I moved Muswell Hill because I met my partner who has been living here for 14 years.
It has a bohemian, village-like feel, filled with people from all walks of life. There are lots of artists, musicians, families with babies and dogs. It’s lush and green, but also vibrant and vibrant.
I travel a lot for my job, late into the night and there are a lot of people involved so it’s nice to have this quiet and safe spot. It’s very easy to stay here.
Best eating and drinking
There’s Midori, which has been there for years for good sushi. Bob’s Cafe is also amazing. They make a really great katsu curry which I love. There’s also Toff’s, said to be one of London’s best fish and chip shops. Then Dunns bakery is the place for fresh cakes. They make really good donuts.
There are a few cocktail places around but really it’s all about the beautiful old bars. It’s more atmosphere. My place, The Village Green, has a great little beer garden that is a real sun trap. There is a feeling of “everyone knows everyone.”
Plus all the pubs in Crouch End and Highgate are within walking distance. I really love The King’s Head on Crouch End Hill and the walk from Highgate Woods to The Red Lion & Sun. It’s the best place for roasting.
Where do I work
As I got older I started to actually exercise, which is funny because it used to never bother me.
There’s a little place called GibFit 30 on Fortis Green Road that does half hour HIIT classes and it’s not as intense as doing full classes. It has a really nice community feel. The Three Tribes in Crouch End is great for a spin class.
To integrate with nature
Highgate Woods is a truly special place to me. I just love it there. It’s so peaceful as you walk around, as if you’ve stepped back in time.
Alexandra Palace It’s one of the highest points in London and the views are ridiculous. There’s some weather there too as you have a big terrace for drinks outside in the summer.
There is also the Parkland Walk, where you can walk along the old railway tracks from 1873 to Finsbury Park. There is a lot of nature here.
For culture correction
I like to treat myself to a really good movie with a glass of wine at Everyman. It’s in this beautiful art deco building that really stands out on the main street.
Ally Pally is a great place for concerts and they now hold many festivals there too. I thought this was ridiculous when I didn’t live in the area, but now this is my place! After a concert, I’ll usually walk over to the Boogaloo bar, where the after-show gigs are held.
We also have lots of bookstores, a few galleries and lots of charity shops which are great for vinyl.
grocery stores
You’ve got Sainsbury’s and M&S but I like to support independents and we’re totally spoiled here.
There’s a shop at the end of my street called Greens on the Hill, it sells really nice, fresh vegetables and nice wine. We also have a small Japanese supermarket called Jiamart that sells ramen, dumplings, and cream buns, which I’m obsessed with.
W Martyn has been here since 1897 and the inside never gets old. They make very nice biscuits and jams. They grind fresh coffee beans every morning and the coffee is flying down the high street.
Then there’s Walter Purkis, the fishmonger, and the Hampstead Butcher, which is good as a treat because it’s a little more expensive.
To wander
I’m lucky that I like walking because transportation is a little more difficult around here. You can walk to Highgate Underground or catch a bus to Finsbury Park. There’s a big bus stop here so they’re really neat. I don’t drive so I take a taxi after late shows.
dream street
Holly Village is this magnificent group of Gothic cottages hidden behind a gate near Highgate Cemetery. I always look at it as I pass by.
Something you can only see in Muswell Hill
Man chewing gum! There’s a local artist named Ben Wilson who draws really intricate artwork on old pieces of gum. If you look at Muswell Hill, all over Broadway, there are loads of them.
I always see him sprawled on the pavement. It’s a great way to brighten things up.
What’s the purpose?
There should be transportation, although it requires a little more planning and time.
In three words…
Live. Bohemian. Green.
Iraina Mancini is currently on tour in the UK and will be at Hope & Ruin in Brighton on 10 May. The album ‘Under The Blue’ is released. irainamancini.com
Schools
Muswell Hill is known for its good schools. Coldfall Primary School and Our Lady of Muswell Catholic Primary School are rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted, while Fortismere is a ‘Good’ local secondary school.
What does it cost
Buying in Muswell Hill
Average flat price: £517,740
Average house price: £1,421,620
Renting in Muswell Hill
Average flat rent, pcm: £1,820
Average house rent, pcm: £3,190