Your guide to living in Finsbury Park
Best known for its namesake park, Finsbury Park (the area) strikes the balance between maintaining a cosmopolitan vibe that contrasts with its leafy side streets and parks. With an excellent pub scene and a variety of independent shops and places to eat, this north London neighbourhood should be on your watch-list of places to live.
Where is it?
Find Finsbury Park in the borough of Harringay in north London, between Archway and South Tottenham.
How do I get there?
Finsbury Park Station is accessible via Piccadilly and Victoria lines, as well as the Overground. Alternatively, you can catch the 153 bus towards Liverpool Street, 236 to Hackney or take the W3 or W7 night buses on the weekend.
What do the locals go?
Parks:
It goes without saying that a trip to Finsbury Park is mandatory. Get your steps in and walk around the lake, before stopping by the park cafe and exploring the art exhibition space next door. If you’re into your athletics, take a pick of their sports facilities including; a football pitch, bowling green, skatepark, or tennis and basketball courts. There’s even an American sports field - unusual for London but great news for softball and American football fans! Watch this space in summer as the park hosts Wireless festival and other large outdoor gigs.
Woodberry Wetlands is a free nature reserve that's open between 9 and 4.30 everyday. Check out the 11 hectares of ponds and wooded nature preserve, running alongside a former rail line with old platforms and a trail . If you’re up for the challenge, follow the 5k route on bike or foot, up to Highgate. Don’t worry there are plenty of pubs along the way (oh and beautiful nature to observe, of course).
Events & Activities:
If you want to feel like a kid again, spend an evening at Rowan’s. Take a date or a group of friends and explore two floors of bowling, karaoke, arcade games and fairground rides, before heading to the dancefloor until the early hours. It doesn't matter if you're knocking back beer or slurping on a slushie, you’re guaranteed to have a fun night.
The Park Theatre is a great option if you want to soak up some culture, or if you're in need of a rainy day activity. This recently built playhouse has multiple performance spaces and hosts a range of local and amateur performances as well as well-known plays.
The best restaurants:
Max’s Sandwich Shop is miles from your regular deli. Forget your classic egg and cress or tuna mayo, and instead expect wacky flavour combinations and, quite possibly, the most sizable sandwiches you’ve ever seen. The menu currently features sandwiches inspired by ham, eggs and chips and chinese spring rolls. However, the menu changes regularly, so head down quickly to try their latest creations.
Try authentic Japanese and Korean food at neighbourhood favourite Dotori. Order from sushi to Korean BBQ on their (reasonably priced) extensive menu. The restaurant operates on a walk-in basis so be prepared to wait for a table, and don’t forget to swing by a cash point on your way as they're cash-only. We promise it’ll be worth it!
Just outside Finsbury Park station you’ll find Someday Someday. Order one of their signature Margaritas alongside a freshly fired sourdough pizza from ACE pizza, or one of their in-house Mexican inspired sharing plates. It’s the perfect place to host an evening with friends, delicious food, and a catch up.
The best pubs:
If you want to sit in a beer garden that rivals all others, look no further than the Faltering Fullback. Grab yourself a table in their multi-tiered tree house, drenched in ivy and with enough seating to squeeze all of your friends (and their plus-one’s!) around a table. The inside space is multi-layered too, with multiple bars and a back room with a pool table.
Revel at the original Victorian features at The Salisbury. Think decorative mirrors, stained glass windows and mosaic floors. Try one of their international beers or choose something from their wine list and enjoy a cosy night next to one of their open fireplaces.
The Old Dairy - as the name suggests - is set inside an old creamery. This local landmark features exposed brick walls, high glass ceilings, and plenty of seating. Grab a drink at the main bar or tuck into a pub classic steak and ale pie or fish and chips from their restaurant.
The best coffee shops:
Boulangerie Bon Matin is a family run bakery and coffee shop specialising in Parisienne and Mediterranean food. Brunchers get ready to rejoice at their brioche french toast or eggs Royale with home-made hollandaise sauce - and don’t forget to try one of their salted caramel brownies, fruit financiers or a french almond cake from their counter!
Almost everything at Finks Salt and Sweet is provided by local suppliers, so grab a coffee made from Caravan Coffee and a focaccia sandwich made from bread at Dusty Knuckle. Make the most of their takeaway menu and get a charcuterie board or a decadent salad bowl with flatbread to enjoy in the park.
The Blighty Cafe is the ultimate greasy spoon. Start your weekend right with a full English and a builder brew tea (yep, that's what the menu says). But hipster’s don’t fret - they have a dedicated menu for sourdough toast with toppings ranging from CBD and avocado to poached egg and salmon.
Shops:
Fronthill Road has been a go-to shopping spot for locals since the 1950s. Take a wonder through their fashion village, made up of over 100 independent retailers and try to resist the temptation to overhaul your current wardrobe. Stroud Green Road is also a worthy rival shopping street, boasting an excellent range of gift and homeware shops including Pretty Shiny Shop and Mosey Home. But if you’re watching your wallet, there are also plenty of charity shops to choose from!
What’s it famous for?
For football fans, Finsbury Park station is near Arsenal Football Club’s Emirates Stadium. It's also home to the five-storey North London Central Mosque, which is an integral part of the community.
Notable celebrities born in the area include actresses Kate Beckinsale, Minnie Driver and Naomie Harris.
Want to know the average room rent for Finsbury Park, and other London postcodes? Check out our latest guide here!