Chantelle Billson
Highgate High Street
- Credit: Polly Hancock
Highgate High Street is the best its been for a decade , but some have pleaded with locals not to desert it post-pandemic.
Renowned for its independent shops, cafes and popular pubs, the High Street has survived a difficult year says Highgate Society chair Elspeth Clements. The shops that provide food and services have done ok during the lockdown, those who have delivered have done very well, and those who have not, have suffered, she said. In general the High Street is the best it s been for a decade.
But while Highgate councillor Liz Morris celebrated the increased footfall during Covid, she warned that valuable community assets could be lost if people desert the High Street as lockdown eases.
Chantelle Billson
Conrad Whale enjoys his first pint back in the Flask, Highgate
- Credit: Polly Hancock
April 12 couldn’t come soon enough for Highgate business owners, who were ecstatic to finally reopen their doors.
With lockdown easing continuing, pubs, hairdressers and other non-essential shops were among those back in business.
Becky Dobney was delighted to reopen Dobney Hair and Beauty on April 12
- Credit: Chantelle Billson
Becky Dobney, who runs the Dobney London hair and beauty salon in the high street said that the reopening has been a “long while coming”. Everybody has missed being pampered, everyone needs some tender loving care and we re here to give it to them, she said.
Heath Ball, owner of the Red Lion & Sun
- Credit: Polly Hancock
Local traders set to reopen on April 12 say they are excited to welcome back customers – but have warned “it’s not going to be business as usual”.
Non-essential shops can reopen on Monday, while restaurants and pubs can resume outdoor service – as residents look forward to the next phase of lockdown restrictions easing.
But businesses around Hampstead and Highgate, many of which have been shut for months, say that all the Covid-19 safety measures will make the reopening another logistical challenge.
Heath Ball, who runs the Red Lion & Sun pub in Highgate, told the Ham&High: “We’re excited to get back open, but it’s just all the stuff that goes with it.