WHY I LOVE CROUCH END
WHY I LOVE CROUCH END
Rudolph Diesel is the head of London interior design company Rudolph Diesel Interiors. In this article, he describes areas of London that have earned a special place in his heart.
Love to look at
Crouch End is a mélange of easy-on-the-eye Edwardian and Victorian buildings, with warmth provided by red brick, white plasterwork and architectural flourishes. The town’s iconic clocktower appeared in 1895 and although its era is late Victorian, it celebrates the more frivolous Italian Renaissance style. Its octagonal cupola, blind arcades and supporting corbels, Kentish ragstone, iron weathervane and banded brickwork are hard to miss. If you like your landmarks with a pint of lager, you’re in luck. The Queens public house, on the corner of Tottenham Lane and Elder Avenue, is a grade II* listed edifice. It was built by the architect John Cathles Hill between 1898 and 1902, with wonderful Art Nouveau stained glass by the most magnificently named Cakebread Robey.
Love to shop
I love fashion design as much as interior design, so the ever-changing window display at Niddle Noodle always fascinates me. This children’s clothing and gift boutique is just one of a myriad of independent traders in the Topsfield Parade area of Crouch End. Flashback Records is where you’ll find vinyl lovers, while The Crouch End Cellars is a must for wine, beer, charcuterie and cheese. If your antipasti isn’t complete without some freshly-baked bread, Sourdough Sophia is the best for baked goods. And don’t miss Park Road too – a shopping enclave home to Little Paris Store, with its carefully curated vintage furniture and quirky homewares.
Love to eat
If you believe breakfast is the best meal of the day, Café Beam is a must. The owners enjoy a Middle Eastern heritage so it’s no surprise to see Turkish eggs and Shakshukaf on the menu. Always exclaiming ‘let’s do lunch’? You won’t be disappointed in Crouch End. Personal midday favourites include Bistro Aix and Lyon’s Seafood & Wine Bar – both with luxury interior designs to check out. Night owls can nestle in at Little Mercies – a cocktail bar and restaurant serving wonderful small plates in a very pared back, sophisticated interior.