s such an array of options it’s impossible to sum it all up in one or two paragraphs. If you move to Crouch End, you’ll be hard-pressed to find yourself bored. With such an exciting venue so close by, you’re sure to find something to do with your weekends.
LOCAL AMENITIES
Crouch End is a rich tapestry of independent stores, but that doesn’t mean it neglects the basic amenities. Here’s a brief look into what Crouch End has to offer you in terms of sports, cinemas, supermarkets and more.
- Hornsey Town Hall Arts Centre. This is a huge arts space home to dance and yoga classes, gallery spaces and a communal cafe. It also hosts theatre and music performances. Hornsey Town Hall is even available for community hire
- Crouch End is home to several gyms and fitness venues. There’s a yoga specific venue, Yogacentric, as well as a pilates venue named The Pilates Place. There is also a Virgin Active and Park Road Pools and Fitness, which has three indoor pools available to choose from.
- There are numerous schools available, and many families live in the area for this reason. Take your pick from co-educational schools, catholic schools, single gender education and even a school specifically catered to young autistic people.
- Waitrose, Tesco, Co-op and Marks & Spencer are the primary supermarkets available. Though, as a local you’ll learn the best independent brands also. Swing by Gails bakery for some fresh baked goods, or pop down to Walter Purkis & Sons for fresh seafood and fish smoked and prepared daily.
- Crouch End Picturehouse is an indie cinema that’s, in their own words, as passionate about food as they are about cinema. You can catch your favourite new movie and then enjoy a dinner and a drink afterwards in their bar. There’s even free Wi-Fi available.
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