Get to know North London through the eyes of locals we love. From chefs and DJ’s to fitness and fashion professionals, our insiders share their favourite spots in the capital’s most vibrant neighbourhoods.
Insider Guide: Chloe Madeley
Brent Cross Insider Chloe Madeley worked in television before choosing a career in fitness and nutrition. She is also the presenter and producer of The Bodcast. Follow her on Instagram.
There isn’t one park I haven’t personal trained in, nor one breakfast spot I haven’t crawled into. North London has been the soundstage of my childhood, adolescence and now, my adulthood
I’ve lived in North London since I was nine years old, so 24 years now. I used to work in television, both on and off the camera, until I started weightlifting at a local gym in East Finchley and quickly changed career paths to become a personal trainer and nutritionist. I learnt so much personal training around North West London that I ended up blogging about it. Now I’ve moved into online coaching, while writing books and producing and presenting my own podcast: The Bodcast.
North London is my home, I know every crook and cranny, from Carmelli Bakeries in Golders Green (best bagels in London), to Jin Kichi in Hampstead (best Japanese in London), the swimming ponds of Hampstead Heath and, of course, the pop up snack stands of Brent Cross Shopping Centre. There isn’t one park I haven’t personal trained in, nor one breakfast spot I haven’t crawled into. North London has been the soundstage of my childhood, adolescence and now, my adulthood.
Here are my must-visit spots:
1. Hampstead Ponds
Location: Hampstead Heath, London NW5 1QR
Find out more: hampsteadheath.net/swimming-ponds
Let the wild swimming vibes wash over you
Insider Tip: Take a picnic and have fun with friends, but get there late morning before it gets too busy
2. Jin Kichi
Location: 73 Heath St, London NW3 6UG
Follow: @jinkichi.restaurant Find out more: jinkichi.com
Real, authentic Japanese food.
Insider Tip: This is the real deal, so order their sashimi. Also a great place to celeb spot, and I do mean the Hollywood A-listers
3. La Creperie de Hampstead
Location: 77 Hampstead High St, London NW3 1RE
If you know, you know.
Insider Tip: Tip them! They work their socks off all day, every day.
4. Hollywood Bowl Finchley
Location: Leisure Way, High Rd, London N12 0GL
Find out more: hollywoodbowl.co.uk
Old school bowling scenes you don’t want to miss.
Insider Tip: a pitcher of beer is an investment, so book two games and make a night of it with friends
5. Carmelli Bakery
Location: 126-128 Golders Green Road NW11 8HB
Follow: @carmelli.bakery Find out more: carmelli.co.uk
Best bagels in London!
Insider Tip: Go traditional, the smoked salmon and cream cheese bagel needs no fixing
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