Holidaymakers often share how simply strolling through cities and towns is the best way to explore a destination. By losing themselves to hidden side streets full of local life, food and music, visitors can find independent stores and charming hotspots that locals already know and love.
Now two of Britain’s streets are being celebrated on a list of the world’s “coolest”. Time Out has released a list of unique streets around the world that are perfect for tourists. Created by a team of travel experts and editors, each street was selected on its ability to represent the brilliance of their area, marking against the criteria of food and drink, atmosphere, community spirit and culture.
Blackstock Road, London
Coming in 23rd place, this London road is between Finsbury Park and Highbury Fields. Acting as a vein which connects the bustling town to the gorgeous greenery and Georgian architecture of the latter, Blackstock Road has been selected for its impressive kilometre of pubs and bars, independent eateries offering tastes from across the world and even Emirates Stadium, a short walk away and home to the local football team.
Iconic Irish pubs The Woodbine and The King’s Head have been highlighted by the list as must-sees, as well as the more trendy Top Cuvée, specialising in wine. Locals have come together to produce a substantial business landscape full of flavour. From an Ethiopian deli at St Gabriel to the tasteful Uyghur restaurant Dilara, London’s foodies can also stop for a late-night bagel at The Happening Bagel Bakery or a Kurdish takeaway at Baban’s Naan. Not to mention La Princesse, an Algerian cake shop full of sweet treats.
All sandwiched onto one street, Blackstock Road is the ‘newest’ spot for discovering North London’s diverse culture and community. Top recommendations include Sebby Holmes’s Bib Gourmand-awarded Farang, which offers Thai cuisine made from freshly flown ingredients claimed to arrive from Bangkok each week. Time Out praised its sweet fish and chilli sauce gai prik as a hit.
Northdown Road, Margate
Britain’s second mention is Northdown Road, situated in Margate, which takes 31st place on the list. Climbing back from an economic drop in the 1980s, the street has now been declared the “Shoreditch by the sea”.
The artisan street boats galleries, mid-century furniture sold at Clueit Webb Interiors and a multitude of vintage pieces at LJW Antiques, Tat Agent, Cliftonville Junktion.
The street features gorgeous, handcrafted jewellery, available in stores such as Reo Jewels and Jayne Fowler. And if you haven’t shopped till you dropped (or just need a caffeine pick-me-up), enjoy the rich coffee on offer at Oast, Doublons, or Cliffs, which also hosts a selection of records and, surprisingly, does haircuts.
