Superette – Swain’s Lane

Suprette's the kind of place you stop into for one thing and end up buying something completely different. It’s part neighbourhood shop, part café, with shelves full of wine, pantry bits and unique ingredients that feel carefully chosen rather than just randomly sourced. They've got outside seating to sit with a coffee or a glass of something and watch the street go by (especially needed after walking the hills of Highgate and Hampstead Heath). It’s simple, relaxed, and exactly the sort of place you'll wish was opposite your house.

Why we love it

We love it because it feels genuinely easy to be there... it's not overdone, but everything is exactly how you'd want it, from what’s on the shelves to what’s behind the counter. Granted, it is close to home for us, but it’s still the kind of place you can drop into at any time of day and it still works, whether it's a quick coffee, sandwich, something to take home, or a slow glass of wine outside. After moving into our place in 2025, we quickly found Superette and it quickly felt like our local in the best way.

The biggest draw to Superette for us is by far the Sandwiches, with options like roasted prosciutto and rocket, veg and goats cheese, Pesto and Salami or rocket; all in fresh focaccia so you can't go too far wrong. They also do a three-cheese toasties which is unbelievable.

Inside, it’s set up more like a well-stocked pantry than a shop you rush through. There’s a proper deli counter with good cheeses, charcuterie, olives and pâtés, alongside shelves of things you’d want for an easy dinner or a last-minute spread. You’ll find hot sauces, condiments, chutneys, cereals, pasta, sauces and tins of fish, along with olive oils, vinegars and seasonings that feel a step above the usual. The snack section is hard to leave empty-handed, with crisps, chocolate, biscuits and sweets that'll make you question every diet you've ever attempted.

They've also got a strong selection of drinks, with everything from natural wines, beer, cider, ferments like kombucha and cocktails, plus no and low alcohol options that don’t feel like a tickbox move. The coffee section covers everything from beans, syrups, pods and takeaway drinks.

To top it off they sell freshly baked bits from The Dusty Knuckle Bakery, cheeses, cold meats behind the counter.

Our notes

Get a sandwich and glass of wine. You will not regret it. (Also try and go early or late in the day as it tends to get really busy at midday)

The Setting

Superette sits partway up Swain’s Lane, just 50 meters from the entrance to Hampstead Heath and down the road from Highgate Cemetery. The general crowd of people around are either heading out for a walk or coming back from one, so there’s a steady flow without it ever feeling busy. There are a few other small shops along the lane, but it still feels mostly residential, which adds to it general vibe of being a neighbourhood cafe. The seating is simple, just a few tables and chairs set up outside the shop, nothing formal, but it works. You grab something, sit out front, and watch the street for a bit. It’s not trying to be anything more than that, which is exactly why it works so well.