Chancellors estate agents in Finchley

What is Finchley Like? 

Finchley has been called home by names as famous (and infamous) as George Michael, Margaret Thatcher, Emma Bunton, and Spike Milligan. It isn’t hard to see why: central London is just a few Underground stops away, yet Finchley is green, leafy and cosy. Finchley offers an incredible oasis of greenery and community while making it easy for residents to access the city of London and more.

There’s a remarkable concentration of superb schools, too, with many enjoying an ‘outstanding’ rating from Ofsted. Coupled with the multitude of green spaces, this makes Finchley an excellent place to raise a family.

With low crime rates, a relaxed atmosphere and a welcoming community, Finchley is the perfect place for someone wanting to step out of the hustle and bustle of London without losing their access to the city.

Find out more about living in Finchley.

Bars, Restaurants and Nightlife 

Both local attraction and a place for a great night out, The Phoenix Cinema is one of the UK’s oldest purpose-built cinemas, and has been screening films since 1910. Today, you’ll find both big budget films shown under the vaulted ceilings, as well as independent cinema and screenings of opera, theatre, ballet and dance. 

Bufi is a superb local Italian restaurant with a traditional wood-fired oven from which comes authentic Neapolitan pizza. There’s plenty more on the menu, including delicious pasta dishes, as well as traditional Italian meat and fish dishes.  

The family-owned gastropub The Clissold Arms hosted The Kinks’ first ever gig, but you’ll be visiting for the food rather than the musical history. That’s because The Clissold Arms was founded on a “food comes first” philosophy, which is reflected in a superb menu that features everything from astounding Sunday roasts to locally-sourced fresh fish and light bites too. 

The Catcher in the Rye offers great British food, serving alongside a wide range of beers, real ales, wines and spirits, this dog-friendly pub offers quiz nights, live music (including open mic nights), all alongside a service with a smile. A great place to get a drink or a bite to eat with friends or family. 

Leisure Centres and Sports Clubs 

There are a number of fitness and sporting options for the residents of Finchley.

Finchley Lido Leisure Centre recently underwent major refurbishments that means it now supports an incredible variety of activities to get your heart rate up. The 80-station gym features state-of-the-art equipment as well as a range of fitness classes.

David Lloyd Finchley is a health club with a lot to offer. Recently renovated, the gym offers state-of-the-art equipment, and you can also take your pick from 19 tennis courts, 4 badminton courts, and a sports hall. Swimmers have a choice of a 20m indoor pool and a 25m outdoor pool (both heated), and there’s an indoor splash pool for kids too.  

Finchley Golf Club offers as much a charming oasis as it does a beautiful, 18-hole golf course. Designed by Scottish golfer James Braid, the course winds through charming parkland. If golf isn’t your game, you might prefer Finchley Manor Tennis Squash & Health Club. On top of being one of the oldest tennis clubs in the world, the superb facilities include 10 tennis courts, four squash courts, a fully-equipped gym, and even a sauna for post-game relaxation.

History of Finchley

Throughout much of its recorded history, Finchley was little more than sparsely populated woodland. During the medieval period, a small agricultural trade flourished, with residents supplying pigs and fuel to the capital. Despite the land being held by the Bishop of London, it remained an area of dense forest until the 15th century. Cultivation of farmland gave rise to a hay industry, and open spaces such as Finchley Common were established.

It wasn’t until the 19th century that Finchley gained its reputation as a desirable location for commuters. After the newly built train station connected Finchley to Edgware in 1867, the population began to soar as affluent Londoners chose to settle here.

Later, the Underground New Works Programme established stations throughout the area, encouraging further growth. Suburban housing developments catered to this demand, but many of Finchley’s open spaces were preserved thanks to its position in the Metropolitan Green Belt.