Highgate, tucked away in a calm area, is a perfect blend of elegance and convenience. This charming neighbourhood, once London’s northern gateway, retains its village feel with pretty streets and old Georgian inns. Despite its peaceful atmosphere, Highgate has excellent transport connections, including a nearby tube station with direct access to central London and the City. Families are attracted by its high location, fresh air and relaxed lifestyle. The community cherishes its village atmosphere, aware that lively Leicester Square is just a short Tube ride away.

Eating and Drinking in Highgate

Highgate caters to a variety of tastes, from cosy pubs and cafes serving traditional British dishes to lively bars offering a lively yet friendly atmosphere.

• The Red Lion & Sun:  Renowned for its hearty Sunday roasts, the pub also offers an extensive selection of takeaway wines from around the globe.
• Chango Empanadas:  Although it may appear unassuming from the outside, but it’s a hidden gem along the bustling high street. Their spiced chicken empanada, filled with fresh chilli and cayenne pepper, is particularly recommended.
• The Angel Inn: A charming gastropub known for its delicious Sunday Roasts and traditional pub fare. With an inviting atmosphere and a variety of cask ales, it offers both comfort and elegance.
• Sacred Distillery: Using a unique process of vacuum distillation and carefully selected organic botanicals, they craft an array of exceptional spirits, including gins, vodkas, whiskies, vermouths, and aperitifs. 
• The Duke’s Of Highgate:  Offering a delightful blend of craft beers, real ales, and street food menus within the charming ambience of a wood-panelled pub. Guests can savour house gin cocktails while enjoying the lively atmosphere and diverse culinary offerings.

Green Spaces in Highgate

• Highgate Wood: Offering a peaceful retreat for walkers and joggers, with areas designated for cricket, football, and various sports activities. Additionally, it features amenities such as a café and a playground for children.
• Waterlow Park:  This beautiful area offers a kitchen garden, children’s play area, and vast open areas for residents of Highgate and Archway to appreciate. The park is also a habitat for a variety of wildlife, including ducks, bats, herons, woodpeckers, hedgehogs, bees, frogs, and butterflies.

Transport Around Highgate

Highgate enjoys excellent connectivity despite its quaint village-like setting, enhancing its allure. With a tube station on the Northern Line, residents can reach central London or the City within approximately 15 minutes, although the station is about a 10-minute walk from the main village area. Additionally, various bus services offer routes to Moorgate in East London, Tottenham Court Road, and London Bridge. Highgate is conveniently linked to the A1, a major road leading out of London towards the north of England. It falls within Zone 3 of the London transport system.

Schools in Highgate

Highgate offers a variety of educational options for families, including St Joseph’s RC Primary School and Coleridge Primary School. Families seeking private education often choose between Highgate School and Channing School, while The Avenue serves as a local private nursery and pre-preparatory school.

History Of Highate

Highgate derives its name from the Bishop of London’s estate, where high, deer-proof hedges formed “the gate in the hedge.” This area was reputed to house a toll house, leading to the establishment of several pubs along the route, some of which still stand today.

In later centuries, the infamous highwayman Dick Turpin became linked to the area, purportedly frequenting the Flask pub, another establishment that remains to this day.

Initially, the northern section of the High Street and Hampstead Lane belonged to the parish of Hornsey rather than constituting its own distinct neighbourhood.

The N6 postcode area boasts the distinction of hosting Europe’s inaugural cable car route, operational from 1884 to 1909. During World War II, Highgate endured significant bombing, with the tube station serving as a refuge from aerial attacks.