A Local's Guide to Haringey: The Best Spots for Food, Shopping, and Entertainment

Posted on 16/11/2024

Haringey is a vibrant and diverse borough located in the North East of London. It's known for its bustling high streets, beautiful green spaces, and rich cultural heritage. As a local resident, I've had the opportunity to explore this area extensively and discover some of its hidden gems. In this guide, I will share with you the best spots for food, shopping, and entertainment in Haringey.

Food

Haringey is a food lover's paradise, offering a wide range of cuisines from all corners of the world. One of the must-visit places for foodies in Haringey is the famous Green Lanes. This bustling street is lined with an array of Turkish restaurants, serving mouth-watering kebabs, mezes, and baklavas. Don't miss out on a visit to Gokyuzu or Devran for an authentic Turkish dining experience.

For those craving something different, head to Tottenham High Road where you can find a variety of Caribbean restaurants serving up delicious jerk chicken and ackee and saltfish dishes. My personal favorite is Negril Bakery & Restaurant, which also offers vegan options.

If you're looking for a more upscale dining experience, head to Crouch End where you can find award-winning restaurants such as Banners and Moro. These restaurants offer a fusion of British and international cuisines using locally sourced ingredients.

Shopping

From quirky independent stores to well-known high street brands, Haringey has it all when it comes to shopping. Wood Green High Road is a popular destination for fashion lovers with its many clothing stores including H&M, Zara, and Topshop. You can also find various budget-friendly shops selling unique vintage items.

For a more unique shopping experience, head to Alexandra Palace farmers market held every Sunday. Here you can find fresh produce from local farmers as well as handmade crafts and artisanal products. It's the perfect place to support small businesses while also indulging in some delicious food.

Entertainment

Haringey has a thriving arts and culture scene, offering a variety of entertainment options for all ages. The iconic Alexandra Palace, fondly known as 'Ally Pally', is the perfect place to catch a concert or event with its stunning views of London. It also hosts an ice rink, boating lake, and various exhibitions all year round.

For a more laid-back evening, head to one of the many pubs in Haringey such as The Salisbury or The Three Compasses. These pubs offer live music nights, comedy shows, and quiz nights, making them the perfect spot for a night out with friends.

If you're looking for family-friendly activities, visit Finsbury Park where you can find a playground, mini-golf course, and a velodrome. During the summer months, the park also hosts various events including open-air film screenings and music festivals.

Pros and Cons

As with any area, there are pros and cons to living in Haringey. On the plus side, it's a diverse and welcoming community with plenty of amenities close by. It's also well connected to central London via public transport.

However, traffic congestion can be an issue on some main roads during rush hour. Additionally, like most areas in London, rent prices can be high.

Tips

- Make use of public transport to avoid traffic during peak hours.
- Save money by visiting farmers markets for fresh produce.
- Explore beyond the main high streets to discover hidden gems in Haringey.

Takeaways

Haringey is a melting pot of cultures offering everything from delicious international cuisines to unique shopping experiences. With its lively entertainment options and beautiful green spaces, it's no wonder why it's becoming an increasingly popular place to live in London.

Conclusion

Whether you're a local resident or just visiting, Haringey has something for everyone. From bustling high streets to peaceful green spaces, this borough offers a diverse range of experiences. So, the next time you're in North London, don't forget to check out these must-visit spots in Haringey for an authentic taste of the local culture.