The leafy suburb of Highbury is not without its own selection of breweries, sleek restaurants and cosy brunch spots. Although quieter than the nearby Angel and Islington, living in Highbury lets you enjoy London’s social scene without the bustle of being right in the centre of it all.
With so many independent hangouts to choose from, Highbury offers a relaxed and friendly neighbourhood vibe. We’ve wandered across the suburb to find eight of the best food and drink places to visit.
The best restaurants in Highbury and Islington
Brewhouse & Kitchen
Corsica Street’s Brewhouse & Kitchen might look like your typical pub from the outside, but inside the pub houses its own microbrewery. Sit back and unwind with one of the pub’s own craft beers. The cosy, relaxed atmosphere means you can visit the pub around the clock. Those living in Highbury can stop by on Sundays to sample their roast menu Or why not head over for after work drinks, or join your friends to watch live sport matches? You’ll even find some beer-infused recipes on the food menu. Want to learn more about the beer-making process? Be sure to sign up for one of their ‘meet the brewer’ events.
Address: 2a Corsica Street, Highbury, London, N5 1JJ
Follow: @brewhouse_and_kitchen
Westerns Laundry
Sibling to Stoke Newington’s highly acclaimed Primeur, Westerns Laundry serves an eclectic small plates menu. The simplistic yet stylish interiors are matched by the complex flavours of each dish. Specialising in modern European cuisine and seafood, the restaurant has a daily changing menu as featured on the blackboard. From fresh lemony oysters to salt-glazed vegetables, your taste buds will definitely be stimulated. There’s also a diverse wine menu; just ask your waiter for the perfect pairing to accompany your meal.
Address: 34 Drayton Park, Highbury East, London N5 1PB
Follow: @westernslaundry
Linden Stores
Wine connoisseurs and lovers alike will be spoilt for choice when living in Highbury. The neighbourhood-run wine shop and restaurant, Linden Stores, stock and sell only the finest selection. The expert team will be able to pick out the perfect bottle for you to takeaway. Or linger in the chic restaurant to sample a glass yourself alongside sumptuous small plates. The shop-cum-restaurant also hosts regular wine events.
Address: 20 St Paul's Road, Highbury, London N1 2LL
Follow: @lindenstores
La Fromagerie
For those with a savoury tooth, La Fromagerie sells a mouth-watering selection of cheeses. The cheese shop doubles up as a tasting café serving up charcuterie boards and nibbles alongside the very best cheeses. The waiters will be able to recommend the perfect wine to pair with your cheese. There is also a monthly supper club; the changing menu highlights a different farmhouse cheese as chosen by the expert cheesemongers, with seasonal produce and wines. Each Friday La Fromagerie host a cheese and wine bar featuring fondue, raclette and charcuterie boards, book in advance as it gets booked up quickly.
Address: 30 Highbury Park, London N5 2AA
Follow: @lafromagerieuk
Trullo
The carefully crafted menu and neighbourhood vibe of Trullo make it the ideal midweek dining spot for those living in Highbury. The restaurant serves up flavoursome Italian-inspired dishes featuring handmade pasta. The pasta is rolled on the day for you in the authentic Italian way, whilst fish and meat are cooked over burning coals on the wide charcoal grill. Menus change regularly to reflect the finest seasonal produce, from creamy cavatelli dishes with greens to rich tomatoey beef ragu. The restaurant is the older sibling to Borough Market’s modern bistro, Padella.
Address: 300-302 St Paul's Road, Highbury East, London N1 2LH
Follow: @trullo_restaurant
Farang
Be tempted by the exotic Thai cuisine of Farang. The restaurant infuses authentic flavours from Thailand with a British twist. Whether you like your food super spicy or more aromatic, each of the dishes is carefully labelled to suit your taste. Regular favourites include the Pàk-Ká-Náa roasted cavolo nero crisps and the spicy southern coconut curry. There’s also a separate vegan and vegetarian menu making the restaurant a good choice to accommodate for big groups and those with dietary requirements.
Address: 72 Highbury Park, Highbury East, London N5 2XE
Follow: @farangldn
Prawn on the Lawn
Although it began life as a simple fishmongers, Prawn on the Lawn is now one of the most stylish fishmongers you’ll find. The venue has evolved into a restaurant, serving only the freshest seafood. Choose from a menu of eclectic tapas-style fish dishes and larger crab or lobster platters — all perfect for sharing with a group of friends. You’ll also find a varied drinks menu of wines, cocktails, beers and even bubbly to accompany your dinner.
Address: 292, 294 St Paul's Road, Highbury East, London N1 2LH
Follow: @prawnonthelawn
Franks Canteen
Don’t be fooled by its modest name; Franks Canteen is a trendy spot for brunch, lunch & dinner. If you’re living in Highbury, pop by at the weekend for eggs from the weekly changing menu or the canteen’s own take on the full English breakfast. Menus change regularly to take advantage of seasonal fish, meat, vegetables and fruit, although flavours are inspired by world cuisine. On weekdays, the café offers just the right buzz for freelancers, with coffee and sweet pastries aplenty.
Address: 86 Highbury Park, London, N5 2XE
Follow @frankscanteen
Living in Highbury
It might be more relaxed than its neighbouring districts, but Highbury is home to numerous hotspots. The mix of leafy parklands, social spaces and good transport links make living in Highbury a good option for people who want the best of both worlds. You’ll have cool places to visit and quiet spaces to retreat to right on your doorstep, whilst Central London is just a short Tube ride away from Highbury & Islington station.
Thinking of living in North London? Read our complete guide for the best places to live in the area. Get in touch and share your favourite North London hangouts by tweeting us @EssLiving.
