Georgian-style buildings, picturesque cottages, abundant trees, a wealth of swanky gastropubs and access to gorgeous green spaces like Waterlow Park, Highgate Wood and Hampstead Heath make Highgate one of the fancier parts of north London. So you might be surprised to hear that a local community group has made complaints about an ‘unsightly hole in the middle of Highgate Village’.
They’re talking, it turns out, about the former 271 bus stop on the corner between South Grove and Highgate High Street.
The Highgate Society, which is run by local volunteers, has asked Camden Council to green-light a new scheme to transform the ‘eyesore’ into a 324 square metre square. If approved, the currently disused space could soon be home to new trees and benches, as well as a Visit Highgate board to help tourists find their way around. The glow-up would also deck it out with York stone paving and granite kerbs, as well as an electrical hook up for market stalls.
The site fell into disuse when TfL axed the 271 bus route in 2023. Since 2025, a mini farmers market of just four stalls has sometimes been run there by an independent operator, but new plans would provide a more significant and permanent upgrade to the space at the heart of the village.
The local group has called the square an ‘exciting community project’ and has submitted plans to the council ‘hopefully on the basis of “what’s not to like”,’ according to Elspeth Clements, co-chair of the Highgate Society planning committee.
The application said that Highgate residents have been urging the council to come up with a plan for the space which has been ‘left unused and in poor condition’.
An upmarket grocery deli and cafe called Superette, which also has outlets on Swain’s Lane and Upper Street, has just taken over the lease of the shop next to the disused bus stop and has plans for outdoor tables and chairs next to the square.
Did you see that Fortnum & Mason is opening a ‘biscuitorium’ this week? Here’s what you need to know about the immersive biscuit paradise.
Plus: London’s best gastropub has been crowned by OpenTable.
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