Welcome

Brrrr. Keep out the chills with this week's stories.

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Cool update on the Phoenix Cinema's new additional screen, great for cosying up in the winter.

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And you are not going to believe who our Finchleyite is this week.

📽 The Phoenix Cinema Rises

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Exciting times. East Finchley’s own independent cinema, The Phoenix, is delivering it’s planned redevelopment, after a dispute over the land, which the trustees responded to.

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You probably already know that The Phoenix Cinema is currently an independent single-screen community cinema. It was built in 1910 and opened in 1912 as the East Finchley Picturedrome. It is one of the oldest continuously-running cinemas in the UK, run by a registered charity, The Phoenix Cinema Trust Ltd.

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Screens 1 & 2

The cinema redevelopment is progressing well in its fourth week. A new 23-seater Screen 2, featuring a 2K projector and impressive sound system, is being added. The existing screen will be upgraded with new seating, carpets, and an in-screen bar (open before films). The sound system is also being modernized to enhance the viewing experience.

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Temporary Cinema Closure

The cinema will close from today, Monday, 18 November, for around four weeks, reopening mid-December.

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Reopening will include a cool programme of events and films including Anora, Conclave, Paddington in Peru, and Gladiator II. Note: Bird will no longer be screened.

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Watch the website for re-opening date. Holiday season tickets should be up on the website soon too.

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Purchase some (East) Finchley History

Screen 1's seats will be replaced with luxurious Ferco seats with much requested cupholders.

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Old seats are available for purchase at £20 each but must be collected on Wednesday or Thursday of this week, 20th or 21st November. Email management@phoenixcinema.co.uk to arrange payment and collection.

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Exciting times for local cinemas. See you at Screen 2. Get that popcorn ready. 📽

Events

ARTS

Sunday 24th November

​Frost Fair | Sun, Nov. 24 | 10:30 am to 5:00 pm | Stephens House & Gardens | Finchley Women's Institute presents their 13th Annual Frost Fair with over 40 stalls offering an exciting variety of seasonal gifts and treats, created by local artisans at affordable prices.

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COMMUNITY

Sunday 24th November

​The Little Children's Market | Sun, Nov. 24 | 10:30 am to 12:00 pm | East Barnet School (Sports Hall), EN4 8PU. | £2 per adult | The Little Children's Market London will be back for one last time in 2024. The market aims to bring you even more incredible baby & children’s bargains, as well as some special Christmas magic.

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​Light Up A Life | Sun, Nov. 24 | 4:30 pm | North London Hospice Finchley, 47 Woodside Avenue, N12 8TT | Free | North London Hospice is inviting people to “light up a life” as part of its annual dedication ceremony in memory of those lost. The ceremony will include readings, music and poetry, culminating in the lighting of hundreds of lights on a memorial tree, each one dedicated to a loved one.

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MUSIC

Monday 18th November

​Bella Gaffney | Mon, Nov. 18 | 8:30 pm to 10:30 pm | Green Note, 106 Parkway, NW1 7AN | £14.00 | Bella Gaffney's music is characterised by her distinctive voice, intricate guitar playing, and her knack for storytelling. Bella Gaffney is a British singer-songwriter, guitar and banjo player who has established herself as a prominent figure in the folk music scene.

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Saturday 23rd November

​Duruflé and Poulenc | Sat, Nov. 23 | 7:30 pm | St James Church, Muswell Hill, N10 3DB | £25 | NLC is pleased to announce that Philippa Boyle has kindly agreed to step in as soprano for this concert, having last sung with us in the Verdi Requiem in June of this year.

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THEATRE

Wednesday 27th November

​Poets Corner: Portals Of Discovery | Wed, Nov. 27 | 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm | Westminster Abbey, SW1P 3PA | £5 | Prepare for an unforgettable evening of poetry at "Portals of Discovery," curated by Jade de Robles Rossdale and held in the iconic Poets' Corner. The lineup includes Daisy Lowe (Writer and Supermodel), James Massiah (Poet and Musician), Greta Bellamacina (Poet and Actor), Cecilia Knapp (Novelist and Poet), Zakariye (Poet) and Jade de Robles Rossdale (Curator, Writer).|

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SPORT

Monday 18th November

​Skate, Twirl, and Have Fun | Mon, Nov. 18 | 3:00 pm | Brent Cross Shopping Centre, Prince Charles Drive, NW4 3FP | £15 | From 1st November to 5th January, a spectacular standalone ice rink will take over the John Lewis car park, transforming your winter days into magical moments of ice skating fun.

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FITogether Golders Green | Mon, Nov. 18 | Golders Hill Park, NW3 7HE | £5 for a class | Raphael is a personal trainer with 10 years of experience, and I’m bringing high-energy workout classes to Golders Hill Park, Golders Green. Whether you’re aiming to build strength, burn fat, or create lasting healthy habits, his classes are all about results and community. Message @Fit_Together_Official on Instagram for more info.

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Tuesday 19th November

​Wingate & Finchley vs Chatham Town | Tue, Nov. 19 | 7:45 pm to 10:00 pm | Maurice Rebak Stadium, Summers Lane, N12 0PD | Adults £12, Concessions £8, 11-18yrs £5, U11s Free | Wingate & Finchley have made an excellent start to the Isthmian Premier League season, sat in third place at the moment. On Tuesday they welcome Chatham Town to N12 in a crunch clash between two of last season's playoff contenders.

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Wednesday 20th November

​Stretching Through Trauma | Wed, Nov. 20 | 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm | Holy Trinity Church | Free | "Stretching Through Trauma" is a somatic practice that uses mindful stretching techniques to release tension stored in the body from past traumatic experiences. By gently reconnecting with physical sensations, participants can foster a deeper sense of safety, resilience, and healing in both mind and body.

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Saturday 23rd November

​Barnet Leisure Centre - Open weekend | Sat, Nov. 23 | Finchley Lido Centre | Free 1-day Pass | Whether you're a member or a non-member, come and enjoy the Open Weekend filled with free, fun activities for all ages at your local Better leisure centre. Get active, meet new people, and explore exciting new activities. activities include swimming, tennis, gym training, table tennis, gymnastics and much more subject to your local centre.

Events - Book Ahead

Saturday 7th December

The Royal Free Charity Christmas Concert | Sat, Dec. 7 | 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm | St Mary's at Finchley Church | Free | A wonderful family-friendly community Christmas Concert Put together by Manny Hammond, raising money for the Royal Free Charity. Donate here.​

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Saturday 14th December

​Winter High Tea | Sat, Dec. 14 | 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm | Stephens House & Gardens | £25 | Traditional High Tea With a Winter Twist, served inside, with the House decorated for the festive season.

Local Lowdown

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Eating

• Bagels on the Heath. B Bagel's newest spot opened on Swain’s Lane last Friday. Fresh from a hefty makeover, their sixth location offers baked delights and a sunlit terrace for up to 30 people inside, and 50 outside.

Eating more

• Fishy business. Congrats to Toff’s of Muswell Hill. It has been crowned London's top fish and chip shop at the National Fish and Chip Awards 2025. Serving since 1968, this spot adds class to classic fish and chips with British-sourced fish and treats like spotted dick.

Helping

• Unity in action. Faith leaders and community members converged at Camden Town Methodist Church to gear up for Mitzvah Day on November 24th. Founded in Golders Green, this initiative transcends all faiths. It rallies our community to tackle food poverty and foster a more inclusive society.

Learning

• School scoop. Navigating primary school applications in Brent just got a bit easier. All but one of the Brent local primary schools have a 'Good' or 'Outstanding' Ofsted ratings. That's 60 out of 61 schools. Get your applications in before 15th January.

Trampolining (or not)

• Bounce out, build up. The Stapes Corner Retail Park will soon trade trampolines for textbooks. Plans have been approved for 844 student rooms for the new Sheffield Hallam Campus opening in 2026. The Flip Out Trampolining Centre will be demolished to make way.

The Finchleyite: Terry's Choc Orange

Who knew that Terry’s Chocolate Orange is a Finchleyite?

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Its packaging lists 35 Ballards Lane Finchley, N3 as the address of Terry’s Chocolate Co Ltd. The company’s independent auditors are BKL Audit Ltd, a Finchley firm.

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The brand is owned by Carambar in France. A quick look at the Companies House website tells you that there are 8 UK employees (sales and marketing) with head office in France.

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An iconic British confection infused with orange oil, it debuted in 1932 at Terry's Chocolate Works in York, England.

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Terry's confectionery range initially included the Dessert Chocolate Apple (1926) and Terry’s All Gold (1931) (OMG remember this ad?).

The Chocolate Orange eventually replaced the phased-out Chocolate Apple in 1954.

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Since 2018 it has been manufactured in Strasbourg, France.

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Famous for its "Tap and Unwrap" ritual (check out this 1981 ad), the segmented chocolate now has more brand extensions that are strictly required. Of course we all remember the shrinkflation of 2016. And 2023’s price increase from £1 to £1.50.

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Still. Seasonal Finchley greetings.

Editors' Note - From Sasha

Brilliant afternoon yesterday at Punchdrunk's immersive theatre experience Viola's Room. Love to break the fourth wall. Also, the set detail is unbelievable.

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​Felix Barrett (Punchdrunk's founder / creative guru) has done it again. Narrated by Helena Bonham Carter, with a hint of Tim Burton influences, it differs from other productions' ( like The Drowned Man and The Masque of the Red Death) organic "find your own story" approach. The light guides you around the narrative.

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There's a final extension with a seasonal "Christmas tale" twist to 23 December. Book here.​

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Also, let us know about local events or local news. We curate our content to keep it a 5-minute read, so can't include everything we're sent.

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You can now get a guaranteed (paid) listing for local events or local lowdown/news items.

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​And email us with any projects or ideas you'd like us to write about.

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Tessa Davis Sasha Frieze