Jonny Quinn is the drummer with the rock band Snow Patrol, who released their latest album Up to Now last week. He lives in Crouch End with his wife. HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN crouch end? For three years – I previously lived in County Kerry in Ireland

Jonny Quinn is the drummer with the rock band Snow Patrol, who released their latest album Up to Now last week. He lives in Crouch End with his wife.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN crouch end?

For three years - I previously lived in County Kerry in Ireland.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT THE AREA?

The independent shops, bars and restaurants, like Solomon's vintage furniture, Flashback records, the butchers and greengrocers. On a summer day there's the fantastic Park Road lido which I discovered by accident, a piece of tranquillity in the bustle of the village. I really enjoy driving up to Alexandra Palace and having a view of the city. My neighbour George Perry is one of the best things about living in Crouch End too. He's a bit of a local celebrity and can't walk anywhere without someone saying hello. I have a lot of old friends from back home who now live nearby. There's a good community of musicians and the village atmosphere means you don't feel like you're in a huge, anonymous city. You get to know shopkeepers and bump into familiar faces.

WHAT IS THE WORST THING?

I hate the way the council changed the parking times without telling anyone, so that now you get fined for parking between 5pm and 6pm. I must have got about six tickets. It can also be difficult to negotiate your way through the Broadway because of all the prams full of babies with names like Annabelle and Ralph. But the worst thing about living in Crouch End is that nights out with George Perry always result in a hangover next day.

Which pubs, bars or restaurants in the area are your favourites?

Snow Patrol have played a couple of gigs at the King's Head and it's a great venue for acoustic sets. Last week we performed our new album Up Till Now there. It's a compilation of some of our best songs from the past 15 years as well as new material, such as Just Say Yes. We like performing at the King's Head because it's atmospheric and it's easy to walk home. The Harringay Arms has the feel of a proper Old Irish pub; Rhythm does great Caribbean food; St James is great for cocktails and Villiers Terrace for Sunday roasts.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE LOCAL BUILDING?

I love the Clock Tower because it reminds you of what Crouch End would have been like 100 years ago. It gives you a sense of the history. I also admire the scale of Ally Pally. I can see it from my garden. It's probably the highest point in London.

Who was the last celebrity you saw in the area?

I met fellow Irishman Stephen Gately for the first time recently at St James, before his untimely death. He came over and said hi. He seemed a bit shy, maybe because he thought I didn't like Boyzone's music but he was an absolute gent and very grounded. He was a really top bloke. It's a tragic loss.

What would you do if you were mayor for the day?

Introduce air conditioning and free wi-fi on the Tube, then end the day with a huge party at City Hall with the chance for everyone to get a photo wearing the mayor's chain. After all, you can't change the world in a day!

WHERE IN THE WORLD WOULD YOU TWIN CROUCH END/HIGHGATE WITH?

My wife's family is from a place near Hell, Norway (It's real!) It would be great to have signs reading "From Highgate to Hell".

If you had a million pounds to spend in day what would you do?

Send everyone from Highgate to their twin city Hell, first class mind you!