The North London Guide

@goop
 on 2022.02.03
32 Places
@goop
Many would describe London as a series of villages, each with its own architecture, mom and pop shops, and quirky characters, and nowhere is that more true than in North London. The villagers of Hampstead and Primrose Hill are lucky to live near two of the most gorgeous parks with beautiful views of the city below, while Islington's charm lies in its quiet, tree-lined streets, which house many of London's politicians—Brexit Boris included—and classic, old-school gastropubs. Meanwhile, King's Cross and punk-ish Camden are both undergoing a major revamp, leaving their village roots behind with glitzy restaurants, shops, and theaters moving in and luring the tourists along with them.

Oliver's Fish & Chips

Fish and chips takeaway · Chalk Farm

"Only in London would you have your fish and chips delivered. This clean, friendly and upscale locale makes an excellent fish & chips combo that proves you don't have to look and feel like you just came out of a nightclub to indulge in the national dish. There's a second location in Whetstone. "

Primeur

Modern European restaurant · Stoke Newington

"Hidden on a residential street in Canonbury, in an old garage with a beautiful old sign to prove it, Primeur feels eons away from London's bustle. On a warm day, the garage doors open and diners get to watch the evening light filter in while snacking on a fantastic Spanish cheese and sipping on one of the natural, mineral wines on their expertly chosen list. And then dive into the short but perfect menu, which changes daily, so much so that it arrives hastily handwritten. Share a few small plates of their ultra-seasonal fare and watch the world quietly go by outside the garage doors. For large groups, there's a private dining room downstairs in the wine cave. "

Everyman Screen on the Green

Movie theater · Islington

"This is one of Britain’s oldest independent theater groups—with cinemas in Hampstead, Belsize Park, Maida Vale, and more—and as such, they know how to entertain. Loved for their comfortable and stylish interiors—armchair or couch seating comes complete with footstool and a side table for that glass of wine and gourmet snack (no fake-buttered popcorn or boxed chocolate to be found)."

The Little One Coffee Shop & Roastery

Coffee shop · Primrose Hill

"As its name suggests, this café and creperie is tiny, though that doesn't hold it back: For one, they work with sustainable, green coffee providers to bring new beans to customers every couple of weeks. For two, their pastries are house-made and include Brazilian pao de queijo cheese puffs and the most decadent fruit muffins ever. Most coffees are to-go, though in warmer weather there are a couple of seats available right outside the shop. "

Ruby Violet

Ice cream shop · King's Cross

"With its first parlour in Tufnell Park, ice cream innovator Ruby Violet has joined the ranks of major restaurants like Caravan and Dishoom and opened right in the middle of the action in up-and-coming Kings Cross. Now the droves of tourists, students, and area locals get to treat themselves to the incomparable concoctions—chocolate sorbet, licorice, and masala chai among them. Take it to go, or in the colder months, huddle in their gem box of a dining room behind the bar. "

The Regent's Park

Park · Regent's Park

"Straddling Westminster and Camden, Regent's Park features the largest grass area for sports in London, plus an open air theater, Regent's College, Regent's Canal, the London Zoo, restaurants, cafés, and so much more."

ZSL London Zoo

Zoo · Regent's Park

"The animals at the London Zoo are well kept, so a visit here is always a happy one. Plus, a recent renovation converted many of the animals' enclosures, making them truer to how they live in nature. There are also a number of daily kids activities that are heavy on fun without skimping on education."

"The lab above the bar is where resident mixologist, Tony Conigliaro, concocts recipes for his unique and delicious cocktails. Despite being open seven days a week with live jazz every Sunday night, the vibe is relaxed and cool. Make sure to reserve beforehand, as it’s a small space, or try the offshoot at the Zetter Townhouse."

Gill's Cookery

Catering food and drink supplier · Golders Green

"Gill's classes run every holiday from 9am until 3pm, over the course of which they teach about five to six dishes. Gill demonstrates and then the kids learn to make everything from scratch. Many courses are themed around seasons and holidays like Valentine's, Halloween, and Christmas. She also runs children's birthday parties with international cuisine themes like American, Italian, and Japanese."

twentytwentyone

Furniture store · Canonbury

"This is the place where young couples go in Islington to furnish their East London homes with high-end, contemporary and modern classics created by the likes of Le Corbusier, Hans Wegner, Robin Day, and many, many more. The shop has recently expanded, but the floor is still just the tip of the iceberg. Make a point to inquire about their other stock. "

Huggle HQ

Software company · Soho

"Huggle stocks a huge range of kid and baby related products. Founders Rachel and Jason Heller buy with an eye for practicality and good design, and the range of options is pretty astounding, making this the perfect place to stock up for a baby on the way."

The Martial Arts Place

Martial arts school · Swiss Cottage

"At The Martial Arts Place, they teach a form of kickboxing called Mo-Gei-Do, meaning 'The Way of No Boundaries.' Teaching kids from 5-years to 14-, the environment here is positive and supportive and in addition to the practice, issues like stranger awareness and road safety are also included on the syllabus. They offer great classes for adults as well."

"The scrumptious, simple, yet interesting food (squid pancakes, for example) and hip yet relaxed Exmouth Market vibe make this one of our favorite places for brunch. It's also a great place to go for a coffee (which is roasted on-site) to linger over and enjoy with a book. This spot became so popular that they opened up a much bigger, industrial-inflected space at Kings Cross that serves the same great mix of small plates."

The Organic Pharmacy

Permanently Closed

"The Organic Pharmacy specializes in herbal and homeopathic treatments and supplements and is a place where you can get a custom mix made according to your specific needs. You'll also find a great range of beauty and skincare products that you can buy on goop. There are locations throughout the city in Chelsea, Covent Garden, Kensington, Soho, and Hampstead. "

West Hampstead Farmers' Market

Farmers' market · West Hampstead

"Highlights include veggies from Kent, a Greek stand with plump olives, the Wild Country Organics lettuce stand with a variety of all-organic greens like mustard, rocket, and others you've never heard of, plus a Celtic baker with a really nice variety of breads and baked goods."

Harry Morgan

Permanently Closed

"Here, the sandwiches are as heavenly as the bagels, smoked fish, and latkes. You can get your orders to go or linger and people watch."

The Duke of Cambridge

Gastropub · Islington

"From yummy mummies and their banker husbands to twenty-somethings who've wandered a bit too far from Essex Road, everyone seems to enjoy this up market gastropub with great organic fare and drinks. It's a perfect location for a post-meal walk to Broadway Market via Regent's Canal."

Talacre Community Sports Centre

Sports complex · Kentish Town West

"This colorful indoor climbing frame for 6-month to 11-year-olds is part of the Talacre Sports and Community Center, and just a short walk from the Kentish Town West station. If you want to bring your really little ones to play, a good time is between 9-10:30am on weekdays for the "Under 5 Only" session. "

John Lewis & Partners

Department store · Marylebone

"John Lewis is great for home goods, kitchenware, clothing basics, and more. You'd be surprised at what you can find here. They deliver, and very quickly at that, making it so convenient you never even need to step foot in the store, here or on Oxford Street. Don't miss their home section for great, affordable, and durable English design. "

The Bull and Last

Hotel · Camden

"This is the kind of Hampstead Heath go-to where everyone, even the family dog, is welcome. The atmosphere is cozy and traditional with maroon leather seats, chalkboard menus, and lots of distressed wood. Don’t miss the bread basket, homemade ice cream, and ale (for grownups only)."

The Drapers Arms

Pub · Barnsbury

"Hidden away on a quiet street in Islington, the Draper’s Arms attracts a faithful following who come for casual tipples and full meals. The British gastro-pub fare is wonderful as is the small selection of wines; and, this being England and all, the beer and ales selection is definitely on point. Old wooden tables, checkerboard floors, board games, and a wall full of classic orange-spined Penguin paperbacks drives the cozy vibe home."

"Unlike most of Soho House’s buttoned-up and exclusive restaurants, the Dirty Burger brand is a series of down-and-out tin-clad locales churning out ridiculously tasty and super-cheap cheeseburgers. (Vegetarians can order the "Cop Out," which is just as satisfyingly dirty.) It’s very purposefully a no-frills situation that’s totally worth the wait. There are more locations in Whitechapel, Shoreditch, and Vauxville."

Dishoom King's Cross

Indian restaurant · King's Cross

"This relatively new and growing chain of modern Indian restaurants reveals a new dimension to a city already well-versed in the cuisine. Expertly decorated to resemble an old Iranian Bombay cafe, the vibe is casual and, as tradition dictates, ideal for both large groups and singles reading the paper and having a chai. The long menu of rotis, naans, grilled meats, and stews is spice-inflected but not necessarily curry heavy. There are three more locations in Shoreditch, Carnaby, and Covent Garden."

Trullo

Italian restaurant · Canonbury

"This Italian spot is great with a few friends because it means you get to share a bunch of the delicious, seasonal offerings. Their menu is constantly changing, so you can always expect to be pleasantly surprised. Downstairs, you'll find a slightly glitzier (though still very tasteful and understated) vibe and small plates that are a little fancier."

triyoga Camden

Yoga studio · Camden Town

"We were sad to see Triyoga's beautiful, Primrose Hill location go but are more than satisfied with its new airy, Camden replacement. Beyond the well-known yoga and Pilates classes—by far, some of the best the city has to offer—it's also worth checking out the infrared sauna sessions, craniosacral massage, intuitive readings, and nutritional, EFT, and CBT therapy (depending on what you're after). Additional services are offered at Triyoga locations in Covent Garden, Soho, and Chelsea."

Melrose & Morgan

Permanently Closed

"The freshly made food at this beautifully laid out shop is a good take-away lunch option. You'll also find plenty of tempting cheeses, meats, wines, and oils. The emphasis is on British-made fare but there are carefully-selected and very tempting exceptions like preserved lemons and jars of Spanish beans. There's a second location in Primrose Hill."

The Life Centre Islington

Permanently Closed

"A haven for serious and amateur yogis alike—just check into the packed Islington Saturday morning Jivamukti classes for a taste—both Life Centre locations are also hubs for some of London's best alternative therapies: craniosacral therapy, lymphatic drainage, reflexology, Reiki, and more. While the therapy rooms are not what you get at a glitzy hotel spa, the therapists are incredible healers. The Islington location also opened up a yoga therapy clinic, where personalized yoga sessions look to address a suite of maladies from digestive to emotional. There's an additional location in Notting Hill."

"The Hummingbird Bakery landed in Notting Hill in early 2004 to become the home of quality American baking in London. Today it has five branches across the city in Soho >South Kensington, Spitalfields, and Islington, and is famed the world over for its delicious cupcakes and other sweet treats and desserts."

Primrose Hill

Primrose Hill

"People all around London flock to Primrose Hill for the breathtaking 360 degree view. On summer days the hill is covered in picnickers taking in the sun. On winter days, there's always a dog walker or two, and when it snows, this is a prime sledding park."

Highgate Holistic Clinic

Alternative medicine practitioner · Crouch End

"Trained as a traditional obstetrician, Dr. Gowri became frustrated with conventional birth methods and has developed her own technique called "The Gentle Birth Method" which incorporates traditional Ayurveda among other modalities. She insists the entire process needn't be as painful and fraught with stress as it has become for many women. Her method is all-encompassing: Through a mix of private consultations and group sessions she helps women with infertility issues to become pregnant, and assists pregnant women through the process into birth and care-giving."

Chantal Freegard

Permanently Closed

"The trek out to Barnet to see reflexologist Chantal Freegard (she makes North London home visits upon request) is a worthwhile exercise for anyone dealing with stress, insomnia, back problems, and infertility. Some say the energy changes in a room the minute she walks in. Part of her success comes from her long-standing practice in reflexology, and part comes from her foray into crystal healing. At the end of each session, she incorporates sound therapy using vibrating crystals from her personal collection, which she chooses intuitively for each client."

German Gymnasium Grand Café

Modern European restaurant · King's Cross

"The D&D group (of Terence Conran & company fame) has gone and created another classic a la Skylon, Bluebird, etc. This time it's in King's Cross which is going through a major regeneration with Google among its new tenants-to-be. In what used to be the German Gymnasium—the first purpose-built gym in the UK from way back in the 1860's—they've set up an eponymous all-day restaurant that's perfectly placed to serve all the EuroStar travelers heading to Paris from St. Pancras across the street. Fittingly, it feels like a gateway to old Europe, where the Sekt and Champagne flow and Schnitzel and Sauerkraut is served in what feels like an elegant Viennese café (with a modern twist). The hulking space has been beautifully reinterpreted. "