Guide to East Finchley: Part 1

East Finchley
Credit: Ernest UK

There are many advantages of having your own blog, including but not limited to the fact that you have complete control of the content, the frequency of posts and the overall direction. It has been almost a year since I founded SavlaFaire and in that time, I’ve mainly shared my thoughts on the London restaurants and supper clubs that I’ve experienced. However, attending the launch of food solidarity network Ernest UK in Hackney – the chosen area for their first campaign – and Liz O’Keefe’s Winter Mushroom Feast Supper Club – the proceeds from which were donated to Crisis – made me realise that I’d like to focus more on championing people and organisations supporting good causes and each other.

East Finchley
Credit: East Finchley Open

Where better to start than my beloved North London neighbourhood, East Finchley? Truth be told, I’d barely even heard of the area before Chef Savla (CS) and I decided we were in it for the long haul; I was born and raised in Leicester and trips to London mostly took us to Wembley, Harrow and the like. Six years after moving into our place, I now call myself a Londoner and am proud to be an N2 resident.

East Finchley
Credit: The Geograph

East Finchley’s High Road and surrounding streets are home to some wonderful independent businesses, whose products and services I regularly promote on social media because I want others to discover them and appreciate their individuality. So many high streets up and down the country are indistinguishable, and although some mini supermarket chains and international coffee shops have taken root in East Finchley, residents are vocal about what’s best for our community. A good example of this was their rejection of Waitrose in the early Noughties. While the quality of their fresh produce is superior to that of their rivals’, I’d still much rather stock up at an independent grocer and have a friendly natter, where possible.

East Finchley
Credit: Graham’s Butchers

Not only do they offer top-quality fruit, vegetables, fish and meat, these East Finchley stalwarts aren’t as expensive as you might think. The prices can be a shock at first compared to supermarket deals, but if you buy a whole chicken, for example, have a roast, use the leftovers for salads and/or sandwiches then boil down the carcass to make a stock for soups, you’ve got multiple meals from one bird. While supermarkets also sell whole chickens, I find that they tend to have a high water content. The water then leaches out during cooking, leaving you with dry, unappetising meat.

Without further ado, part 1 of this guide is about my favourite local traders and coffee shops in East Finchley, while part 2 rounds up my restaurant and cultural recommendations (link below).

East Finchley
Credit: Graham’s Butchers

Graham’s Butchers

It’ll come as no surprise that I adore my local butcher, whose juicy sausages, hearty pies, flaky sausage rolls, succulent chicken fillets and enormous Scotch eggs are a meat lover’s paradise. These are all made or butchered on site, and you can request specific meats and cuts, most of which they’re usually able to source. But here’s where Graham’s comes into its own: one half of the store is a deli, with a small selection of fresh produce and tinned goods. This may recall the phrase “Jack of all trades, master of none”, but let me assure you that the deli is equally delightful. Butternut squash, spinach and walnut tarts, heavenly chocolate brownies and date-rich energy balls will have vegetarians, dessertaholics and healthy eaters covered. Whatever your preferences, you won’t be leaving empty-handed.

East Finchley
Credit: A Scott & Son

A Scott & Son

The one thing that isn’t on Graham’s menu is fish, which is no big deal because just a short stroll away is local fishmonger A Scott & Son. Specialising in all types of wild, farmed, fresh, frozen and smoked fish and seafood, you name it and they’ll probably have it. If not, Peter makes a daily visit to Billingsgate Fish Market in the early hours of every morning, so they’ll do their best to fulfil your order. Alongside sushi-grade salmon and tuna, we often pick up the finest smoked salmon (delicate flavour, not salty in the slightest), fish cakes, cod, mussels, monkfish and dim sum (a pack of 20-odd for only £5!).

East Finchley
Credit: Rachel’s Kitchen

Tony’s Continental

Established in 1971, this greengrocer is well and truly part of the community. A wide range of everyday and exotic fruit and veg welcome you as you enter the store. The relatively small space is filled with lentils and pulses, grains, fresh halloumi and flavoured olives, tinned goods, rows of spices piled high, jars of sauces and pickles, dried pasta and baked treats. Tony, Chris and the team are passionate advocates of local suppliers, so they also stock pierogi, or Polish dumplings, made by Viola’s Food. The vegetarian versions are my favourites, and as they’re already cooked, you just need to pan-fry them for a few minutes in a bit of butter for a speedy snack or meal. Out of everything that we buy at Tony’s, there are two things that have become firm staples: free-range eggs and avocados.

East Finchley
Credit: Margot Bakery

Margot Bakery

It may be the new kid on the block, having opened in early 2016, but owner Michelle is no newcomer herself, with years of baking experience behind her. Her first solo venture is all about sourdough in various forms: loaves, croissants, babka and brioche. The bakery also provides cakes and catering for special occasions, and has recently started serving breakfast, brunch and lunch on site. Clients can see the team at work in the kitchen behind the counter, which gives the place a great sense of authenticity. I’m very particular when it comes to almond croissants/pain au chocolats as they usually pale in comparison to those in France, but I’ve been won over by Michelle’s.

CAFES

East Finchley
Credit: Dan & DeCarlo

Dan & DeCarlo

For those in search of a good independent coffee shop, I recommend Dan & DeCarlo. As is the case with most coffee shops, they also serve a selection of Teapigs teas and luxury hot chocolate. Food is also available in the form of paninis, salads and sweet treats, but despite the variety, I always hone in on the rich, fudge-like brownies (plain or salted caramel) by Galeta, who also make beautiful pasteis de nata.

East Finchley
Credit: Campbell & Syme

Campbell & Syme

Slightly “off the beaten track” is speciality coffee roasters Campbell & Syme. Pop in for a cuppa and you’ll be greeted by the enticing, homely aromas of coffee from all four corners of the Earth, e.g. Nicaragua, Rwanda and so on. Stay for a chat and a snack, or take your coffee to go, but be warned: instead of a takeaway cup, prepare to leave laden with packets of coffee to replace your usual one.

East Finchley
Credit: Sahi

Yaser Halim

Those with a serious sweet tooth will love Turkish and Cypriot bakery and deli Yaser Halim, where I usually pick up glorious squares of baklava, with either crushed pistachios or almonds. Lovers of savoury food won’t miss out, as their minced lamb, spinach and feta or halloumi gözleme (filled flatbreads) and börek (baked pastries) will satisfy your cravings.

 

Have you tried any of these places in East Finchley? Also, who are your favourite local traders in your area? Part 2 of my guide to East Finchley covers my favourite restaurants and cultural spots (link below).  As always, let me know what you think in the comments section here or on social media (@SavlaFaire) – thanks for reading!

Links: Ernest UK, Ernest UK launch, SDP Winter Mushroom Feast review, Graham’s, A Scott & Son, Tony’s Continental, Viola’s Food, Margot Bakery, Dan & DeCarlo, Galeta, Campbell & Syme, Yasar Halim, Guide to East Finchley: Part 2

Twitter: @AScottandSon, Tonys_N2, @ViolasFood, @MargotBakery, @Dan_and_DeCarlo, @CampbellandSyme, @YasarHalim

Instagram: @Tonys_Continental, @AScottandSon, @MargotBakery, @Dan_and_DeCarlo, @CampbellandSyme, @YasarHalimFinchley

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9 Comments

  1. January 9, 2017 / 5:57 pm

    Great to hear that independent traders are very much part of the local community scene. They sound great too! Really enjoyed reading, even though I live down Sarf (- and if any of them fancy delivering…)

    • admin
      Author
      January 14, 2017 / 5:40 pm

      They really are, and it’s been a pleasure to shop at their stores and get to know them better! Glad you enjoyed the post, and happy to show you around if you fancy trekking up North one day?!

  2. January 11, 2017 / 11:41 am

    Great piece, the high street shops are only a small part of the diversity of East Finchley traders that the local business network, N2United.co.uk aims to serve. If the businesses above haven’t seen this post we’ll direct them to it at our next meeting on 19th January.

    • admin
      Author
      January 14, 2017 / 5:43 pm

      Thanks, John – much appreciated.

  3. January 12, 2017 / 5:10 pm

    Good idea, this post. We should all get on with the business of championing local business. Sort of feel inspired to do the same now.

    • admin
      Author
      January 14, 2017 / 5:41 pm

      Thanks for your feedback, and I look forward to reading about your neighbourhood favourites soon.

  4. Gen
    March 18, 2018 / 8:31 pm

    I agree with your article and also recommend all those independent traders. We moved to East Finchley last year and feel lucky to have all these choices for great produce.
    I would also recommend “Maurizios” for an amazing sandwich or coffee and Portuguese tart. The staff are lovely, attentive and friendly and the produce is great value.

    • March 20, 2018 / 9:01 am

      Glad you liked my piece, Gen – East Finchley really is a great place for independent places. Thanks for the recommendation, and have just started getting my Parmesan from there as it’s so much better than elsewhere!

    • Paul
      March 28, 2018 / 9:35 am

      I’ll second Maurizio’s sandwich and pasteis de nata!

      I’d also add Angelucci (immortalised by Dire Straits) for fresh roasted espresso coffee beans and Midhurst Butchers, although technically N10, on Fortis Green as a great place to get fresh meat and sauces (and preparation advice!) within walking distance of the High Road.

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