The Mall Wood Green

What is it?

Wood Green’s big, busy, no-nonsense shopping centre has been a fixture of north London life for more than four decades. It opened as Wood Green Shopping City in May 1981, with Queen Elizabeth II doing the honours, and the housing estate stacked on top is still known locally as ‘Sky City’. It has weathered an IRA bomb attack in 1992 and the 2011 riots, and it’s still going.

Don’t come expecting designer labels. This is a place for everyday shopping, with Primark, H&M, TK Maxx, River Island, JD Sports, Boots, Argos and a Lidl all under one roof, plus a Cineworld and a PureGym. The real character is in the Market Hall, where dozens of independent traders sell everything from beads and craft materials to phones and electricals, hair and beauty, and quick bites.

Why go?

Because it’s a great community shopping centre where you can pick up school uniform, get your shoes fixed and grab lunch from around the world in one trip.

Don’t miss

The Bridge is the Mall’s food destination. Try the handmade momos and Newari dishes at Momo 365, or the beef rendang at South East Asian spot Bowl. Moodog’s chicken tikka baguette is its bestseller.

When to visit

Weekday mornings are the calmest. Come during the school holidays if you’ve got kids in tow, as the centre runs regular family events and craft activities.

Time Out tip

Head down to the Market Hall for independent traders you won’t find on the high street. There’s a meat market, a Continental deli and Imperial Falafel for a quick lunch.