Highgate High Street [sad] It could be so nice

[JuniperJerry]

Anyone else not understand why the high street is so underwhelming?

There are a handful of great shops. But other than that, it's just depressing. And now so many empty premises. That stay empty for so long.

It doesn't even attract the nicer chains (other than coffee shops) that could conceivably afford the high rents and rates.

Just thought I'd find out what others think?

That used to be my local high street nine years ago, I haven't been back for about 6 or 7 years so it has probably changed loads since then. I have quite fond memories though. There used to be a very good greengrocers at the park end, is that still there? Also an independant chemists and the Hilltop Guinot salon which I used to use. Back then there was a second hand bookshop run very a very venerable old man who I think must have passed on in the intervening years. But the Oxfam bookshop was great too.

To be honest, I always enjoyed it as a high street then, it was very independant. It didn't compare to Hampstead but then it is much smaller. However, I think almost all high streets have taken a major turn for the worse over the last decade, due to massive rent and rate increases and changes in the way we shop, ie more online. I have two high streets near me now, one is only useful if I want to buy a coffee or a house, the other if I want to get dreadlocks or fried chicken. Currently I want a loaf of decent bread and some sandpaper and I feel it should be easier than it is to get those locally!

Yes, greengrocers and Hilltop Beauty salon are still there.
There are two new nail bars (sigh).
The secondhand bookshop is now a vets.

Gails and Pain Quotidien cheek by jowl at the top of the high street

I think it’s because in the U.K., for some reason, independent shops really struggle. Which is a pity.

Well at least I would be able to get my loaf of bread if I was still living near there!

I think we are living in difficult times, and I don't see things getting easier for independant shopkeepers or even large chains anytime soon.

There's too much traffic there and not wide pavements imo

I think the council specified no more estate agents in Highgate if I recall so now the estate agents co-dwell with other businesses.

It's similar on Upper Street tbh it used to be fun but now it's dull.

It's the lack of parking that hurts Highgate. Sure you get the locals wandering down but given the high ratio of houses to apartments, it also needs visitors for business. Without parking, that is a nightmare.

Muswell Hill fares better as there is quite a bit of parking: M&S, local streets, etc. The same can be said of Crouch End.

It's a shame as it's a lovely area.

Apart from the area around The Flask, the main bit of Highgate is a busy road and, because of lack of parking, people just drive straight through. That road is a lot busier than Haverstock Hill for instance. I thing Highgate also suffers because of being in three different boroughs