Launch Email 11

A new coffee haunt, inspiring lectures, and a tantric revolution

Friday 25 September 2020  As Boris and co. place us under tighter restrictions, you'd better believe there's still loads going on in this awesome borough. Here's plenty of proof.

 The cafe with a cause 

Chalk Farm Road's

Luminary Bakery

 had been in business for just a few months before the pandemic hit. They are social enterprise, offering women who have experienced social and economic disadvantage the opportunity to build a future for themselves. This week on Camdenist, we found out how their team - and the women they work with - managed the challenges of lockdown, while launching a new cook book, too.

 Tantric revolution 

It’s time to book your spot for the British Museum's blockbuster exhibition Tantra: enlightenment to revolution. Originally scheduled for earlier in the year but delayed for obvious reasons, the much-anticipated show opened to the public yesterday. It's a deep dive into the medieval philosophy that transformed India's cultural and political landscape and made revolutionary waves felt throughout history.

 Spend safely in KX 

If you're in the mood for a shopping spree this weekend, but don't feel comfortable being indoors just yet, then we recommend the brand new Lower Stable Street Market at King's Cross. Open every Saturday until 10th October with a tempting line-up of stallholders showcasing the work of some of London’s best creatives. Grab a coffee and pick up some treasures, from terrariums to limited edition prints.

 Lectures on the Hill 

The popular Primrose Hill Lecture Series has been a fixture in the borough's calendar for nearly twenty years, regularly selling out. As the programme moves online for 2020, there's more chance of scoring a ticket to enjoy a series of talks exploring the big issues facing society right now. The line-up includes Bridge Theatre director Nicholas Hytner on why the arts matter more than ever, and psychotherapists Julia Samuel and Stephen Grosz on how we cope with change and uncertainty. Sign up for thought-provoking virtual chat.

 ATM turns coffee spot 

At a time when small hospitality businesses are facing an uncertain future, we're happy to see this hasn't deterred Hampstead’s latest newcomer The Nook. Opening TODAY, the aptly named café is ideally positioned for Heath walkers, taking the place of a former Barclays Bank cash machine on South End Road. Its founders have their hearts set on using only the most sustainable local suppliers, and promise special treats designed to put a smile on your face. Look out for free babyccinos and dog treats, plus discounts for NHS workers.

Coming Soon

Who are Camden's coronavirus champions?The local legends of lockdown?The group efforts and individual acts that made a real difference?Let's celebrate them...

  • The excellent Camden Art Centre reopened yesterday with new exhibition The Botanical Mind: Art, Mysticism and The Cosmic Tree. The show unearths the ongoing significance of the plant kingdom to human life, consciousness and spirituality.

  • Kentish Town's beloved Map Studio Cafe has just reopened after a big lockdown refurb, boasting a fresh and airy new look including a soon-to-be-iconic giant yellow 'M' painted high above the cute roof terrace.

  • Did lockdown inspire you to finally find the dog of your dreams? Time to get you and your pooch enrolled in Castlehaven Community Association's free dog training sessions, running on Saturdays in October.

  • It's National Poetry Day next Thursday, so what better time sign up for an immersive poetry trail through Coal Drops Yard curated by charity Small Green Shoots. Performances come from contemporary poets exploring the questions we've all been contemplating this year.

  • Adventurous 18-25 year-olds should take advantage of The Pirate Castle's free paddlesport sessions on Regent’s canal every Sunday for the next month. Email [email protected] for bookings.

  • Love NW3 and fancy doing your bit for the environment? Join the Great British September Clean this Sunday afternoon to neaten up the neighbourhood - volunteer at [email protected].

  • Ice cream wizards Ruby Violet are reopening their outdoor seating area in Kings Cross today with a tempting 50% discount to lure you back, despite the dramatic autumnal turn in the weather.

  • The NW5 Project is back and ready to support the young people of Kentish Town. Those 16+ and need support getting into training or employment, can get help with job applications, CVs and more at the drop-in sessions every Tuesday.

  • Local heroes working with Camden Age UK are being celebrated in a free photographic exhibition documenting the community response to the Coronavirus outbreak – opening at Samsung KX in Coal Drops Yard on Monday.

  • A heads-up for all students - Bloomsbury's Skoob Books are celebrating the start of the new academic year by giving you a 20% discount until the end of October.

  • Read more about how the London Irish Centre has been awarded planning permission for a 'once in a generation opportunity' to redevelop its historic venue. It includes a reconfigured community space, new landscaping, a rooftop terrace and residential accommodation.

  • Oktoberfestmight have been cancelled in Munich this year, but that hasn't deterred the German Gymnasium restaurant from celebrating. The team are donning traditional Bavaraian outfits to serve specials, including a limited edition sausage created with the Ginger Pig.

  • If you've been following the progress of the Camden Highline then you'll love watching the planned route come to life with this epic new drone footage.

Camdenist is collaborative and transparent by design. We'd love all locals to participate, so we've built a form where you can send us ideas on who or what we should be featuring. You may even want to produce the piece yourself? Let us know.

 Well worth following, too...