The Local's Secret Guide to Highbury London: Best Spots After Your Salon Visit (2025)
- Margaux Salon
- Jul 1
- 10 min read
Tucked away just three miles north of central London, Highbury is our little slice of London heaven where city buzz meets cozy neighbourhood feel. You'll fall in love with this quintessential London gem just like we have – its tree-lined streets, gorgeous Victorian houses, and of course, the mighty Emirates Stadium (the UK's third-largest football ground that seats over 60,000 fans!).
Take a wander through Highbury Fields (the biggest park in Islington) and you'll quickly see why locals like us can't get enough of its tennis courts and modern leisure centre. The heart of our community beats strongest around Highbury Barn, where you can sample incredible cheeses at La Fromagerie before popping into the lovely independent shops nearby. Getting here couldn't be easier thanks to Highbury & Islington station, and trust us, the food scene is absolutely brilliant – fancy Italian pasta one day, Vietnamese pho the next! We can't wait to share our favourite hidden spots for you to enjoy after your salon appointment.
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Relaxation Havens: Stay Relaxed After Your Visit at Margaux Salon Highbury
Feeling fabulous after your pampering session at Margaux Salon on Blackstock Road? Hold onto that blissful feeling by popping into one of our favourite Highbury spots for a little post-salon treat. We've hunted down the perfect places where you can sit back with a coffee, nibble on something delicious, or enjoy a proper meal – all while basking in that post-salon glow.
Artisanal coffee at 13th Floor Coffee truck
Coffee lovers, we've found your new happy place! Tucked away in the grounds of Christ Church on Highbury Grove sits the adorable 13th Floor Coffee truck. This converted beauty serves up the most delicious specialty coffee using gorgeous beans from Elsewhere Coffee, plus yummy baked goodies from Brunswick East. What makes this spot extra special is they've recently added both indoor and outdoor seating, so you can linger with your latte come rain or shine. Best of all? The truck scored "Good" ratings across the board in its July 2024 food safety inspection, so you can sip away without a worry.
Indulgent pastries at Pophams Bakery
Yes, it's a 20-minute walk from Highbury Fields, but trust us, your taste buds will thank you for making the journey to Pophams Bakery. This little gem has built quite the loyal following with their amazing hand-crafted pastries. Their menu changes with the seasons, mixing classic favourites with creative new treats. We're slightly obsessed with their bacon and maple croissant (heavenly!), and you simply must try the quirky marmite, Schlossberger and spring onion swirl. Wash it all down with their house blend coffee, created with Ozone Coffee Roasters. The bakery itself feels so welcoming with wooden furnishings, white walls showcasing local artwork, and loads of lovely greenery.
Healthy options at Frank's Canteen
When you fancy something a bit more substantial, Frank's Canteen never disappoints. Their kitchen whips up breakfast, lunch and dinner using beautiful seasonal ingredients. The menu gets a fresh update weekly, offering everything from classic brunch dishes to more exciting options like pork schnitzel with potato salad or tasty lamb flatbread. We absolutely love their prix fixe lunch deal – just £21 gets you a lunch special plus a glass of wine, beer or soft drink. Even the simplest dishes here taste amazing – their eggs on toast uses posh Burford Brown eggs and proper St John sourdough. Veggie friends are well looked after too, with delicious options like grilled nectarines with stracciatella drizzled with maple vinaigrette.
Midday Wanderings: Exploring Highbury Fields and Beyond
Full from your tasty treats, midday is the perfect time to stretch your legs and soak up Highbury's gorgeous outdoor spaces and architectural gems. Our neighbourhood is absolutely bursting with leafy parks, historic landmarks and charming little corners just waiting to be discovered.
A peaceful stroll through Highbury Fields
Wandering through Highbury Fields, we can't help but feel lucky to have Islington's largest green space right on our doorstep. This beautiful park isn't just pretty – it's officially recognized as a Site of Local Importance to Nature Conservation, with stunning avenues of plane trees and gorgeous summer meadows that make us smile every time. The circular walking paths are perfect for walking off lunch while admiring the beautiful Victorian buildings that frame this little slice of nature.
You'll spot plenty of locals enjoying picnics on the open lawns, and don't miss the Boer War memorial if you're interested in a bit of history. When your feet need a rest, pop into the sweet little café – it's the perfect peaceful break from London's hustle and bustle.
Discovering the Highbury Clock Tower
Head over to the corner of Highbury Hill and Church Path, and you'll stumble upon one of our favourite local landmarks – the Grade II listed Highbury Clock Tower. This beautiful tower went up in 1897 to celebrate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, thanks to a generous local resident named Alfred Hutchinson.
It's such a charming piece of history – an octagonal base made from polished pink granite with three steps leading up to it, topped with a square cast-iron column decorated with Queen Victoria's portrait in wreathed roundels. It's Victorian commemorative architecture at its finest. We love that in 1997, exactly 100 years after it was built, the community restored it to its original red and gold colours – it looks absolutely fabulous.
Hidden mews and residential architecture
Highbury Terrace Mews is one of those magical London spots that makes you feel like you've stepped into a secret world. These beautiful buildings started life as stables and coach houses for the posh homes on Highbury Terrace, but now they're some of the most desirable addresses in the area.
Walking through, you'll spot all sorts of architectural styles sitting happily side by side – traditional brick buildings next to modern designs with floor-to-ceiling windows, timber cladding, and sleek aluminium details. The whole mews sits within the protected Highbury Fields Conservation Area, so its unique character will be around for us all to enjoy for years to come.
If you've got time to venture a bit further, Aberdeen Park is another architectural treat – originally laid out in the 1850s as a gated estate with St Saviour's Church at its heart. Fun fact: the famous poet John Betjeman actually worshipped here as a little boy.
Afternoon Treats: Shopping at Highbury Barn
Ready for some retail therapy? Highbury Barn is our favourite shopping spot in the area - a charming little hub that locals have treasured for generations. This delightful collection of independent shops gives Highbury its special character and makes for the perfect post-lunch adventure.
Gourmet delights at La Fromagerie
No trip to Highbury Barn is complete without popping into La Fromagerie, one of London's most beloved cheese shops. This neighbourhood gem has been around for over thirty years, scooping up countless awards for their amazing food products. Step inside and you'll discover their famous Cheese Room (a true paradise for cheese lovers!) alongside a fantastic deli packed with freshly prepared lunches. Their cosy café serves wonderful coffee, tea, cakes, sandwiches, soups, and the most mouthwatering cheese and charcuterie boards you could imagine - just what you need after your salon appointment. Friday evenings are extra special here, with their aperitivo service running until 9pm - the perfect way to kick off your weekend! They even host small private events in the evenings, making it such a friendly community spot.
Browsing independent bookshops
Book lovers, make a beeline for INK@84 at 84 Highbury Park - this friendly little independent bookshop opened its doors in December 2015 and has been winning hearts ever since. We absolutely love their thoughtfully chosen selection of new fiction and non-fiction for grown-ups and little ones, plus all the classic favourites. Being close to five local schools means their children's section is particularly wonderful. Beyond just books, you'll find gorgeous cards, stationery, gifts and toys to browse. The best part? They serve locally-sourced coffee, natural sodas, craft beer, wine and artisan gin that you can enjoy in their pretty back garden or watching the world go by at their front pavement tables.
Unique homeware finds
Looking to spruce up your home? Highbury and the surrounding areas are a treasure trove for homeware hunters. We particularly recommend Gathering Moss for their beautiful and unusual home items that you won't find anywhere else. If you fancy venturing a bit further, Camden Passage in nearby Angel hosts the loveliest independent stalls on Wednesdays and Saturdays. You'll find everything from vintage clothing and homeware to delicate china tea cups, gorgeous graphic travel posters from Paris, stunning art deco jewellery, and colourful woven rugs. Highbury Barn itself is packed with brilliant specialist shops - there's a proper old-fashioned butcher, fishmonger, greengrocer, and deli all in one spot, making it the perfect one-stop shop for those who appreciate quality and character.
Evening Indulgence: Best Restaurants in Highbury and Islington
When the sun sets over Highbury, our foodie scene really shines. From cosy Italian spots to zingy Thai flavours and laid-back wine bars, we've picked out our absolute favourite places to round off your perfect day in our neighbourhood.
Italian perfection at Trullo
Hidden away on St Paul's Road, Trullo has been making locals smile since the day it opened. This lovely split-level restaurant serves up rustic Italian cooking with a lively atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. Their menu changes twice daily based on what's fresh and seasonal, but the real stars of the show are their handmade pastas. The pappardelle with slow-cooked beef shin ragù is simply magical, and their pici cacio e pepe gives you that irresistible cheesy comfort we all crave.
It's not just about pasta though – their charcoal grill works wonders too. Try the trout with its perfectly crispy skin and tangy capers, or the lamb with its deliciously cheesy polenta. What we really love about Trullo is their honest approach to wine pricing. Their menu proudly declares: "we put a set mark up on all our bottles of wine of about £10, less for inexpensive wines". How refreshing is that?
Thai sensations at Farang
Just a short stroll away at 72 Highbury Park, you'll find Farang – an absolute gem that puts a fresh spin on Thai food. Chef Sebby Holmes and his friendly team blend traditional Thai cooking with seasonal British ingredients, creating something truly special. They've kept their Michelin Bib Gourmand status for five years running, which tells you everything about the quality here.
These folks are serious about authenticity – their fresh Asian produce actually leaves Bangkok every Sunday and arrives in their kitchen by Wednesday. For the full Farang experience, go for their feasting menu – it's a wonderful tour of their very best dishes that'll have you planning your next visit before you've even finished pudding.
Wine and small plates at Top Cuvée
Wine lovers, we've found your happy place! Top Cuvée sits pretty at 177B Blackstock Road, offering that perfect mix of relaxed vibes with a touch of sophistication. This sweet neighbourhood wine bar and bistro keeps things interesting with a wine list that evolves with the seasons. The chilled-out interior makes it just right for unwinding after exploring our little corner of London.
Food-wise, they serve gorgeous seasonal small plates that take inspiration from Parisian wine bars – think proper house terrine, lovely charcuterie, and beautiful sharing dishes made with ingredients they've sourced with real care. They're open Wednesday through Sunday, and here's a handy tip – they double as a bottle shop, so you can take home any wines that catch your fancy until 10pm. Perfect!
Conclusion
After wandering through the streets of Highbury and sharing our favourite spots with you, one thing's clear - this little pocket of London has so much more to offer than most people realise. From tiny coffee trucks and peaceful park strolls to cosy wine bars and family-run restaurants, Highbury manages to keep its historical charm while embracing modern London life in the most wonderful way.
We've loved showing you the places that make our area truly special - whether it's those impossibly buttery pastries at Pophams, the beautiful Victorian buildings dotted around Highbury Fields, or the mouthwatering Italian dishes at Trullo. The independent shops and cafés around Highbury Barn give our neighbourhood a personality and warmth that you just don't get from big chains and shopping centres.
Yes, Arsenal's Emirates Stadium brings the crowds and excitement on match days, but we think Highbury's real magic happens in its quieter moments - those lazy afternoon wanders through hidden mews, relaxed glasses of wine at Top Cuvée, or simply sitting outside a café watching local life unfold. Our neighbourhood really rewards curious visitors who take their time to peek around corners and explore the less obvious spots.
This guide is just the beginning, really. Highbury has so many more treasures tucked away, waiting for you to find them. Each discovery adds another reason to fall in love with this fascinating part of London. As those of us who live here often say, the best way to truly get to know Highbury is to simply follow your feet and create your own perfect day in our beloved neighbourhood.
FAQs
Q1. What makes Highbury London worth visiting? Highbury is a vibrant area in North London that offers a perfect blend of urban sophistication and neighbourhood charm. It boasts beautiful green spaces like Highbury Fields, a variety of independent shops and cafes, excellent restaurants, and unique architectural features. The area is particularly enjoyable during warmer months, with plenty of outdoor activities and cultural experiences to explore.
Q2. What activities can visitors enjoy in Highbury Fields? Highbury Fields, the largest park in Islington, offers numerous activities for visitors. You can enjoy a leisurely stroll along its tree-lined paths, have a picnic on the open lawns, visit the children's playground, or use the tennis courts. The park also features a bandstand, the One O'Clock Club, and the Oasis Café. Additionally, it's home to the Highbury Pool and Fitness Centre and a Boer War memorial.
Q3. Where are the best places to eat in Highbury? Highbury boasts an excellent dining scene with options to suit various tastes. For Italian cuisine, Trullo on St Paul's Road is highly recommended for its handmade pasta and charcoal-grilled dishes. Farang on Highbury Park offers award-winning Thai food with a British twist. For wine enthusiasts, Top Cuvée on Blackstock Road provides a great selection of wines and seasonal small plates.
Q4. What shopping experiences does Highbury offer? Highbury Barn is the heart of the area's shopping scene, featuring a range of independent shops. La Fromagerie is a must-visit for cheese lovers, while INK@84 offers a curated selection of books and gifts. The area also boasts specialist shops like butchers, fishmongers, and greengrocers. For unique homeware, Gathering Moss is worth exploring, and nearby Camden Passage hosts vintage markets on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Q5. How accessible is Highbury for visitors? Highbury is very accessible, located just three miles north of central London. It has excellent transport links, with Highbury & Islington station providing tube, overground, and rail services. The area is also well-served by buses, making it easy to explore both the local neighbourhood and venture into other parts of London. Many of Highbury's attractions, including Highbury Fields and Highbury Barn, are within walking distance of each other.
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