Holloway: Farms, Football and Family

A long time ago, Holloway formed the main cattle driving route from the North into Smithfield, but where cows once trudged through the town, you’re now more likely to be greeted by a sea of red football fans as Arsenal supporters make their way to and from the club’s home at the Emirates Stadium.

The once-rural area saw its biggest redevelopment when London was expanded in the 1900s. Holloway hasn’t looked back since.

Architecture in Holloway

There are many sites of historical interest in the neighbourhood, from the grand foyer of the Grade II listed Odeon Cinema at the junction of Tufnell Park Road and Holloway Road to the Nag’s Head where Holloway Road and Seven Sisters Road meet. The latter is a former pub that still retains its architectural beauty despite its conversion into various shops over the years.

The area suffered badly from bombings during the Second World War, but many beautiful Victorian houses survived. Nowadays, the larger Victorian terraces are complemented by new-build apartments, student housing and the Tron-like Orion building, part of the London Metropolitan University campus.

With the gentrification of nearby Islington, luxurious development projects with piazzas and communal gardens are beginning to pop up in Holloway. Alongside them are cosy on-trend coffee shops, vintage stores and craft beer pubs.

In fact, when it comes to eating out, residents are spoilt for choice, with food from every corner of the world on offer: there are French bistros, a Michelin-rated Italian restaurant and even Colombian street food.

Holloway not only has a growing arty-hipster vibe, it clings proudly to its roots too. Its traditional indoor market covers the basics – the popular butchers, fishmongers, greengrocers and fabric-stall managers (all long-time residents here) – but is also rich in brightly coloured antiques and bric-a-brac stalls. Bargain hunters not sufficiently content with the market’s wares can rummage through Holloway’s bustling car boot sales every Sunday.

Holloway – the country in the city

Holloway may not quite be as leafy as nearby Highbury Park, but it has its own quaint and eclectic vibe. Considered to be one of the more densely populated districts in London, yet it isn’t without its open space.

There are a few parks to choose from, one of the most exciting of which is Paradise Park. There you’ll get a true taste of the country in the city – there are goats, pigs and sheep at this award-winning city farm. Holloway even has its own nature reserve, Gillespie Park, nestled next to the Emirates Stadium.

Thanks to Ofsted reporting a number of local schools as ‘outstanding’, Holloway is fast becoming family-friendly too. IOf you’re thinking of making it your home, give our Kentish Town office a call today.