The Haberdashery
22 Middle Lane Crouch End London N8 8PL
Crouch End prides itself on its village character, and this cute side-street café has it in spades. From the pretty gingham buntings to the soft paint colours and eclectic furnishings, The Haberdashery is a charmer and no mistake. Drinks come in mismatched vintage crockery and all sorts of whimsical knitted crafts are for sale, some made by the mother of co-owner Massimo. Factor in the monthly craft bazaars and gig nights (see the website for details) and you have the community café par excellence, with a dogged and loyal following of mums midweek and brunch-munchers at the weekend. If the ambience is nostalgic, the cuisine is bang on-trend. Alongside popular all-day breakfasts, expect homemade soups and sandwiches in artisan breads, simple mains such as homemade meatballs or fishcakes, then homebaked muffins and yummy cakes for afternoon treats.