by It was food that drew us to Crouch End.
My husband and I were living in Hendon, and they went out to what was then the Loch Fyne restaurant for dinner. We walked around in the early evening before the meal and was blown away by how many restaurants there were, and the vibe. It was vibrant and alive, and had a personal, village-y feel. We have to move here, we thought.
I have lived in Crouch End for 22 years now. We will be here for a long time. If I’m in London, this is where I’m going to live.
Eating and drinking
We are spoiled for choice here. La Fabrica, on Broadway Parade, and Bar Esteban, on Park Road, are two great Spanish tapas bars. Both have a great atmosphere and are very reasonable – we’ve been going for years and years.
Wow Simply Japanese, on Crouch End Hill, has been a favorite since it opened. Godzilla’s roll is amazing. My kids love it now, which is a problem because they eat as much as we do.
Tomo is a great local Italian pizzeria, on Hornsey High Street. It is family run and very reliable. Les 2 Garçons, on the Middle Lane, hasn’t been here that long, but it already feels like an institution. It is a buzzing restaurant, French brasserie style. It is always full.
On the drinks side, The Victoria Stakes is a lovely pub, on Muswell Hill, with a lovely covered alfresco area. My book was launched there a few years ago, and my husband celebrated his 50th there. He’s got great food and drinks.
Floral Hall, on Crouch Hill, is bright, with a lovely feel to it. And Little Mercies, on Broadway Parade, is extremely intimate, with killer cocktails.
I often stop at Kiss the Koala, on Priory Road, for a coffee. We’ve also sampled lots of street food at the Ally Pally Farmers Market on Sundays.
Where I work out
I love running, so Ally Pally is brilliant. You have several hills to give you a bit of exercise, and a beautiful view when you reach the top.
To commune with nature
Ally Pally has so much. There is a playground at the top and a lake – well, it’s called a lake – as well as many different park areas.
I have kids, and I basically lived in Priory Park for five years. It’s brilliant as it has a small cafe, a paddling pool in the summer, and a playground. It’s still where we go, even though they’re a little older now.
Grocery shopping
We are lucky to have so much on our doorstep. All the main supermarkets here have very few versions, but I love Walter Purkis on Broadway for fish. Middle Lane Market is a small deli with lots of nice things. The Haelan Centre, also on Broadway, is for if you ever need any healthy products.
Pachara, on Broadway Parade, is a great little Asian supermarket, and Harvest N8, on Tottenham Lane, is new and next on my list. It is well stocked with artisan products.
For a sweet pastry, there’s Sophia’s Sourdough on Middle Lane, and Dunns, an institution in Crouch End. They make great doughnuts.
For culture repair
For a small village, we have two cinemas: the ArtHouse and the Picturehouse, both on Tottenham Lane.
We have House of Books and Waterstones, as well as Ally Pally. We’re going to the Kaleidoscope Festival in July, which is right on our doorstep. There’s music — Ministry of Classical Sound headlines this year — comedy and street food, and it’s great for kids.
Getting around
There is no Tube, but the W3 and W7 buses go to Finsbury Park, where you can catch the Victoria line.
You can walk to Turnpike Lane, on the Piccadilly line, or Highgate, on the Northern line, and the country is over Hornsey, which brings you into the city.
Dream street
South Park Avenue. The big houses are there, they look great and have a grandeur about them.
Something you only see in Crouch End
Bonfire Night fireworks at Ally Pally. I can see them from my loft.
What is the catch?
Some would say the lack of Tube, but I think the area is good for transport.
In three words
Buzzing. lively Community
Dominique’s A cookbook, The Asian Pantry, is out on June 20. It is available to pre-order. www.thewoolfskitchen.com
Schools
Coleridge Primary, South Harringay Junior School and Noel Park Primary are excellent.
For secondary schools, the best nearby options are City Greig Academy, Hornsey School for Girls, Highgate Wood and Heartlands, all of which are rated as good.
What does it cost
Shopping in Crouch End
Average flat price: £554,620
Average house price: £1,340,460
To rent in Crouch End
Average flat: £1,950 pcm
Average house: £4,060 pcm
Source: Hamptons & Land Registry
