Your New Year's Eve essential read. Five local feel-good highlights, including exclusive special offers and events. Prepared with love by the team at Camdenist

 EAT: A taste of endless summer 

Azura is the very glam new restaurant just opened at Mornington Crescent on the site formerly occupied by hi-tech sushi joint Inamo. It's taken ages to arrive and then, of course, came the December nightmare of Omicron, but despite these challenges it's already looking like an exciting new addition to Camden's dining landscape. The food aims to deliver an authentic taste of the Aegean, so expect tasty meze plates, seafood and grilled meats, all served in a very swish setting (their cat logo is a nod to the historic Black Cat cigarette factory next door). DJs and other entertainment regularly complement the dining, and if you're quick you might still be able to secure tonight's big NYE party. Whenever you visit, the idea is to be fully transported to the blue skies and seas of some dreamy Greek island cove, which sounds about right for a rainy January.

 READ: Camden's pandemic heroes 

As we welcome in 2022, it feels like the right time to recap what a year we've all had, which is exemplified by the winners' stories in the Camden Covid Champions Awards. Recap on these amazing people that make up our vibrant community for a much-needed dose of optimism. Hear from Care Champion Carolyn Hayman, who opened up her Kentish Town home to a stranger in need, or South End Green's Doorstep Hero Nell Barlow who singlehandedly redistributed food from her generous neighbours to local food banks. Then there are Environmental Heroes Food For All, the volunteer food relief charity who not only divert food otherwise on its way to landfill but offer thousands of free meals to those in need, as well as a host of other impressive and remarkable locals too.

 WALK: The Postal Museum tunnels on foot 

When Covid temporarily closed their in-demand Mail Rail train rides, The Postal Museum started running guided walks along their 100-year-old network of tunnels, which proved such a hit they are back. On these underground walks, which have a limited season until March, you'll discover London's secret mail tunnels and tracks, visit platforms that are otherwise inaccessible along a 1.2km route, while expert guides share the fascinating history of this dedicated postal rail network.

 COMMUNITY: The Big Tree Takeaway is back 

If your Christmas tree is beginning to look less than festive, it might be time to consider feeding it to some local goats. Kentish Town City Farm's Big Tree Takeaway is back for 2022 and volunteers will collect your tree and give it the farm's goats to snack on. Click the link and scroll down to watch the goats in action. The leftovers are recycled by Hampstead Heath, who chipped 600 trees for use in their green spaces last year, raising £7,500 from hundreds of locals in the process, too.

 VIDEO: Icy dip in the ponds 

The Ponds is a new documentary about Hampstead Heath's cherished swimming areas currently showing on Netflix which follows the exploits of dip devotees through the seasons. With the traditional icy Christmas Day swim having just taken place, and some particularly snowy scenes in the film (even if you're not a Netflix subscriber you can still enjoy those in the trailer) it feels like this is a timely choice for some New Year's Day viewing. 

 THIS WEEK'S ONE-CLICK POLL As we see in another (hopefully better) year at midnight tonight, how do you feel about making any resolutions? 

LAST WEEK WE ASKED:

...And the PM rather inevitably wins this one.

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