A lovely indie-addition to Muswell Hill - definitley a big plus over the usual Nicolas Wine outlets…read more(or whatever they're called these days). We went to this shop a few times already to pick up wines for dinner parties that we were attending or to stock up our own wine emergency stack. I really liked that when we came here the staff was not only very friendly, but also quite knowledgeable and not pushy at all. I also read on posters that they have monthly wine tastings and wine pairngs (in conjunction with Cooks from next door). I made a mental note to come and check out on of these gatherings one day...you can never know enough of wines, right? What I also liked was they they had a rather nice selection of unique California wines, from small and selected vineyards. Definitely a plus for the California expats who miss a piece of home...

Paul helped put a gift order for me from the U.S. what made him so special was the care and…read moreattention he provided and the thorough follow up on delivery. He's the best!

I popped in here during a nice little walk around Highgate, and was rather disappointed. While it…read moreis a wine store first and foremost, Hops 'n' Pops does have a numerous amount of beer in stock as well. However, the beer selection was quite disappointing at the same time (I'll also be the first to admit that I know basically nothing about wine). There were some good brews available such as Brooklyn and Wychwood. Most of the items, though, were Kronenbourg, Strongbow, etc. I felt that some of it was quite overpriced as well. A bottle of Brooklyn was £1.99, which is really nothing to scoff at for an import. Yet Samuel Smith's beers were £3 for a pint - the same as/and in some cases more expensive than a draught pint at a pub. The thing that really irked me and what cost Hops 'N' Pops a star was the unfriendliness of its staff. There was one man working during my visit, and he wasn't really working very hard - just empty boxes around, dusting off a shelf and whatnot. Yet when I asked him a question, he acted as if he would rather be anywhere else in the world. He was cold, rude and never actually answered my question. I'm hoping that my experience was the exception, and not the rule. Otherwise, if you live in the Highgate area, they have some decent alcohols to check out.

Owner refused to replace a bottle of wine which was "corked" as I had not refilled the bottle to…read morethe top with the glass of wine I had poured down the drain despite buying many bottles of wine there over the last year. Not going back.

There is Lindt chocolate at Deli and Delights. I thought I saw this woman from a documentary about…read moreMI6 here. I was grooving to the Highgate frequency when I stopped in here to get a spinanch/hummus sandwhich and a soy shake, This store isn't that overpriced considering the location across the street from Highgate Wood. Deli and Delights has a nice selection of Blue Dragon soup, Seggiano sauce (makers of the best pesto sauce around) and loads of expensive chocolates. I felt fabulous shopping here.

Well we're not in Kansas (or Manchester or Brixton or Hull) anymore…read more You know you're growing up to be part of a demographic where you've found a shop local to you that sells your favourite vegan raw basil pesto. (I'm not actually vegan; the pesto is just wonderful!) You know that you've found indulgence when you've found a shop that sells tea in pillows rather than bags. You know when you've found love when you've found a shop that sells organic lime and tequila marmalade. The place is just outside Highgate Underground station and one of the first places I shopped when I first moved here. The place is small, not particularly pretentious but very artisan and supplies more simple things such as a small selection of frozen foods and toiletries. I try not to come here as I do tend to raid the antipasti and the weird and wonderful marmalade. So much quality so much temptation and worth a visit.