Visiting London is always an adventure, and on a recent stay, I enjoyed a family meal at a charming pub distinguished by its stunning Art Nouveau stained glass windows. Tucked away on a bustling street with a bohemian atmosphere, surrounded by independent shops and inviting bakeries, this establishment is ideal for couples, families, or groups of friends seeking good food and a welcoming environment.
I currently reside in Devon, but I am no stranger to London, having lived there for over a decade until 2007. During my time as a fashion model in the capital, I traversed the city extensively for castings and auditions, gaining intimate knowledge of its diverse neighbourhoods from north to south and east to west.
On my recent visit in May 2026, I explored the highly desirable area of Crouch End, often described as an urban village. Nestled on the vibrant Broadway Parade stands The Queens, a Grade II listed public house that dates back to circa 1898. The building was originally designed as The Queen's Hotel by architect John Hill, and its beautiful stained glass windows, crafted by the London-based firm Cakebread Robey, are perfect for a memorable selfie.
The pub exudes cosiness, with friendly staff and a menu featuring delicious food with generously sized portions. It was a Sunday, so their popular roasts dominated the lunchtime menu. True to my Devonshire roots, I opted for fish: a monkfish starter and a cod main course, both exceptionally tasty. The starter was nearly as large as a main dish, and the prices were reasonable—comparable to or even slightly cheaper than similar pubs in Devon, including those near my home in Plymouth.
My dining companions who chose the roast or pork belly dishes also praised their meals for flavour, portion size, and value. We were all too full for dessert, though the sweet offerings were tempting. The pub was described decades ago in Pevsner's architectural guides as one of suburban London's outstanding grand pubs. It once stood opposite the Queen's Opera House, but that building was severely damaged during World War II and subsequently demolished.
Today, the surrounding streets are lined with trees and numerous green spaces, making Crouch End one of London's leafy, bustling suburbs. Property prices reflect its desirability, with Foxtons reporting an average house price of £733,889. However, it is not among the top ten most expensive boroughs, being surpassed by Hampstead, where the average house costs £1,254,801 and flats average a staggering £894,429.
