One of Europe’s best-known Master Pâtissiers, Nicolas Rouzaud opened his Nicolas Rouzaud at The Connaught patisserie in London in 2020. Having moved to London back in 2015 he’s lived in Crouch End for several years now. “I love the village feel it has, while still being so close to central London. It’s creative, relaxed, and full of small, independent businesses that really care about what they do. I spend a lot of my free time here with my wife and our two whippets, and these are”
He’s agreed to share some of the places close to home that he goes back to again and again.
Paesan
48c The Broadway, London N8 9TP
This is my go-to Italian in the neighbourhood and one of the first places I recommend to friends. It’s small and cosy, with a lovely atmosphere that makes you feel instantly welcome. They make all their pasta by hand and it’s always excellent. Because the menu changes regularly, there’s always something new to try, so we usually find ourselves going back a few times each year.
Sourdough Sophia
24 Middle Ln, London N8 8PL
For me, good coffee is essential, and Sophia does it brilliantly. Their pastries are also fantastic, especially in the morning. I often stop in after getting my haircut nearby - it’s become a little ritual to grab a coffee and a pastry before heading home. It’s the kind of place that brightens up your day.
Clocktower Greens
52 The Broadway, London N8 9TP
This greengrocer is one of the real gems of Crouch End. Their fruit and vegetables are always beautifully presented, and everything is seasonal and fresh. What I love most is being able to find very specific short-season produce - chanterelle mushrooms, apricots, or figs from Provence. It’s inspiring as a pâtissier to be able to cook with ingredients at their very best.
The Cellars
55 The Broadway, London N8 8DT
I love wine, so it’s a real joy to have The Cellars on my doorstep. They have a really thoughtful selection and a team who are genuinely passionate and knowledgeable, which makes it easy to discover something new. It’s also the perfect place to linger over a glass with a cheese or charcuterie board. It’s relaxed, unpretentious, and always enjoyable.
Cubes
10 Broadway Parade, London N8 9DE
Cubes is a Mediterranean restaurant that has become a regular brunch spot for us. It’s a family-run business, everything is cooked fresh, and the welcome is always warm. They’re also wonderfully dog-friendly, so our two whippets are treated like regulars too. It’s a place that feels both local and special, and we always leave happy.
Bufala di Londra
18 Topsfield Parade, Tottenham Lane, Crouch End, London N8 8PT
Having Theo’s pizzeria so close by feels like a real luxury. Pizza is one of my ultimate comfort foods, and theirs is excellent. The dough is fermented for 48 hours, which makes it light and good for digestion, and the toppings are spot on. For me, it’s always pepperoni. Sometimes simple is best.
See also
For more of these local area guides, visit the My Manor page.
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