Located at the crossroads of Kentish Town and Archway, Tufnell Park is not a district to overlook. Living in Tufnell Park, you’ll have a diverse range of trendy hangouts including classic British pubs, cosy bakeries and eclectic dining venues.
Owing to its laidback social scene and neighbourhood charm, the area has attracted a number of famous faces, from actors to British politicians. The area’s main Tufnell Park Station makes it easy to hop on the Northern Line Tube and be at Euston in just 15 minutes or over the river to Waterloo in 30 minutes.
If you’re thinking of living in this part of North London, read our guide to the best places in the area.
Bear + Wolf
Cosy café Bear + Wolf is one of Tufnell Park’s best brunch spots. The laid back atmosphere helps attract a mixed crowd comprising young adults, families and freelancers. Pop by in the morning to pick up one of their hearty brioche rolls or toasties, available with a choice of sauces and breads.
If you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth whilst living in Tufnell Park, take a look at their pastry and cake counter. There’s always a mix of favourites on offer, such as pain au chocolat, banana bread and pastels de nata. For those that don’t have time to sit in, the café is conveniently located just outside Tufnell Park Station so you can grab a coffee-to-go on your commute.
Address: 153 Fortess Road, Tufnell Park, London NW5 2HR
Phone: 020 3601 1900
Email: [email protected]
Follow: @bearandwolfcafe
East West
Bringing together flavours from India and Italy, East West is a pizzeria with a difference. The unlikely clash of cuisines is nevertheless delicious, blending the best Indian spices with a tried-and-tested authentic Italian stone-baked pizza recipe.
Try the adventurous ‘Chicken Tikka Masala’ pizza or vegan ‘Masala Jackfruit’ equivalent, which are exactly what they sound like. Spice lovers can delight in the ‘Punjabi Quattro Formaggio’ (paneer and chilli pecorino) or the ‘NW5 Special’ (Nduja sausage, salami and pepperoni). It’s not just the pizzas that deliver this exciting fusion of flavours. The pizzeria also serves a unique array of small plates and desserts, from Indian spiced arancini to ‘deconstructed’ tiramisu.
Address: 135 Fortess Road, Tufnell Park, London NW5 2HR
Phone: 020 3302 5300
Email: [email protected]
Follow: @eastwestlondon
Ruby Violet
Whether it’s sunny outside or not, ice cream parlour Ruby Violet is a popular haunt all year round in Tufnell Park. The independent brand creates small batch, homemade ice creams and sorbets in a limitless number of flavour combinations. You can expect everything from chocolate orange ice cream to blood orange and Campari sorbet. As well as cones and tubs, the parlour also serves soda floats, ice cream milkshakes, affogata, meringue muddles, and ice cream cakes.
To aid their exotic and classic concoctions, they follow a traditional British ice-cream-making method, using only organic milk and fresh, seasonal fruit. Vegans and those with lactose intolerance can rejoice too, since all of their sorbet flavours are completely milk-free and vegan.
Address: 118 Fortess Road, Kentish Town, London NW5 2HL
Phone: 020 7609 0444
Email: [email protected]
Follow: @rubyvioletices
Boston Music Room
For your dose of live music events whilst living in Tufnell Park, head to independent venue Boston Music Room. Boasting a busy calendar throughout the year, the venue showcases both local up-and-coming musicians and more renowned names. Whether you like hip hop or rock music, you can expect a bold mix of musical performances here. Since it was established back in the ‘80s, Boston Music Room has seen the likes of The White Stripes and Blur pass through its doors.
If you’d rather just relax with a pint, head next door to their sister, Boston Arms. The Irish pub has a large outdoor beer garden so you can soak up the London rays in the summer months. Above the pub is another venue, The Dome, which hosts music events and other live performances.
Address: 178 Junction Road, Tufnell Park, London N19 5QQ
Phone: 020 8103 8951
Email: [email protected]
Follow: @bostonmusicroom
The Lord Palmerston
The relaxed neighbourhood vibe of The Lord Palmerston makes it the perfect pub any day of the week. Just around the corner from Tufnell Park Station, the gastropub is ideally located whether you’re looking for a pint or a traditional Sunday roast. As well as the roast menu, you can expect classic British pub grub every day of the week, from beer-battered cod and chips to Cumberland sausages and mash.
Inside, the Victorian-inspired decor has been updated with a few modern touches, but you can still enjoy a cosy log fire during the winter and the ‘secret’ beer garden tucked away at the back. The pub hosts regular events including wine masterclasses and weekly film screenings as part of the popular Tufnell Park Film Club.
Address: 33 Dartmouth Park Hill, Tufnell Park, London, NW5 1HU
Phone: 020 7485 1578
Email: [email protected]
Follow: @palmerstonpub
KKINI
Mixing bold and vibrant flavours, KKINI serves Korean barbecue food. The name translates to ‘meal’; you’re in for a treat with the niche array of dishes, which act as a perfect entrance to Korean cuisine.
Try classic bibimbap – rice seasoned with vegetables, egg yolk, chili paste and your choice of meat or vegetarian toppings. Or order one of their BBQ boxes, choosing from a selection of marinated meats and dumplings. If you’re not feeling as adventurous, the restaurant also serves fried udon noodle dishes and spicy Korean soups. Eat in amid the lowkey interiors or enjoy a takeaway to dine within the comfort of your own home.
Address: 131 Fortess Road, Tufnell Park, London NW5 2HR
Phone: 020 7485 0369
Email: [email protected]
Tufnell Park Tavern
Traditional London pub Tufnell Park Tavern won’t disappoint thanks to its vast selection of beers, ales and wines. The pub wears many hats, acting as your local for a pint, a pizza restaurant, a venue for weekly wine tastings, and the place to be for a classic pub quiz with friends.
In the summer months, soak up the sun with a drink in the spacious beer garden, one of the best in N7. It’s well known that the pub attracts a few local celebrities from time to time, including Bill Nighy, Damian Lewis and Jeremy Corbyn.
Address: 162 Tufnell Park Road, London N7 0EE
Phone: 020 7281 6113
Email: [email protected]
Follow: @tufnellparktavern
Korova Restaurant
Family-run restaurant Korova serves an ever-changing menu of cuisine inspired by European dishes. Utilising fresh seasonal produce, the restaurant works with both local suppliers and small farms or growers in mainland Europe. Dishes bring together authentic flavours with fine dining execution, so you can rest assured the food tastes as delicious as it looks aesthetically.
Depending on what time of year you visit, you can savour the likes of cauliflower steak, an heirloom tomato salad, or confit duck leg. In the evenings, the restaurant is an ideal place for a romantic date night, complemented by the carefully curated wine menu and cocktail list. Visit in the daytime for a relaxed brunch with friends.
Address: 9 Campdale Road, London N7 0EA
Phone: 020 726 31515
Email: [email protected]
Follow: @tufnellparktavern
Spence Bakery
The independent Spence Bakery will become your go-to place to pick up a freshly baked loaf of a morning. All of their breads and baked goods are made by hand utilising tried and tested recipes, without any unnecessary ingredients. Choose from their sourdough loaves, including rye and oat porridge mixes, or try traditional Jewish challah bread. Create your own favourite sandwich or brunch dish from home or pick up one of the bakery’s own pre-filled rolls.
The bakery also serves a range of cakes, cookies and pastries to whet your appetite. As well as classic bakes like ginger nut biscuits and chocolate and banana muffins, look out for more unusual combinations like chocolate rye cookies with bourbon-soaked cherries.
The bakery has another branch in the nearby Stoke Newington.
Address: 146A Fortess Road, Tufnell Park, London NW5 2HP
Phone: 020 7485 0585
Email: [email protected]
Follow: @spencebakery
Living in Tufnell Park
Experience the neighbourhood charm of North London by living in Tufnell Park. You’ll have no shortage of relaxed hangouts and multicultural cuisine right on your doorstep.
If you’re not sure which part of North London is right for you, take a look at our complete guide on the best places to live north of the Thames.
