The Best Things To Do In Crouch End

Welcome to our not-so-secret sanctuary, found within North London’s charming suburbs, the urban village of Crouch End.

Now, we’re not playing favourites, but Crouch End has stolen our wine-soaked hearts. Imagine a place so humble that even we feel a bit boastful in comparison! Situated in Haringey, this hidden gem between Alexandra Palace and Finsbury Park was crowned ‘Best Place to Live in London’ by The Sunday Times in 2023. How’s that for a title?!

Unlike the hustle and bustle of central London, where avoiding eye contact is practically an art form, Crouch End is a breath of fresh air. The locals here don’t just nod politely; they share smiles and greetings like an episode of Cheers, where everybody knows your name. Community-minded, often artsy and creative, the locals love their home.

But this leafy suburb is more than just a residential haven, it also has an abundance of fun things to do. There are independent shops, bars, and restaurants in Crouch End, as well as art murals, greenery, and stunning Victorian architecture that you can’t help but stop and stare. In the centre of it all is the 19th-century marvel that is the Crouch End Clock Tower, proudly standing at a junction of four roads, where each one is beckoning you to explore.

Part of the charm of Crouch End is, surprisingly, the lack of direct tube line, forcing a slightly slower pace of life than we often experience in London. While the Northern Line speeds through Highgate station, and the Overground stops at Crouch Hill, these are a walk or bus ride away from the centre. So, dust off those trainers and bus timetables – you’ll be needing them to explore the best things to do in Crouch End!

Humble Grape Wine Bar in Crouch End

Of course, the best restaurant in Crouch End has got to be our Humble Grape wine bar. Relaxed and understated, we like to view ourselves as N8’s neighbourhood wine oasis, donning oak tabletops, rustic crates, and cork-clad walls to create a homely atmosphere.

We have loads on offer too, as you can pick up a bottle from our wine shop, join us for one of our monthly tastings, or dine in with a delicious meal. And just like Crouch End, we’re community-minded, with many of our 450+ sustainable wines coming from small, family-run vineyards – we want to support the little guys and hope you do too!

We’re also located in the midst of all things convenient. Need to drop off a parcel? Pop by Crouch End Post Office. Prescription pick-up? The pharmacy is just a stroll down Park Road. Forgot the milk? Grab some groceries from Waitrose or Tesco after a delightful visit with us. For more information on our Crouch End restaurant and wine bar and to book a table, click here.

Need more of an excuse to visit our Humble Grape wine bar? We’ve selected the best things to do in Crouch End:

Our top picks for your visit to Crouch End

1.     Go for a swim in the Park Road Lido

We’re diving into the best things to do in Crouch End with a splash! Park Road Lido is open all year round, with the 50-metre heated outdoor pool having been there since 1929. It was originally called Hornsey Open-Air Swimming Bath, so you can get your laps in a piece of London lido history.

2.     Take in the greenery on the Parkland walk

A beautiful walk in Crouch End, this 3-mile route between Finsbury Park and Alexandra Palace is on an abandoned railway line. It opened in 1873 and is the longest linear nature reserve in London – so lace up your running trainers, jump on your bike, or mosey along with your dog (you can always pop into Humble Grape halfway through; we’re one of Crouch End’s dog-friendly restaurants!).

3.      Catch a movie at Art House Crouch End

Regularly voted by Time Out readers as the best cinema in London, you can’t miss out on visiting Art House Crouch End. This independent cinema has intimate screenings and a small bar. It’s just a 5-minute walk from Humble Grape too, so a great thing to do in Crouch End before or after your dinner reservation.

4.     See a comedy show at Downstairs at the King’s Head

One of the oldest Comedy Clubs in Britain, you must see a stand-up show downstairs at the King’s Head. This London comedy club has quirky characteristics, and you’ll find both up-and-coming comedians and some of the Greats performing there with the sole purpose of making your cheeks ache.

5.     Enjoy a hot drink at one of the cafes in Crouch End, such as Beam

For brunch in Crouch End, the lovely cafe Beam is a favourite, cooking up a fantastic vegetarian breakfast. The business has been running since 1820, so you just know it’s gotta be good!

6.     Browse around the cool and quirky shops, like Flashback Records

While away the hours before your reservation at one of the restaurants in Crouch End by spending time browsing around the independent and quirky shops that they have lining the streets. The Flashback Record Store is a big hit with locals, so you can flick through the vinyl and enjoy the musical ambience of the store.

7.     Get adventurous at Go Ape in Alexandra Palace

Why not bring out your wild side and monkey around in the trees at Go Ape? A treetop adventure course based in Ally Pally, just a 20-minute walk away, it’s one of the best things to do in Crouch End, whether to entertain the kids or to have fun with friends.

8.     Visit the Farmer’s Market at Alexandra Palace

If it’s a Sunday while you’re in Alexandra Palace, you can also have a wander around their Farmer’s Market. It’s open 10am until 3pm and has fresh produce available. Maybe pick up a bottle of wine from the Humble Grape Crouch End wine shop beforehand and then head to Alexandra Palace Park to enjoy a relaxing afternoon.

9.     Munch your way through an iconic sarnie at Max’s Sandwich Shop

Causing quite a stir is Max’s Sandwich Shop, located on Crouch Hill, you can’t miss it – partly because it’ll often have queues out the door! These eccentric, delicious sandwiches make this one of the best places for lunch in Crouch End and one of the best sandwich shops in London.

10.  Grab a pint at The Queens pub

For a local Crouch End pub, look no further than The Queens. A beautifully ornate Victorian venue, you’ll find this to be a welcoming spot for lunch in Crouch End, or to grab a pint and catch up with friends in one of London’s traditional pubs.