The latest positive local news from North London: food and drink, nightlife, people, arts, sport and business stories from La Vida London.
Islington's much-loved puppet theatre is marking its 65th anniversary year with a world premiere, two festive favourites and a programme built around children, families and the craft of puppetry.
Housed in a Grade II* listed Victorian pumping station on Green Lanes, the Castle Climbing Centre has now been welcoming climbers for 30 years.
Run by comedians and famous for free nightly shows, Angel Comedy Club's Bill Murray venue was voted the best comedy venue in London at the audience-voted Chortle Awards.
Camden Market, which began with 16 stalls in 1974, now has more than 1,000 shops and stalls, and its Saturday vintage market runs through October and November.
Former Galvin at Windows head chef Joo Won opened Cálong on Stoke Newington Church Street in 2025, and the Korean bistro has now earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand.
Robert Adam's Kenwood, on the edge of Hampstead Heath, houses works by Rembrandt and Vermeer with free entry, and hosts Father Christmas weekends this winter.
Founded on a former timber yard in 1972, Kentish Town City Farm is still free to visit every day and is building up a new horse programme for local young people.
Islington sewing shop and school Ray Stitch offers fabrics, haberdashery and classes from machine sewing for beginners to quilting and darning with guest teachers.
With open water swimming more popular than ever, the City of London is reviewing whether Hampstead Heath's Mixed Pond should join the Ladies' and Men's ponds in opening all year.