Welcome

This week we've got delicious local vegan options and another showcase from Finchley's most myterious artist.

Plus two great community projects from the Tiny Forest and Archer Academy.

🌱 Our Local Vegan Vibe

More Finchley residents are trying plant-based eating. So, we wanted to explore vegan options for our community.

We couldn't find any in Finchley itself, but here are 3 that are close by (and a 4th that you won't want to miss)

One of the 8 beautiful courses at Plates London

1: Tofu Vegan - 28 N End Rd, Golders Green, NW11 7PT

Tofu Vegan is a haven for those seeking a fusion of authentic and innovative vegan dishes.

With chefs hailing from various regions of China, the menu bursts with bold flavours ranging from fiery Sichuan to delicate Cantonese.

Not just for vegans, this spot aims to impress with its creative use of tofu, mushrooms, and Asian imitation meats.

It's a culinary experience designed to convert even the staunchest meat-eaters.

2. Zen Buddha - 236 Station Road, Edgware, HA8 7AU

Zen Buddha preaches a philosophy of peace and culinary delight. This vegan eatery offers an Asian-accented menu that will get your taste buds going.

Friendly staff and a lovely atmosphere.

3. Kimora Vegan Treats - 53 Cricklewood Broadway, NW2 3JX

For those with a sweet tooth, Kimora Vegan Treats in Cricklewood is your new go-to.

Opening its doors in 2022, this dessert boutique specialises in luxurious, plant-based indulgences.

From ice creams to bespoke cakes, every dessert is crafted with the finest vegan ingredients.

And for those willing to venture a bit further:

4: Plates London - 320 Old Street, London EC1V 9DR

A journey outside Finchley is well worth it for Plates London, the UK’s first Michelin-starred vegan restaurant.

With an 8-course menu paired exquisitely with non-alcoholic (or wine) options, it's a gastronomic pilgrimage worth making.

Currently booked until July, but hopeful foodies can join the waitlist for cancellations.

So, grab a friend, take a short trip, and dive into the rich tastes that these vegan gems have to offer. Happy dining! 🌱

Events

KIDS

Friday 11th April

The Worst Princess | Fri, Apr. 11 | 11:00 am to 12:00 pm | artsdepot | From £14 | A delightful dragontastic show for pop princesses and naughty knights. Full House Theatre bring Anna Kemp’s best-selling picture book to life on stage. The whole family will enjoy laugh-out-loud comedy, cool puppets, sing along pop anthems and a massive dragon. Perfect for ages 3+

ARTS

Tuesday 15th April

Finchley Art Society Private View | Tue, Apr. 15 | 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm | Burgh House, New End Square, Hampstead | Free | Finchley Art Society is delighted to invite you to a Private View of its artists' work in the gallery of this prestigious venue in Hampstead.

COMMUNITY

Saturday 5th April

Garden Show | Sat, Apr. 5 | 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm | St John's Church Hall, Mowbray Road, New Barnet EN5 1RH | £2 | This is New Barnet Amateur Gardeners' & Floral Art Society's Spring Show where you can see flower arrangements, flowers and vegetables and Home Produce as well as enjoy homemade cakes and tea. A real community event!

MUSIC

Sunday 6th April

Halelujah: Psalms of Praise and Contemplation | Sun, Apr. 6 | 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm | St Mary-at-Finchley Parish Church, Hendon Lane, N3 1TL | £15 (free for students) | An uplifting concert: Hallelujah! Psalms of Praise and contemplation, given by Alyth Choral Society directed by Alison Smart Fisher with Tim Hooper (organ), Sioned Williams (harp), Bogdan Skrypka (percussion) and the vocal ensemble Noctet directed by Viv Bellos. The programme includes 'Help us, O Lord' by Amy Beach, Chichester Psalms by Bernstein and some gems by the Jewish Monteverdi, Salamone Rossi himself.

Come and sing Haydn's Nelson Mass | Sun, Apr. 06 | 1:30 pm to 7:00 pm | St Annes Church Highgate West Hill N6 6AP | £25 | Join an unforgettable day of music-making you rehearse and perform Joseph Haydn’s magnificent "Nelson" Mass under the inspiring direction of renowned conductor Phil Wilcox. Phil is a professional opera singer (Royal Shakespeare Company, English Touring Opera, BBC Singers, Grange Park Opera) and choir leader with lots of positive energy.

THEATRE

Sunday 6th April

The Baddies | Sun, Apr. 06 | 11:00 am to 12:00 pm | 5 Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley, N12 0GA | From £14 | Meet the very worst Baddies in the world! Don’t you dare to come too close to a witch, a troll and a ghost! The Baddies love being bad. They roar, spook and cast spells to try and scare the little girl… but will they succeed? Or is the girl braver than they think…

SPORT

Monday 31st March

Group Cycle Classes | Mon, Mar. 31 | 8:15 am to 9:00 am | Barnet Copthall Leisure centre, NW4 1PX | Free | Pedal your way fit. Cycle along with the group in themed classes to uplifting music or focus on achieving your goals in one of our disciplined based classes.

Monday 14th April

Skateboarding and Nature Photography Workshop with Keep Rolling Project | Mon, Apr. 14 | Claremont Park, Claremont Way, NW2 1AJ | £2 | Join Keep Rolling Project for a fun and active day at Claremont Park! Young people will learn how to skateboard – all abilities welcome – and take part in an exciting photography and nature project. You’ll explore the outdoors, get creative with nature-themed photography, and enjoy a day full of movement, creativity and fresh air.

NATURE

Saturday 12th April

Signs of Spring Guided Walk | Sat, Apr. 12 | 10:00 am to 11:30 am | TBA | £5 | Join for a guided nature walk looking out for signs of Spring with our experienced and knowledgeable walk leaders (blossoming trees and bluebells included)! Children are welcome, but should be accompanied by a responsible adult.

SUSTAINABILITY

Thursday 3rd April

For the Love of Weeds Webinar | Thu, Apr. 03 | 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm | Online | Free | Often dismissed as an annoying presence in a garden, weeds are important elements of a healthy ecology. These self seeded plants that pop up, unbidden, in surprising places. The contribution of weeds to balanced eco-system belies the poor reputation that has been foisted upon them by generations of gardeners for whom style has been more important than substance. It is time to rehabilitate weeds into the great plant cannon of history.

Events - Book Ahead

Thursday 24th April

Just Between Ourselves by Alan Ayckbourn | Thu, Apr. 24 | 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm | artsdepot | From £20 | Five birthdays. Two unhappy marriages. One possessive mother. London Classic Theatre return with Alan Ayckbourn's bittersweet tale, navigating the tightrope between comedy and tragedy.

Saturday 26th April

The Silencerz | Sat, Apr. 26 | 8:00 pm | The Bull Theatre, Barnet, EN5 5SJ | £17 | What would April be without some April madness? The brilliant ska band The Silencerz are back at the Bull Theatre for fun, drinks, music and singing and of course dancing. Originals and classic tracks performed by this fantastic 7 strong band.

Friday 23rd May

Jazz Hadley Wood Association | Fri, May. 23 | 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm | Hadley Wood Association Centre, 1-7 Crescent East, Barnet EN4 0EL | £15 | If you like live Jazz, Hadley Wood Association is hosting an afternoon of Jazz and congenial company. Featuring Sylvie Noble as the Vocalist and Ben Boardman as the Double Bass.

Local Lowdown

Volunteers raising the rood for Archer Academy

Funding

The Archer Academy of East Finchley raised over £350,000 for its Raise the Roof Campaign this week to build a world-class performing arts studio – empowering students through creativity and supporting community use. A brilliant example of local community spirit. You can still donate.

Foresting

Finchley’s very own Tiny Forest planted three new “tiny forests” this week, in a controlled experiment to understand soil conditions. Made the BBC London news. Video here. Citizen science at work. Want to get involved or find out more? tinyforestbarnet@gmail.com

Reading

Forbidden Planet is taking over Camden’s legendary Mega City Comics, reopening on Saturday 5 April. Two icons of UK comic culture unite, promising an epic new era for fans. Expect fresh stock, familiar faces, and a revitalised space just minutes from Finchley – your local comic universe awaits.

Tubing

Burnt Oak underground station turns 100 this year – a century of connecting north Londoners. Once nearly named Sheves Hill, this quiet stop became a gateway to growth. Celebrate its history, from 1920s farmland to thriving suburb, as we mark a milestone on the Northern line.

Opening

New café alert, Chocof opened this week - open 7am to 7pm in Temple Fortune Parade, London NW11 0QS, with a menu including pancakes. Reviews so far: “great pastries and coffee. Brilliant menu too - will go for breakfast next weekend.”

Finchleyite: Fanksy

In the quiet corners of Finchley, an unexpected splash of art is turning heads.

Dubbed 'Fanksy' by locals, this elusive artist is transforming ordinary street clutter into vibrant masterpieces. Our very own Finchley Banksy.

A recent work - a decorated mattress - was spotted at the corner of Chalgrove Gardens and Allandale Avenue.

Named 'Henri Mattress', this piece added a pop of colour, creativity, and a smile to our everyday Finchley landscape.

Fanksy's choice of canvas? Items left on the street.

But rest assured, Fanksy isn't the one leaving the items there.

They are just making our streets a little brighter, one piece at a time.

Keep your eyes peeled - you never know where Fanksy will strike next.

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Editors' Note - From Tessa

I read a great book this week called Needle by Patrice Lawrence.

It's a quick read, and was shortlisted for the Yoto Carnegie Medal for Writing in 2023.

It shares the story of a young adult tied up in a frustrating system and unable to break out.

For anyone working with young people, or anyone with experience of the care system, it's a must.

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.

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

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

Tessa Davis

Sasha Frieze

Finchley Now

🗞️ Have You Spotted Finchley's Secret Banksy?