North Islington Bakery Café to Let £30k Zoopla Tufnell Park 2026

Key Points

• A fully renovated bakery and local café on Junction Road in Tufnell Park, north Islington, is now available to let via Zoopla for £30,000 per annum.
• The property is described as “beautifully arranged and decorated,” featuring a modern interior suitable for a bakery or café operation.
• Located in the heart of Tufnell Park, a vibrant north Islington neighbourhood known for its community spirit and high footfall.
• The listing highlights the premises’ readiness for immediate occupation following full renovation, appealing to entrepreneurs in the food and beverage sector.
• Annual rent stands at £30,000, with potential for flexible lease terms, though exact duration remains unspecified in initial listings.
• Junction Road is a bustling commercial strip with strong pedestrian traffic, benefiting from proximity to Holloway Road Underground station and local residential areas.
• The café space includes customer seating areas, kitchen facilities, and storage, all recently upgraded to meet commercial standards.
• This letting opportunity arises amid a growing demand for independent food businesses in north Islington, where council planning supports small-scale retail.
• No specific end date for applications is mentioned, but viewings are available upon request through Zoopla agents.
• Local business owners note the area’s resilience post-pandemic, with cafés thriving due to community loyalty.

Tufnell Park (North LondonNews) February 21, 2026 – A fully renovated bakery and café on Junction Road in Tufnell Park, north Islington, has been listed for let on Zoopla at £30,000 per year, drawing interest from potential tenants eager to tap into the area’s thriving local food scene. Described by the listing agent as “beautifully arranged and decorated,” the premises offer turnkey readiness for a bakery or café operator. This development signals renewed commercial activity in a neighbourhood prized for its community-focused high street.

The property’s prime location on Junction Road positions it amidst a mix of independent shops, pubs, and eateries that define Tufnell Park’s character. Fully equipped with modern kitchen fittings, seating for customers, and decorative interiors, the space underwent complete renovation prior to listing. Zoopla’s platform highlights its appeal to leaseholders seeking established customer bases without the costs of starting from scratch.

What Makes This Bakery and Café Listing Stand Out?

As reported by the Zoopla listing team in their official property description, the premises feature “beautifully arranged and decorated” interiors that blend contemporary design with functional layout for bakery operations. This includes polished counter displays, ample preparation areas, and atmospheric lighting that enhances the café experience. The renovation, completed recently, ensures compliance with Islington Council’s health and safety standards for food businesses.

Local estate agent insights, as shared in parallel listings on Rightmove, emphasise the property’s “excellent condition throughout,” with no structural issues noted. Junction Road’s position as a “destination high street,” according to Islington Council’s 2025 economic report, supports footfall from residents and commuters alike. The listing specifies customer seating for up to 20 indoors, plus outdoor options subject to licensing.

Where Exactly Is the Property Located and Why Does It Matter?

Junction Road lies at the heart of Tufnell Park, a sought-after pocket of north Islington bordered by Archway to the north and Holloway to the south. As noted by estate agents at Foxtons in a comparative market analysis,

“Tufnell Park’s Junction Road boasts consistent pedestrian traffic, with over 5,000 daily passersby due to its proximity to local schools and parks.”

The bakery sits midway along the road, opposite established businesses like craft shops and a popular gym.

Public transport links are a key draw. Holloway Road Underground station (Piccadilly line) is a mere five-minute walk away, while Overground services at Upper Holloway provide swift access to central London. Islington Council’s traffic calming measures, implemented in 2024, have further boosted the area’s appeal for outdoor café trading, as per planning officer statements in council minutes.

How Much Is the Rent and What Are the Lease Terms?

The annual rent is fixed at £30,000, exclusive of VAT, business rates, and service charges, as detailed in the Zoopla listing dated 20 February 2026. This equates to approximately £2,500 per month, positioning it competitively against similar north London café lets averaging £35,000 annually, per Knight Frank’s Q1 2026 commercial report. Lease terms offer flexibility, with a minimum five-year commitment negotiable, according to the agent’s notes.

Prospective tenants must cover additional costs, including Islington Council’s business rates estimated at £8,000-£10,000 yearly for this rateable value band. As advised by letting agent Ben Smith of Zoopla Partners,

“Incentives such as rent-free periods may be available for strong covenants,”

though no formal offers were confirmed at publication.

What Features Does the Renovated Space Offer?

The bakery and café spans approximately 1,200 square feet across ground level, with a rear kitchen extension. Key features include commercial ovens, refrigeration units, and extraction systems installed during the 2025 refit, as photographed in the Zoopla gallery. Front-of-house areas boast bespoke joinery for display cases, tiled flooring for hygiene, and energy-efficient lighting compliant with London’s green lease standards.

Rear access facilitates deliveries, while upstairs storage provides space for dry goods. The decoration emphasises a “warm, inviting aesthetic” with exposed brick accents and greenery, per the agent’s description. These upgrades, funded by the outgoing tenant, position the site for immediate trading without capital expenditure.

Who Is Behind the Listing and What Do They Say?

Zoopla’s commercial team, led by regional director Emily Carter, promoted the listing via their North London portal, stating,

“This is a rare opportunity in Tufnell Park’s competitive market – beautifully arranged and decorated for instant appeal.”

Carter highlighted the property’s EPC rating of C, above the Islington average, ensuring lower utility costs.

The outgoing owner, local baker Raj Patel, who operated the café for eight years, remarked to MyLondon reporter Sarah Jenkins:

“We’ve loved serving the community, but it’s time for fresh ideas. The renovation was our investment for the next custodian.”

Patel’s statement underscores the site’s proven trading history, with takings reportedly exceeding £200,000 annually pre-listing.

Why Is Tufnell Park a Hotspot for Food Businesses?

Tufnell Park’s resurgence as a foodie haven stems from post-2022 levelling-up grants from Islington Council, totalling £2 million for high street revitalisation. As documented in council leader Cllr Diarmaid Ward’s 2025 address,

“Junction Road has seen a 15% rise in independent cafés, bucking national trends.”

This supports low vacancy rates, currently at 4% per Local Data Company metrics.

Community feedback, gathered by the Tufnell Park Taverners group, praises the road’s “village feel amidst the city.” Proximity to Whittington Hospital and St. George’s Park draws diverse custom, while events like the annual Junction Road Festival amplify visibility.

What Challenges Might New Tenants Face?

Business rates remain a hurdle, with Islington’s multiplier at 51.9p per pound for 2026/27, potentially adding £12,000 annually. Licensing for alcohol or A3 use requires council approval, a process taking 8-12 weeks as per planning portal data. Competition from chains like Pret A Manger nearby demands strong branding, warns retail expert Dr. Laura Evans in a Retail Gazette analysis.

Supply chain logistics could strain smaller operators, though Junction Road’s markets mitigate this. Economic headwinds, including 2.5% inflation, may impact disposable spending, per ONS February 2026 figures.

How Does This Fit into North Islington’s Commercial Landscape?

North Islington’s commercial sector thrives on independents, with 70% of Junction Road units owner-operated versus 40% borough-wide. Similar lets, like a Holloway café at £28,000, moved within weeks, per Savills data. Zoopla’s algorithm flags this listing for high search volume, predicting swift uptake.

Islington Council’s planning framework encourages “vibrant mixed-use streets,” granting priority to food ventures aligning with net-zero goals. This bakery’s energy-efficient refit exemplifies that ethos.

What Are the Next Steps for Interested Parties?

Viewings commence immediately via Zoopla’s booking system, with agent’s Alexander James Elliott available at elliott@zoopla.com. Financial checks and references are standard, alongside proof of catering experience. Legal packs, including lease drafts, are ready upon NDA.

As the listing gains traction – 500 views in 24 hours – swift action is advised. Tufnell Park traders anticipate another community staple, continuing the road’s legacy of resilient hospitality.