The Clooper Guide To Highbury
Leafy parks, bounteous pubs and cafes and a bustling central square: Highbury is another hidden gem in the home of Big Ben.
Highbury may seem like a quiet, humble town though it could surprise you! Nestled close to central London, its location is superb. Not only this, its Georgian homes and close-knit community give it an authentic British village feel.
OODLES OF APPEAL
Highbury isn’t just home to one specific kind of person. This leafy little area draws in students, families and retired couples alike. Calm, comfortable mornings in the cafe can easily turn into wild, exciting nights in the local clubs and pubs. A wander through the parks and a picnic can lead to a night spent at the local theatre, or a romantic candlelit Italian dinner. There are multiple areas to choose from when choosing your ideal home. Therefore, if you’re not a party-goer: plot up in a quieter region, but if you’re happy to live in close proximity to the nightlife? You have the option to do so. Highbury may seem unassuming, but it’s actually a day out in itself. While it isn’t as bounteous in its amenities as our Putney area guide here, it certainly gives it a run for its money.
BEAUTIFUL ARCHITECHTURE
The architecture in Highbury doesn’t necessarily follow one theme. In fact, it also boasts a wide variety of options. Houses range from elegant Georgian homes to small Victorian terraced homes. There are also even mansions dotted around, for those of us with larger families and a taste for vintage architecture. Not only this, Highbury has converted many of its larger homes into flats. There are also flats to choose from around the Emirates stadium and flats that have been converted from where the old Arsenal FC Stadium used to be. This further backs up our previous point: Highbury is a place for everyone, no matter where or what you want to live in or how many there are of you. You’re sure to find a home in Highbury – for a decent price, too!
HIGHBURY BARN
Highbury Barn is the name of the village centre, where most of its community gathers for varying reasons. It is home to a well-loved butcher, Godfreys, that’s been going strong since 1905. There are also multiple independently-owned stores and shops. These include cheese shops, greengrocers, fish and chippies, cafes and bookshops. As well as this, there are multiple restaurants to choose from. Each of them sporting its own unique cuisines: Thai food at Farang and Sunday Roasts at Franks Canteen to name a few. There are also, of course, your necessary grocery stores such as Tesco and Sainsbury, as well as gyms and even a Leisure centre to be found.
FAMILY FUN
Highbury isn’t exactly notorious for its schools: there are only a few outstanding schools with the others resting comfortably at a ‘good’ score from Ofsted. However, this isn’t too hefty of a drawback. Highbury boasts a wide variety of children’s entertainment, in its venues and even its parks. Highbury Fields is the largest, with a children’s playground featuring sand and water play as well as a bandstand and tennis courts. There is also Clissold Park, which is home to an aviary and an animal enclosure! Finsbury Park is also incredibly close by with an outdoor gym, another playground, a cafe, boating lake, bowling club, skatepark, formal garden and tennis court. You and your family could all find something to do at any of these huge parks!
Multiple child-friendly activities can be found also. These include an under-fives activity club, paddling pool, stay and play sessions in multiple venues as well as dance classes and even Taekwando. Private schools can also be found, as well as an all-girls school, so there are options to choose from for your child’s education.
UNIQUE VENUES AND ACTIVITES
Highbury has its fair share of eccentric and unique restaurants, clubs, pubs and even shops. This quirky little area is definitely not as unassuming as many presume it to be! Some of its more popular venues include:
- The Hen and Chickens Theatre. A fringe theatre situated above a pub. This theatre prides itself on its individuality and warm, comfortable atmosphere. Find out more here, on its very own website.
- Thousand Island Club is a popular club venue for those looking to boogie the night away.
- After a more sophisticated evening? Why not try the Mountgrove Bothy? This beautifully decorated wine bar prides itself on its wide selection of rare wines.
- Highbury Library may fool you with its name: it’s actually a bar, sporting tasty drinks and a chic vinyl collection.
- There is a sweet little shop in this area with only one thing available… Sylvanian families! The Sylvanian Shopkeepers are open six days a week, bringing you the cutest and most authentic little Sylvanian toys from a sweet vintage shopfront.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Check out our other area guides here.
