Newsletter - 11 December 2020

The best Camden cookbooks for Christmas feasting

December 11, 2020 • Estimated Reading Time: 7 minutes

We've got your Christmas countdown covered with our selection of the best of the borough's entertainment options, plus plenty of gift ideas.

 Cook up a feast with your fave locals 

Camden’s food scene hasn’t exactly had it easy this year, so if you’d like to show your favourites some love AND recreate the dishes you’ve been sorely missing at home, then we recommend looking out for some of the stellar cook books that have been dropping locally this year. Our top tips include 2020 releases from Parkway’s hugely popular vegan pizza masters Purezza, Fitzrovia’s middle eastern connoisseurs Honey & Co, the beautiful social enterprise bakery Luminary, plus Dartmouth Park’s culinary institution the Bull and Last – who’s brand new tome comes signed and with a very timely complimentary scotch egg voucher if you buy directly from their website or the pub itself. Could make a thoughtful Christmas gift for that special someone, too...

There might not be any Christmas parties to speak of this year, but an evening of entertainment is still possible thanks to London's innovative theatre spaces. The Noël Coward Theatre is making quite The Comeback this month with the help of hilarious rising stars Ben Ashenden and Alex Owen, whilst the Lion & Unicorn pub theatre is happily returning to life with comedic Cats parody How to Live a Jellicle Life. Meanwhile, over at Kings Place, Robin Ince is packing 24 hours of science, music and comedy into his weekend-long blockbuster of a variety show, Nine Lessons and Carols for Socially Distanced People. With the option to attend in person or stream online, expect appearances from the likes of the always-brilliant Brian Cox, Eric Idle and Josie Long.

Seeking some proper yuletide spirit this weekend? Wrap up warm and get yourself along to one of the borough's Christmas fairs, with highlights including a visit to Santa’s Workshop at Kentish Town City Farm – where children can write a letter to Santa and collect a free gift from one of his elves; and the Brecknock and Torriano Primary Schools' Festive Street Fair for a sighting of the Big Man himself, plus games, crafting, and seasonal treats.

We all have that one person at Christmas who we can't think what to buy for, but never fear, because we have the perfect thing thanks to Heath Hands. There surely can't be a single Camdenist who hasn't enjoyed a stroll or a socially distanced picnic up on Hampstead Heath this year, so why not contribute to this special spot with a heath-side wildlife home adoption in their name? Support a local charity and delight that tricky someone with a gift of a hedgehog house, bat box or sparrow terrace (amongst other options) - all of which come complete with adoption certificate, a location map and photo of your refuge, plus an update at the end of the year on how your little pal is doing.

King’s Cross has proved to be an ideal destination for socially distant yet stylish outdoor activities. This weekend, anyone who's getting serious about their Christmas shopping should head to Canopy Market to browse a selection of the finest designer-makers from the Crafty Fox collective; whilst those who love a bit of Instagram fodder can tour the area's THREE alternative - and equally elaborate - designer Christmas trees.

   Vote for the educators  

This week we're focusing attention on the education sector in the nominations for the Camden Covid Champions awards. If there's a teacher, school staff member, Zoom-tutor, virtual music-lesson hero or other educator who has gone over and above the call of duty during the lockdowns, it's time to put their name and work forward.

Exclusive Local Deals this month

Camdenist is collaborative and transparent by design. We want all locals to participate, so we've built a form where you can send us ideas, propose features, and even contribute your own work.

 Well worth following...