RENOWNED FOR ITS CREATIVE COMMUNITY, LAIDBACK CAFE CULTURE, TRANSPORT LINKS AND ABUNDANCE OF BEAUTIFUL FAMILY HOMES, THIS NORTH LONDON ENCLAVE’S PROPERTY MARKET IS AS HOT AS EVER
You don’t have to be a Gunners fan to live in Highbury, but it certainly helps. On match days, streams of supporters in Arsenal’s signature red and white head down to the Emirates stadium. While the team enjoys its return to form at the top of the Premier League this season, so too is Highbury riding high.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
“The market in Highbury and the immediate surrounding area continues to run hot,” says Grant Bates, head of prime London at Hamptons.
On quiet residential streets, you’ll find handsome family homes renovated to exacting standards. “The beautiful period properties that the area has to offer together with the size of property available for the family market means the market is both strong and resilient,” says Bates.
“There’s also an appetite for turn-key homes, these are ready-to-live-in properties where no structural or aesthetic work is required. Much of this part of town is blessed with beautifully renovated homes as the younger generations have moved in over the last decade or so, and extensively renovated the homes to fit with their style.”
People who move here tend to want to stay. There’s a village feel, yet you’re very well connected: Highbury & Islington station is on the Victoria Line, with overland services to Canada Water to the East and Clapham and Richmond to the West. Many residents work in the media, from film directors to well-known authors, as well as in the City. “The borough has a young and creative feel, but is also popular among financiers and lawyers, largely for its good connectivity to the City, as well as having a number of good restaurants, bars and shops,” says Dan Fox, head of sales in Savills Islington.
A DAY OUT
9AM
Morning walk
Start the day with a brisk walk through Highbury Fields passing by the tennis courts and Clock Tower, a landmark built to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897. Reward yourself with a trip to Japanese cafe Kissa Wa on Corsica Street, for a selection of Japanese teas or a matcha latte.
11AM
Find your flow
With spring round the corner, start the new season in Strek yoga studio on Cobble Lane. The light and leafy space is the perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle of city living. Ranging from beginner or ‘slow flow’ classes to experienced known as ‘power’ classes, all are welcome.
1.30PM
Brunch
Stop by Café Beam on Blackstock Road for dishes inspired by their Middle Eastern heritage. Find shakshuka and Beam Benedict, a take on the classic with a shawarma spiced patty, homemade pickled cabbage and harissa hollandaise.
Wander up the road to Highbury Barn, the heart of the village, to sample fine artisan cheeses and wine at local favourite La Fromagerie. There’s a small cafe with a few seats outside, or you can book in for its popular Friday Night fondue. On the other side of the road, the family-run Godfreys butcher has been serving the area since 1905.
3PM
Derby day
Home to Emirates Stadium, no trip to Highbury is complete without experiencing match day at the home of Arsenal football club on Hornsey Road, adjacent to Highbury Square. The next game is a London affair between Arsenal and Chelsea on the 29 April.
7.30PM
Stage lights
Home to many famous actors, Highbury is full of artistic links. At the Almeida Theatre, see recognisable faces and future stars perform in shows such as Women, Beware the Devil and The Secret Life of Bees, which begins its run there on 8 April.
ASK A LOCAL: ABIGAIL AHERN
Abigail Ahern, designer and founder of Abigail Ahern, says “I love the area where I live and work! It feels community-led, peppered with beautiful independent stores and has an incredible arty vibe. I’m a real foodie and there are some amazing places to eat and drink.
Jolene Bakery on Colebrook Row is right next to my store – the sourdough is to die for! I love Pacific Wines on Islington High Street, Katsute 100, an amazing Japanese tea room, and Noci on Upper Street has a laidback Italian vibe.
There are so many interesting independent stores (and my own!). I love meandering along Camden Passage, especially on Wednesdays and Saturdays when the market stalls are out. I stock up on my creative supplies at Cass Art.”
HIGHBURY: FOOD AND DRINK
Drayton Park
Located in a former commercial laundrette, Westerns Laundry is a Michelin Bib Gourmand that opened in 2018. Written on a chalkboard are seasonal menus of the day, which are inspired by classic British dishes with European flair.
Highbury Park
The highly popular award-winning Thai restaurant, founded by Sebby Holmes, showcases the best of Thai and British produce. Dishes, including aromatic coconut curry of tiger prawns, gai prik and turmeric and roasted garlic butter roti, are designed to share. For a truly spoiling experience, try their feasting menu.
TOP CUVÉE
177B Blackstock Road
A stroll away from their sister shop Shop Cuvée, Top Cuvée serves small plates, perfect for sharing after a long day to accompany natural, organic wines. The relaxed atmosphere makes it an N5 favourite. Nibble on anchovies, saucisson, oysters, mussels, skate wings and good cheeses.
TRULLO
300-302 St Paul’s Road
North London’s answer to the River Cafe, the Italian-inspired menu changes daily. Diners can expect fresh hand-made pasta, rolled minutes before serving. The beef shin ragu, cooked for eight hours, is not to be missed.
86 Highbury Park
Delicious all-day cafe dining, with a no-laptops-over-lunch rule, between 12-3pm. Choose from fried chicken foccacia, kedgeree, roast pork belly flatbread or just a really good pre-match bacon bap.
163 Upper Street
Named after the ’90s Colombian football captain Carlos Valderrama, the sports bar is inspired by his creative playing style. The menu is based on Great British Menu winner James Cochran’s Around the Cluck concept – his take on fried-chicken burgers. Surrounded by bright retro interiors, find specially commissioned murals that celebrate the beautiful game.
HIGHBURY SCHOOLS
Highbury parents would be wise to do their research, as the fortunes of schools can change. Gillespie Primary School, on Gillespie Road has been quietly improving in the last 20 years and is now popular with local families, pushing house prices up in the catchment area.
St John’s Highbury Vale CE, in the shadows of the old Highbury stadium, used to be oversubscribed, but now struggles to keep numbers up, especially in the upper years, when families move out of London or go private. William Tyndale on Upper Street and Canonbury School are popular with the Islington set.
At secondary level, the private North Bridge House Senior Canonbury (northbridgehouse.com) takes ages 11-18, inset, while Liverpool Road’s St Mary Magdalene Academy is now attracting kids that would have traditionally gone private. Other options include private schools such as Highgate, City of London School and Forest, or grammar schools to the north, Dame Alice Owen and Latymer.
HIGHBURY: ON THE MARKET
ASK AN AGENT: KAREN KEATING, SALES DIRECTOR, DEXTERS ISLINGTON
“Highbury has become a competitive residential area, attracting young professionals and families with its lively social scene, excellent schools and parks.
Highbury Fields has great facilities, including tennis and netball courts. Home to Emirates Stadium, there’s a great sense of community, while the old stadium has transformed into luxury apartments.
There has been a growing demand from buyers and tenants, which has been pushing up prices year on year. It’s no wonder the area has such a draw, with quick connections to the rest of the city, yet quieter than nearby Angel.
The area is known for its eclectic mix, with flats starting from £300,000, all the way up to grand Georgian houses fetching north of £6m. This cool neighbourhood may have a laidback vibe, but it’s a savvy investment for those that can get a piece of it.”dexters.co.uk
ABERDEEN ROAD
At almost 4,000sq ft, this five-bedroom Victorian home is a one-of-a- kind property, having undergone extensive renovation. Situated on one of Highbury’s most sought-after streets, features include a bespoke steel staircase, custom-built Roundhouse kitchen and gym. £4.75m.
Agent: hamptons.co.uk
ENGLEFIELD ROAD
In the heart of Islington, this super-sleek architecturally-refreshed period family home boasts five bedrooms, a spa, gym and cinema room. £5m.
Agent: dexters.co.uk
FRAMFIELD ROAD
This immaculately refurbished five-bedroom Victorian residence, complete with a charming townhouse garden, is just a short walk from Highbury Fields. £1.99m.
Agent: savills.com
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