Deborah’s guidebook
Local eateries and food shops
Tufnell Park's high street - Fortess Road - is fast becoming a destination for foodies with a fab range of cafes, an epicerie, butcher, fishmonger, bakery and great pub. There is also a Sainsburys local on Fortess Road for basics, and a Budgens just off Tufnell Park Road. Lots to enjoy just a few minutes walk away.
Kentish Town is a 15-20 minute walk away, or 5 mins by public transport, and has a good range of restaurants as well including Wahaca (Mexican), Franco Manca (sourdough pizza) and Patron (a really nice French bistro). It also has a number of organic food shops.
Really cool atmosphere, and is perfect for brunch or lunch, with a separate playroom at the back for kids. Have a coffee with the knowledge that your little ones have plenty to amuse themselves with, plus there are good baby changing facilities.
There is also a small garden/courtyard out the back with some tables.
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Bear + Wolf
153 Fortess RdReally cool atmosphere, and is perfect for brunch or lunch, with a separate playroom at the back for kids. Have a coffee with the knowledge that your little ones have plenty to amuse themselves with, plus there are good baby changing facilities.
There is also a small garden/courtyard out the back with some tables.
We love this butcher! The friendliest and most helpful of staff, and really delicious produce. Always some nice things to taste as well ...!
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Meat NW5
147 Fortess RdWe love this butcher! The friendliest and most helpful of staff, and really delicious produce. Always some nice things to taste as well ...!
Every type of bread you could possibly desire ... but you need to go in the morning as past lunch time there is very little left!
They also have some pretty delicious pastries and baked goods, in addition to prepared sandwiches and sausage rolls. Everything is made on the premises so extremely fresh.
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The Spence Bakery
161 Stoke Newington Church StEvery type of bread you could possibly desire ... but you need to go in the morning as past lunch time there is very little left!
They also have some pretty delicious pastries and baked goods, in addition to prepared sandwiches and sausage rolls. Everything is made on the premises so extremely fresh.
A local favourite that has recently been renovated. Lovely interiors and a good beer garden with lots of heaters! The food is delicious, and there's a great kids menu as well.
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The Junction Tavern Kentish Town
101 Fortess RdA local favourite that has recently been renovated. Lovely interiors and a good beer garden with lots of heaters! The food is delicious, and there's a great kids menu as well.
For something a little more sophisticated ...
Amazing menu, plus a really nice selection of produce to buy. Definitely worth checking out, but may appeal more to adults.
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Authentique - Epicerie & Bar
116 Fortess RdFor something a little more sophisticated ...
Amazing menu, plus a really nice selection of produce to buy. Definitely worth checking out, but may appeal more to adults.
Rustique Cafe
142 Fortess RdA firm favourite with locals.
Cinnamon Village 2
162 Blackstock RdA nice, popular corner cafe with some outside seating.
We've never actually been (oops!), but have heard REALLY good things. it's on our to-do list, so please keep us posted if you do try it!
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Korova
9 Campdale RdWe've never actually been (oops!), but have heard REALLY good things. it's on our to-do list, so please keep us posted if you do try it!
Moments from the house, this is a really nice pub. They have a great menu, and a really big outdoor area at the back and front. The service can be a bit dodgy, but they have had a big refurb so it may be that they have new management. Definitely worth a try if you're not in a rush!
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Tufnell Park Tavern
162 Tufnell Park RdMoments from the house, this is a really nice pub. They have a great menu, and a really big outdoor area at the back and front. The service can be a bit dodgy, but they have had a big refurb so it may be that they have new management. Definitely worth a try if you're not in a rush!
Ruby Violet
3 Wharf RoadDELICIOUS ice cream and sorbets made on site. A must try!
Things to do nearby
Our location benefits from being extremely close to the amazing green spaces of Parliament Hill and English Heritage property, Kenwood House, whilst being minutes in to the centre of London by tube, the boutiques on Upper Street, Islington, and from the extremely buzzy Kings Cross and world famous Camden Lock Market.
A brand new shopping district as part of the Kings Cross development, housing extremely cool independent shops, bars, restaurants. The architecture is stunning, and there are loads of beanbags and sofas to lounge around.
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Coal Drops Yard
Stable StreetA brand new shopping district as part of the Kings Cross development, housing extremely cool independent shops, bars, restaurants. The architecture is stunning, and there are loads of beanbags and sofas to lounge around.
Fountains for kids to run through in the sunshine, canal-side seating, food markets under the canopy ... LOADS of things going on. Great restaurants and bars.
https://www.kingscross.co.uk/whats-on
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Isikhashana se-Granary
1 Granary SquareFountains for kids to run through in the sunshine, canal-side seating, food markets under the canopy ... LOADS of things going on. Great restaurants and bars.
https://www.kingscross.co.uk/whats-on
Stalls and shops selling everything from vintage clothing and furniture to handmade jewellery, gifts, music and more. Particularly buzzy on Sunday.
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Camden Town
Camden High StreetStalls and shops selling everything from vintage clothing and furniture to handmade jewellery, gifts, music and more. Particularly buzzy on Sunday.
A stunning English heritage property, set in the beautiful grounds of Kenwood. The house is beautiful to wander around, and they have trails for children. The grounds are a joy to explore. Open air concerts run throughout the Summer.
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Kenwood House
A stunning English heritage property, set in the beautiful grounds of Kenwood. The house is beautiful to wander around, and they have trails for children. The grounds are a joy to explore. Open air concerts run throughout the Summer.
Incredible parkland, 15 minutes walk from the house. Walk up kite hill for a stunning view across London, dare to dip in the swimming ponds, or for the kids, head to the well equipped playgrounds and huge paddling pool. With a couple of nice cafes, there's something for everyone, plus a fantastic farmer's market on a Saturday.
https://www.lfm.org.uk/markets/parliament-hill/
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Parliament Hill Viewpoint
Incredible parkland, 15 minutes walk from the house. Walk up kite hill for a stunning view across London, dare to dip in the swimming ponds, or for the kids, head to the well equipped playgrounds and huge paddling pool. With a couple of nice cafes, there's something for everyone, plus a fantastic farmer's market on a Saturday.
https://www.lfm.org.uk/markets/parliament-hill/
Not for the faint hearted ... but apparently exhilarating!
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Parliament Hill Fields Lido
Gordon House RoadNot for the faint hearted ... but apparently exhilarating!
For any tennis enthusiasts ... lots of courts available for hire.
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Parliament Hill Tennis Courts
Highgate RoadFor any tennis enthusiasts ... lots of courts available for hire.
Odeon Cinema Holloway
419-427 Holloway RdLocated at the end of Tufnell Park Road.
Archway Leisure Centre boasts a fully-equipped two-storey gym overlooking the leisure pool with its sloping beach, flume, two spa pools and sauna suite.
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Archway Leisure Centre
1 MacDonald RdArchway Leisure Centre boasts a fully-equipped two-storey gym overlooking the leisure pool with its sloping beach, flume, two spa pools and sauna suite.
Part of the same leisure group as Archway, with 3 pools and lots of exercise classes.
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Kentish Town Sports Centre
Grafton RoadPart of the same leisure group as Archway, with 3 pools and lots of exercise classes.
A popular picnic and kite-flying spot with a unique panoramic view of the city. Features an outdoor gym and great kids playground.
Primrose Hill is also home to some gorgeous boutiques and cafes, along with some excellent pubs.
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Primrose Hill
Primrose Hill RoadA popular picnic and kite-flying spot with a unique panoramic view of the city. Features an outdoor gym and great kids playground.
Primrose Hill is also home to some gorgeous boutiques and cafes, along with some excellent pubs.
ZSL London Zoo
Outer CircleA fun day out for the family!
Hire a boat, take a picnic and leisurely cruise the canals. You can hire the boats for 1 or 2 hours. A really nice activity and something a little different.
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GoBoat Paddington
Merchant SquareHire a boat, take a picnic and leisurely cruise the canals. You can hire the boats for 1 or 2 hours. A really nice activity and something a little different.