UK’s ‘best street’ named as two roads make list of 31 coolest in world | UK | Travel

Vacationers often share that wandering around cities and towns is the best way to explore a destination. Visitors can immerse themselves in hidden backstreets full of local life, food and music, finding the independent shops and charming venues locals already know and love.

Now two of England’s streets feature on the world’s “coolest” list. Time Out has published a list of unique streets around the world that are perfect for tourists. Created by a team of travel experts and editors, each street was chosen for its ability to represent the brilliance of its region, based on criteria for food and drink, atmosphere, community spirit and culture.

Blackstock Road, London

This London road, ranked 23rd, is between Finsbury Park and Highbury Fields. Acting as a vein connecting the bustling town to stunning greenery and Georgian architecture, Blackstock Road has been singled out for its impressive mile of pubs and bars, independent restaurants serving cuisine from around the world, and even the Emirates Stadium, home of the local football team, just a short walk away.

Iconic Irish pubs The Woodbine and The King’s Head are among the must-sees on the list, while the more popular Top Cuvée, which specializes in wine, is also on the list. Locals have come together to create an important business environment full of flavor. From Ethiopian deli in St Gabriel to delicious Uyghur restaurant Dilara, London’s food lovers can also pop in for a late-night bagel at The Happening Bagel Bakery or Kurdish food at Baban’s Naan. Not to mention La Princesse, an Algerian cake shop filled with sweet treats.

All packed into one street, Blackstock Road is the ‘cutting edge’ spot to discover North London’s diverse culture and community. Among the most recommended is Sebby Holmes’ Bib Gourmand-winning Farang, which serves Thai cuisine made with fresh ingredients purportedly flown in from Bangkok every week. Time Out praised its sweet fish and chili sauce gai prik as a hit.

Northdown Road, Margate

England’s second mention is Northdown Road in Margate, which comes in at 31st on the list. Following the economic collapse of the 1980s, this street has now been billed as “Shoreditch by the Sea”.

Craftsman street craft galleries, mid-century furniture for sale at Clueit Webb Interiors, and plenty of vintage pieces at LJW Antiques, Tat Agent, Cliftonville Junktion.

There is gorgeous handcrafted jewelery down the street, available at shops such as Reo Jewels and Jayne Fowler. And if you haven’t shopped till you drop (or just need a caffeine fix), enjoy the rich coffee on offer at Oast, Doublons or Cliffs, which is also home to a variety of records and, surprisingly, also does haircuts.