The Journal
From the Blog
Dispatches from the village — written by people who walk these streets every day. History, food, culture and the stories behind the places you love.
Finchley Central: An Area and Transport Guide
Finchley Central: a locally written guide covering the best places, practical tips, and what to know before you visit. Everything you need in one place.
James Calloway
19 August 2026 · 2 min read
Local Life
Kids' Birthday Party Venues in and Around Hampstead
The best venues for children's birthday parties in and around Hampstead, from the Heath's playgrounds to indoor venues for any weather.
Oliver Hartwell · 3 min read
Nature & Outdoors
Spring in Hampstead: Where to See Blossom and Wildflowers
Spring in Hampstead: Where to See Blossom and Wildflowers, a locally written, practical guide to what to know, where to go, and how to plan your visit.
Beatrice Thornton · 2 min read
Local Life
The Best Gift Shops in Hampstead: Presents That Don't Look Last-Minute
The best gift shops in Hampstead, independent boutiques, bookshop gifts, food and flowers, children's presents and where to find something genuinely good in NW3.
Beatrice Thornton · 2 min read
Local Life
Wedding Venues in and Around Hampstead: A Guide
A guide to wedding venues in and around Hampstead, historic houses, garden settings, restaurants, and how to make the most of the Heath for photos.
Oliver Hartwell · 3 min read
Local Life
Best Dentists in Hampstead: NHS, Private and Emergency Options
Finding a dentist in Hampstead: NHS availability, private practice pricing, emergency options, and how to register as a new patient in NW3.
Oliver Hartwell · 3 min read
Local Life
A Rainy Day in Hampstead: The Best Indoor Things to Do
What to do in Hampstead when it rains, museums, historic houses, the cinema, cosy pubs, cafés and galleries. A wet-weather itinerary that makes the most of a grey day.
Oliver Hartwell · 3 min read
Local Life
Choosing an Estate Agent in Hampstead: A Seller's and Renter's Guide
How to choose an estate agent in Hampstead, fees, the local agency landscape, questions to ask, online vs traditional and what NW3's market quirks mean for you.
Oliver Hartwell · 3 min read
Nature & Outdoors
Stargazing in North London: Where to See the Stars
Light pollution makes London a hard place to see stars, but Hampstead Heath, Parliament Hill and the local astronomy society give you a fighting chance. A practical guide.
Oliver Hartwell · 4 min read
Food & Drink
The Best Beer Gardens Near Hampstead Heath
The Best Beer Gardens Near Hampstead Heath, a locally written guide with insider tips, the best spots, and what to know before you go. Plan your visit with...
Beatrice Thornton · 2 min read
Food & Drink
Best Restaurants in Stoke Newington: A Local's Guide
The best restaurants in Stoke Newington, Turkish, Mangal 1, cafés on Church Street, wine bars and where locals eat in N16. A complete dining guide.
Beatrice Thornton · 3 min read
Nature & Outdoors
Hampstead in Spring: A Seasonal Itinerary
The best of Hampstead in spring, bluebells on the Heath, blossom in the village, the Pergola's wisteria and Kenwood's gardens waking up. A seasonal itinerary.
Beatrice Thornton · 3 min read
Local Life
Where to Celebrate New Year's Eve in Hampstead
How to spend New Year's Eve in Hampstead, cosy pubs, restaurant bookings, a Heath walk for the new year, and how to avoid central London's crowds.
Oliver Hartwell · 3 min read
Local Life
Charity Walks and Fundraising Events on Hampstead Heath
Charity Walks and Fundraising Events on Hampstead Heath, a locally written, practical guide to what to know, where to go, and how to plan your visit.
Beatrice Thornton · 2 min read
Nature & Outdoors
Hampstead Heath Ponds: Water Quality and Temperature Explained
Hampstead Heath Ponds, your local guide to the best spots, insider tips, and everything worth knowing before you go. Read on to plan the perfect visit.
Beatrice Thornton · 2 min read