Restaurants and cafes 

 Highbury boasts a vibrant culinary scene with a diverse array of restaurants and cafés to satisfy all tastes. Beam is a local favourite known for its all-day brunch menu blending Mediterranean and British influences, served in a cosy, modern setting. For those craving bold Thai flavours, Farang offers a contemporary twist on traditional dishes with seasonal ingredients and a vibrant atmosphere. If authentic Italian cuisine is more your style, Il Guscio serves up delicious wood-fired pizzas and homemade pastas in an intimate, rustic setting. For a more relaxed bite, Humdingers is a staff favourite, known for its artisanal breads, pastries, and light meals, perfect for breakfast or a casual lunch. Meanwhile, Frank's Canteen is another gem, serving globally inspired breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, with menus that change seasonally. Its casual dining vibe is perfect for any occasion, and their BYO Wednesdays with no corkage fee are a local hit. Whether you're in the mood for brunch, exotic Thai, authentic Italian, or freshly baked treats, Highbury's dining options are sure to delight. 

Green spaces 

If you love green spaces, you’ll feel right at home in Highbury. Highbury Fields is the perfect spot to relax, whether you’re having a picnic, going for a jog, or just enjoying a leisurely walk. There’s lots of space to spread out, plus tennis courts and a café if you fancy a bite. It’s a real favourite with locals and families. Not far from there, you’ve got Clissold Park, which is just as lovely. It’s got everything from a charming café to a playground for the kids, tennis courts, and even an animal enclosure with ducks, goats, and chickens. Whether you’re a dog walker, a sports fan, or just someone who enjoys a bit of nature, these parks are the perfect place to unwind.

Transport 

Living in the Highbury area offers excellent transport options, making it easy to get around London. Arsenal Tube Station, just a short walk away, connects you directly to the Piccadilly Line, which takes you right into Central London. For those using the Overground, Drayton Park Overground Station is also nearby, providing quick access to other parts of North and East London. Within walking distance is Highbury and Islington connects to the Victoria Line, Northern Line, Overground, and National Rail services, making commuting to various parts of the city a breeze. In addition, the area is well-served by several bus routes, offering great flexibility for travel. For cyclists, N5 is well-equipped with bike lanes, and with local parks nearby, it's an easy and pleasant area to cycle around. Whether you're commuting to work or exploring the city, Highbury’s transport links make it a highly connected and convenient location to live.

Schools

Highbury is a fantastic location for families, thanks to its access to a range of highly-rated primary and secondary schools. Highbury Grove School, a well-established secondary school, is highly regarded for its academic achievements, strong Ofsted ratings, and diverse extracurricular activities, making it a popular choice for local families. For primary education, St John's Highbury Vale offers a nurturing environment with excellent academic results and a strong sense of community. Gillespie School is another highly rated local primary, known for its academic excellence and welcoming atmosphere. Ambler Primary School is also a great choice, offering a creative curriculum and a focus on the individual development of each child. Drayton Park Primary School is nearby as well, with a reputation for fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. For the little ones, there are several well-rated nurseries and preschools dotted around the area, including Highbury Community Nursery and Monkey Puzzle Highbury. With a variety of excellent nurseries, primary and secondary schools in the area, Highbury offers families outstanding educational options for children of all ages.

Pubs and nightlife  

Highbury offers a great mix of pubs to suit all tastes, making it the perfect place for both a lively night out and a relaxed evening. The Highbury Barn Pub is a beloved local spot, and a popular spot for a Sunday roast in a welcoming, laid-back environment. The Alwyne Castle is also a popular choice, with a fantastic selection of craft beers and a buzzing vibe, ideal for an evening with friends. A local’s favourite is the The Bank of Friendship, a cosy spot known for its warm atmosphere and selection of ales, perfect for unwinding after a busy day. The Woodbine Pub serves a variety of ales and hearty pub food. The pub is also renowned for its Thai cuisine, offering a unique twist to traditional pub fare. Lastly, The Drayton Park is a charming local pub with a great selection of drinks, perfect for a relaxed pint with friends or family, or great for Arsenal fans looking for a lively atmosphere on home match days. Whether you're after something vibrant or a quiet drink in a friendly setting, Highbury has a pub for every occasion.

Shops

Highbury is bursting with fantastic grocery shops that really add to the area’s charm and make it such a great place to call home. If you’re after fresh, organic produce, Seasons and Blossoms on Highbury Park is a must-visit. It’s an independent greengrocer known for its seasonal fruit and veg, plus a great selection of whole foods and specialty items. You’ll find everything from gluten-free goodies to eco-friendly cleaning products, making it a favourite for health-conscious locals. For those who love artisanal and organic products, Harvest N5 near Highbury Corner is a gem. It’s a family-run store with a bakery section that always smells incredible, and they stock all sorts of organic treats. Of course, there are also convenient options like Little Waitrose and Tesco Express nearby for those quick mid-week shops. But it’s the unique, independent spots like Seasons and Blossoms and Harvest N5 that really add character to Highbury’s community vibe. Whether you’re picking up fresh ingredients for dinner or grabbing a healthy snack on the go, Highbury’s grocery scene makes everyday shopping a joy.

Living in Highbury provides residents with the perfect blend of city convenience and suburban charm. Whether you're a young professional, a growing family, or a couple looking for a relaxing place to call home, Highbury offers something for everyone.

Restaurants

Foremost, for the foodies, Archway boasts a vibrant and diverse culinary scene that caters to a variety of tastes and preferences. Here's a closer look at some of the local favourites that make this neighbourhood a food lover's delight: For a laid-back evening with great Italian food, 500 is a cosy, family-run spot just across from the David Andrew office, known for its nostalgic vibe and creative dishes. St John's Tavern is another local favourite—a historic gastropub with high ceilings and a relaxed atmosphere, serving up traditional British dishes with a twist, plus the occasional Spanish-inspired tapas night. If you’re craving pizza, Crudough is the place to go, offering hand-thrown sourdough pizzas with inventive toppings and a great selection of craft beers. For more Italian goodness, Che Cosa is loved for its homemade pasta and delicious sourdough pizzas—don’t miss their olives Ascolana. And for something a bit different, The Great Indian puts a creative spin on traditional Indian dishes, served up in a relaxed pub setting. Whether you’re after a quick bite or a long, lazy dinner, Archway’s got you covered.

Green spaces

If you’re a nature lover, you’ll really appreciate Archway’s green spaces. Waterlow Park is a real gem—think peaceful strolls through pretty gardens, tennis courts for a casual match, and lots of spots to just sit back and relax. It’s the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Then there’s Whittington Park, which has sports facilities for a bit of exercise, and playgrounds if you’ve got little ones in tow. And if you’re craving a bit more space, Hampstead Heath is just a short walk away, with its massive, stunning views of the city, vast walking trails, and plenty of room to explore. Whether you’re after a chilled afternoon or a bit of outdoor fun, these parks have you covered.

Nightlife 

Archway’s night scene is definitely one of the things that makes the area so special. Whether you’re after a quiet pint or a lively night out, there’s something for everyone. The Whittington Stone is a lovely, cozy pub with a relaxed vibe—great for a Sunday roast or watching a game on TV with a pint of local ale. For something a bit livelier, The Boogaloo just up the road is a fun spot with live music and DJ nights, perfect for when you’re in the mood for a bit of dancing. If you’re into craft beers, head to The Junction Tavern; it’s got a great selection and often hosts events like quiz nights or live comedy, so there’s always something to keep you entertained. And if you're after something a little different, The Grafton is a bit of a hidden gem—it’s got a retro feel, serves up great cocktails, and hosts everything from movie nights to open mic sessions. So, whether you’re after a chill pint or a night of music and fun, Archway’s pubs won’t disappoint.

Travel 

Getting around from Archway is a breeze, making it a great spot for commuters. Archway Underground Station, the first zone 2 stop on the northern line, gets you into central London in no time. If you're catching the overground, Upper Holloway Station is nearby too, offering handy connections to other parts of the city and beyond. Plus, there are loads of bus routes passing through the area, so whether you’re heading north or south, you’re well covered. With major roads like the A1 just around the corner, getting in and out of Archway by car is super easy too. All in all, whether you’re traveling by tube, train, bus, or car, Archway makes commuting a lot simpler.

Shopping and gym 

Archway has plenty of options when it comes to shopping, catering to all tastes and needs. Junction Road and Holloway Road are bustling with independent boutiques, specialty shops, and everyday essentials. For groceries, you’re spoilt for choice—there’s a Marks & Spencer right by the station, perfect for grabbing quality food on the go, and an Aldi on Junction Road for affordable essentials. You’ll also find a Sainsbury’s and a Tesco, making it easy to pick up whatever you need. If you like to shop local, don’t miss the Archway Market on Saturdays. It’s a community favorite, offering fresh produce, handmade crafts, and artisanal goods. There are also plenty of smaller independent stores dotted around the area, perfect for discovering unique finds and supporting local businesses.

Schools

Archway has a good selection of schools, making it a great choice for families looking to settle in North London. For primary education, Yerbury Primary School is highly rated and known for its strong academic standards and welcoming community feel. Hargrave Park School is another popular choice, offering a nurturing environment with a focus on creativity and personal development. Tufnell Park Primary is also nearby and loved for its inclusive atmosphere and active parent-teacher community. For secondary education, Acland Burghley School is a well-regarded mixed comprehensive just a short distance away, known for its strong focus on arts and culture. Another option is Holloway School, which offers a supportive learning environment and a wide range of extracurricular activities. For younger children, there are plenty of nurseries and preschools to choose from, including Archway Children's Centre and Little Haven Nursery, both praised for their caring staff and engaging learning environments. With so many great schools to choose from, Archway is a fantastic option for families looking for quality education options in North London.

Archway has undergone some exciting changes in recent years, with modern public spaces, improved infrastructure, and new residential developments breathing new life into the area. The regeneration has brought in modern public spaces, better infrastructure, and some sleek new apartments, while still holding onto its character with those lovely Victorian terraces and charming cottages. Archway manages to mix the best of old and new. With its excellent amenities and strong community spirit, it’s a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a vibrant and well-connected place to live in North London.