Finsbury Park; a means to an end for many but one that is fast becoming a foodie destination demanding more than just the brief switcheroo from rail to underground. We have collectively been locals of this neighbourhood for five years, so here are a few spots you’ll find us in.

BRUNCH

The streets pre-midday may come with unwanted flashbacks of past nights out, but they also come with some brilliant brunch grub. Beam is a North London favourite, with sunlit mid-century modern interiors and a Middle-Eastern-inspired menu serving some of the best shakshuka and Turkish eggs we’ve had. In the thick of Blackstock Road you’ll find female-owned Salt The Radish, a cosy brunch spot also celebrating Middle-Eastern flavours – think chorizo on toast with dukkah butter and lemon tahini or cauliflower fritters on a bed of stewed tomatoes, olives and chickpeas. On sunny days, we can be found in Common Ground’s homely back garden devouring one of their excellent pastries.

LUNCH/DINNER

Dimly lit and with only a handful of covers, Giacco’s natural wine bar pairs low-intervention wines with simple but delicious pasta dishes – no surprise with an ex-Manteca chef in the kitchen. Tollington’s is the latest viral venture from the Four Legs duo behind The Plimsoll, who have taken over this old-school chippy and turned it into a proper tapas bar; high stools line the room with cañas on tap. With this being a pretty hot booking, our failsafe options further up Stroud Green are BYOB Jai Krishna’s where you’ll find unusual Indian dishes in an intimate, unpretentious setting, or best for groups is the livelier Pizzeria Pappagone for a family-run Italian vibe. When we’re looking for something cheap and cheerful, a takeaway from hole-in-the-wall Baban’s Naan always delivers.

PUBS

Football stadiums and boozers go hand-in-hand and with the Gunners so close by, there are plenty of watering holes about. With a pub garden laid out over multiple levels like a treehouse of dreams, the Faltering Fullback is a good place to start. Mentioned above, The Plimsoll is an old-school boozer taken over by Four Legs with an impressive menu featuring London’s cult favourite Dexter burger which is every bit worthy of the hype. Up the hill to Stroud Green you’ll find The Robin which reopened late last year with a small tapas menu, low-intervention wines and craft beers all sourced from independent UK breweries. What it lacks in pub garden it makes up for with a strong pavement presence. Large open windows and tables that spill onto the streetcreate an infectious roadside buzz.