Hornsey

Situated between the two affluent areas of Crouch End and Muswell Hill, Hornsey boasts a generous selection of independent cafes and restaurants, fantastic local schools and access to vast, lush green spaces. Its village-like atmosphere, exceptional array of amenities and proximity to central London makes the area a popular spot for families and professionals alike.

Did You Know?

• Hornsey was first recorded as a village in 1202 and remained a rural area until the late 1880s when several railway stations opened nearby.
• There has been a church on the site of St Mary’s in Hornsey since the 13th century. The original tower is still standing and can be seen in the village graveyard.
• The grave of Jacob Walker is one of the most intriguing tombstones in the village graveyard, with an inscription that reads ‘In America the faithful slave, in England the faithful servant.’ Walker was from Virginia and had been a slave to the Long family, who were originally English. When the family returned to England in 1824, Walker came with them – but because slavery was illegal in the UK, he became a wage-earning servant. It is said that Walker died of a broken heart a month after the death of his employer Harriet Long. She is buried on the same site.

Why Hornsey?

Established as a settlement in the pre-conquest county of Middlesex, Hornsey earned its name from the 162 different spellings that existed for the area in medieval times. Like most other areas within North London, Hornsey evolved dramatically in the 18th century from a rural farming village to a flourishing urban metropolis just a stone’s throw from central London.

Hornsey offers a brilliant array of cute independent bakeries and cafes, including one of our favourites, Elsie café. On weekends, one can venture a little further up the street and hit the local Alexandra Palace Farmers Market. A community-centric area with a distinct village vibe, this leafy North London suburb boasts several recreational centres, including the Hornsey Vale Community Centre. In the heart of the area, you’ll also find Priory Park, a beautiful green parkland boasting children’s playgrounds, a hidden café, lots of picnic space and a stunning secret garden.

Architecture & Property

Due to its quaint size and tight-knit community, Hornsey has a distinctly village-like atmosphere. Late Victorian or Edwardian terrace homes make up the majority of the properties for sale or rent. There are also a number of grand historical buildings that have been converted into luxurious apartments.

The roads off and surrounding Alexandra and Priory Park Road are the most sought-after locations in Hornsey. There are also several modern developments including luxury apartments overlooking Smithfield Square and a large housing complex overlooking the New River.

Going Out

You’ll find a number of fantastic places to enjoy in both Hornsey and the surrounding communities. There is a vast array of international cuisine available in Hornsey, from authentic Italian and Mediterranean to Thai and traditional British pub fare. On Turnpike Lane you’ll also find Salim’s, which is arguably North London’s best curry house – and without a doubt North London’s best-kept secret.

For a night out in Hornsey, Blue House Yard features popup stalls selling drinks, street food and market goods and souvenirs. There’s also The Great Northern Railway Tavern where you’ll find weekly quiz nights and a beer garden in a gorgeous Grade II listed building.

The King’s Head pub in nearby Crouch End offers excellent cuisine and drink. Hosting one of the first (and finest) comedy clubs in Britain, The King’s Head has seen the likes of Al Murray and Rowan Atkinson grace its stage throughout the years and is a must-see experience for any visitors or tourists to the area.

There’s also Tottenham Hale’s Beavertown Brewery nearby which boasts a tap room where you can sample a vast array of local brews. In Crouch End, the recently rebuilt Harringay Arms has been turned into a cosy neighbourhood bar serving artisan brews, cask ales, pizza, and gin cocktails. Also included is The Faltering Fullback in Harringay, hidden near Finsbury Park. It’s another well-liked alternative among residents thanks to its quirky, bric-a-brac-filled interior, flower-adorned yard, and terraces.

Local Amenities

• Besides the recently renovated Stationer’s Park, you’ll find the Hornsey Vale Community Centre which offers a diverse smorgasbord of family fun including children’s events and classes, adult exercise classes and holistic workshops such as Craniosacral therapy and acupuncture.
• The local pool and gym is Park Road Leisure Centre. A modern building boasting excellent facilities, you’ll find indoor swimming pools, outdoor lidos, a gym and fitness centre and plenty of classes.
• The Mall Wood Green boasts high street stores, an array of national supermarkets and a cinema all under one roof.
• Built in 1897, The Great Northern Railway Tavern boasts weekly quiz nights and a superb beer garden in a stunning Grade II listed building.

Green Spaces

In the heart of Hornsey is Priory Park, a beautiful green space featuring children’s playgrounds, a hidden café, plenty of picnic space and even a secret garden to discover. Close by you’ll also find the iconic Alexandra Palace, a sprawling 80-hectare parkland area offering an array of children’s playgrounds, thoroughfares for walking and cycling and some of the most picturesque views of London – including a perfect few of the Shard, amongst other iconic buildings.

Education

The North London Rudolf Steiner School provides co-ed Steiner education for children between the ages of 0 and 7 via a playgroup, kindergarten and parent and child group. There is also Rokesly infants and Primary and St Mary’s C.E. Primary School, both rated Good by Ofsted.

Hornsey School for Girls is a girls’ secondary school also rated Good by Ofsted and well-regarded by local parents. There is also Greig City Academy, a co-ed academy with an outstanding technology department, rated Good by Ofsted. It is also the only state school in Haringey that offers a classics course as well as an array of extra-curricular activities, including a rocket club.