Introducing Brent Cross Town Insiders. Get to know North London through the eyes of locals we love. From chefs and DJs to fitness and fashion professionals, our insiders share their favourite spots in the capital’s most vibrant neighbourhoods.
Insider Guide: Neha Gandesha
Neha Gandesha is a local mum and kids’ food blogger from North London. Her blog @squashedpickle shares her love of food by teaching new parents tricks and recipes to make mealtimes more fun!
North London is my home and it’s where my heart is. I’ve experienced the delights of it through the eyes of a child, teenager, adult and now mother and it only gets better.
I was born and bred in North London — I’ve lived here my whole life and I know it inside out! I’m a kids’ food blogger that goes by the name Squashedpickle (The Snack Queen), and mummy to fun-loving Zacky, who is four years old. My goal is to make children excited about learning the beauty of food, from cooking and creating to trying fun recipes and new ingredients. I often work with fussy eaters and love a challenge! I’ve been blogging since my son was born sharing my weaning tips and now toddler-friendly recipes.
North London is my home and it’s where my heart is. I’ve experienced the delights of it through the eyes of a child, teenager, adult and now mother and it only gets better. From having cocktails in The Old Bull & Bush on a Friday, to feeding the ducks at Golders Hill Park every Sunday. There is something for everyone. We have some really special small businesses and our community is strong! We have the best Challah you can find and you can’t miss the beautiful smell of Likya when walking through Golders Green.
Here are five must-visit North London spots:
1. Casa Mediterranea
Location: Unit 4, 78 Hampstead High Street, NW3 1RE
Find out more: casamediterraneatakeaway.com
This really is a hidden gem. Tucked away in Hampstead Community Market, this restaurant really is a taste of Morocco. I’ve always said my mother-in-law is the best at cooking Moroccan food, and this restaurant gives me that same feel of home cooking. Run by husband and wife team Fatima and Amine, it’s a lovely family business with food made with love.
Insider Tip: Order the Chicken Bastilla — it is to die for! Also, the Lamb Tagine is perfectly tender and spicy, I could eat it every day!
2. Venchi Chocolate and Gelato
Location: 65 Hampstead High St, NW3 1QP
Follow: @venchi_usa Find out more: uk.venchi.com
If you ask my son what his favourite store is, he will tell you Venchi in Hampstead. The most delicious ice cream and coffees. It’s a must anytime of year!
Insider Tip: Try the Chocaviar Coffee with layers of Suprema XV, espresso, steamed milk, topped with Chocaviar grains and raw cocoa powder — it is incredible!
3. Brent Cross Shopping Centre
Location: Prince Charles Drive, Brent Cross, NW4 3FP
Follow: @brentcross_sc Find out more: brentcross.co.uk
I spent most of my maternity leave here, pushing my son up and down the mall! There’s a great range of shops and some wonderful restaurants. A lovely place to spend a rainy day.
Insider Tip: If you have a young baby, be sure to visit the family room located by the food court. So clean and tidy! It also has a microwave and lounge area for feeding and resting. My son used to love this room
4. King William Ⅳ
Location: 77 Hampstead High St, NW3 1RE
Follow: @thekingwillie_ Find out more: thekingwillie.co.uk
I love the cosy family feel here, the regulars and the cheap drink prices!
Insider Tip: Enjoy a few beers and soak them up with a delicious crepe at La Creperie de Hampstead, located just outside!
5. Mani’s
Location: 12 Perrin’s Ct, NW3 1QS
Follow: @maniscafe
This is my go-to for mum dates and a quick snack after school. Mani’s is a small café in Hampstead with a huge menu. Sitting outside, in the sunshine, having a little gossip, enjoying a delicious fresh salad, is perfection.
Insider Tip: Try the delicious Mani’s Special Salad, with grilled halloumi on a bed of mixed romaine and baby leaf salad, cherry tomatoes, red onion, green lentils, beetroot, and walnuts. So refreshing in the summer!
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