Highbury N5 is a beautiful North London neighbourhood. It's a vibrant mix of independent boutiques, restaurants, bars, and green parks and open spaces. It's also a great spot for culture; with its history as a literary and publishing hub, Highbury also hosts a number of playhouses, theatres, galleries and music venues. Whether you're looking for a sophisticated evening, an invigorating stroll, or a cozy chat over coffee, Highbury has plenty of options for a great first date.
1. Highbury parks and places for a walk on a first date
Highbury is filled with parks, open spaces and green spots to explore. Highbury Fields is a great spot for a romantic stroll, with its sweeping lawns and rose gardens. Clissold Park is a 65-acre park and has a boating lake, a café, a children’s playground, and plenty of open space perfect for a picnic. There's also Abney Park, with its 32 acres of wildflower meadows and peaceful pathways perfect for a romantic amble. For a spot of culture, the beautiful Kenwood House which is set on the edge of the Heath is well worth a visit.
2. Places for a coffee date in Highbury
Highbury is brimming with cafés, perfect for a coffee date. There's the elegant Highbury Arts Club, a small, intimate café serving delicious cakes and pastries, as well as locally roasted coffee. There's also The Pantry, a great spot for brunch, with its airy terrace and stylish décor. For something a bit more quirky, there's Black Sheep Coffee, a trendy café serving great coffees, sandwiches and pastries.
3. Highbury galleries, museums and exhibitions to visit on a date
Highbury is home to a number of interesting galleries and museums. The Almeida Theatre has a regular roster of interesting plays and productions – a great spot for an otherwise more traditional date night. Highbury is also home to a number of independent art galleries, with exhibitions by local artists as well as international artists. There's also the Finsbury Park Museum, which has an impressive collection of local artifacts, documents and photographs.
4. Live music and entertainment to invite your date to in Highbury
Highbury has a great music and live entertainment scene. The historic Union Chapel is the perfect spot to watch an interesting gig or performance, with music acts ranging from acoustic to rock bands. The Wilton's Music Hall is a great spot for a romantic evening, with its regular jazz music nights and soulful singers. The Roundhouse is another great spot for live music and entertainment, with a wide range of music, comedy and theatre performances.
5. Highbury pubs, bars or restaurants for a first date drink or food
The Highbury pub and restaurant scene is second to none. There are plenty of places to eat and drink, all within walking distance. The Lord Nelson is a great spot for a drink, with its cosy atmosphere and craft beers. There's also the Empress of India, a chic Italian restaurant serving delicious Italian food. For something a bit more upmarket, there's the Highbury Barn, serving high-end gastro pub food in a historic setting.
6. Other date ideas to try in Highbury
Highbury offers plenty of other interesting date spots. For something a bit more unusual, why not try a pottery class at Klay in Highbury Barn? Or, you could head over to the Islington Shed’s Urban Winery, where you can sample local wines and tour the working winery. Or, you could escape the hustle and bustle of the city and explore one of the local nature reserves. Highbury is a great spot for a first date. No matter what your interests are, there's something for everyone. From romantic walks in the park to art galleries, live music and delicious food, Highbury has plenty of options for a great first date.
