How to Live Like a Local in: Muswell Hill

29th April 2016

Tucked between Highgate and Alexandra Palace, Muswell Hill is a cultural haven in the heart of north London. Its village-like feel married with high street amenities – Marks & Sparks anyone? – makes it one of The Handbooks top destinations for a weekend, not to mention one of our top five places we’d love to live. Here’s where you should go if you want to enjoy what Muswell Hill has to offer like a local: 

Chriskitch

A foodie cafe

‘Foodie’ may seem a strange description of a café to some, but that’s exactly what Chriskitch is – a foodie café. There’s no glitz or over-the-top glamorous decor to distract you from mediocre dishes; just seasonal, real food that is fresh and different every day, depending on what is available that morning. Enjoy tasty breakfasts, delicious breads and cakes, flavourful salads and a couple of inspired main courses, all of which is made right there on the premises. The terrace is also a wonder of a suntrap in the summer months – highly recommended!

Where: 7a Tetherdown, Muswell Hill, N10 1ND
Website: http://www.chriskitch.com

Alexandra Palace

‘The People’s Palace’

Dating back to 1863, this iconic, historical palace sits high on Muswell Hill overlooking the rolling rise and fall of the city below. Ally Pally (as it’s also known) offers a variety of events and activities, from an ice rink to annual fireworks displays and regular live music performances. The grounds alone make for a picturesque setting for dog walks morning, noon and night, while the boating lake and lakeside café offer an idyllic first date destination. And every Sunday, there’s a gorgeous farmer’s market selling a selection of artisan food and drink.

Where: Alexandra Palace Way, London, N22 7AY
Website: http://www.alexandrapalace.com

Toffs

The best fish and chips

See above – this is THE BEST fish and chips in London. Dating back to 1968, Toff’s is a much-loved establishment and regular haunt for Muswell Hill locals. Open Monday to Saturday, they serve sustainable fresh fish that can be traced back to the individual vessel it was caught by. Expect classics including cod, haddock and rock fish alongside more luxurious servings of sea bass and Dover sole. And to top it off, traditional puds such as Spotted Dick are there for afters. Win win!

Where: 38 Muswell Hill Broadway, N10 3RT
Website: http://www.toffsfish.co.uk

Everyman Cinema

Boutique cinema

Everyman is an independent network of boutique cinemas across the UK, offering a unique and more ‘up-market’ film-watching experience – think cosier seating and an in-house restaurant. Naturally there’s a branch in arty Muswell Hill offering a step up from sticky, stale popcorn and watered-down cola from the foyer, making it the Orange Wednesday go-to for North London young loves. Take your sweetheart along for a spot of Jungle Book magic and tuck into hummus with flatbread, cheesy mozzarella garlic bread and retro candy.

Where: Fortis Green Road, London, N10 3HP
Website: http://www.everymancinema.com/venues/muswell-hill/whats-on

Muswill Hill Bookshop

Independent booksellers since 1985

In this weather, what else could The Handbook, a Muswell Hill resident or yourself want to do that curl up on the sofa (or perhaps a sunbed for luckier readers!) with a good book? Personally we can’t wait for Emma Cline’s The Girls to come out and are presently re-reading Harper Lee’s Go Set A Watchman – in book form no less. We are NOT Kindle fans but lovers of literature in its original format! And when we can, we love to support original, independent businesses like the Muswell Hill Bookshop, which not only provides the most exceptional customer service and selection of titles, but every now and then hosts readings by various authors. And all in an intimate, friendly neighbourhood setting; now that can’t be beaten!

Where: 70-72 Fortis Green Road, Muswell Hill, N10 3HN
Website: http://www.muswellhillbookshop.com

The Royal Oak

Everyone's favourite local

Residents of N10 count The Royal Oak a staple in their little black books. Loved for its Thursday quiz night, this family-run pub has a great selection of single malt whiskeys and pub food. A real community of locals enjoy regular live music (thanks to Eric on the piano), jukebox and beer garden with TVs showing sport.

Where: 73 St James's Lane, Muswell Hill, N10 3QY
Website: http://med122.wix.com/tfro

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