MUST DO: four new arrivals in town

KENTISH TOWN: Irreverent Dance school

This new project is a crowd-funded, community owned, body-positive and LGBT-friendly dance school, self-styled as ‘Europe’s first gender neutral dance studio’. “We ran a Kickstarter last year and raised over £36,000 to set up in our own premises,” says Jo Breeze. “As far as we’re aware this is not only Europe’s first gender-neutral dance studio, but possibly even the first in the world. Our dance community, which includes many LGBTQ dancers, tell us how important it is and what a difference it makes to their lives to have somewhere to go that’s so welcoming and accepting.” The team offers 20 different styles and levels of movement including ballet, contemporary, circus skills, ballroom tango and swing – many of which are suitable for absolute beginners. You can find out more about classes here. 45 Holmes Road NW5

GOSPEL OAK: new cupcake joint

A quite lovely new café has opened on the edge of Lismore Circus, the once forgotten centre of Gospel Oak, and now an increasingly attractive leafy park. And it really is dedicated to all things “cupcake”, from the various bits of kit required to a cabinet stuffed with all manner of sticky edibles. On our visit a double chocolate offering was moist, with a delectably rich icing – but a proper coffee machine, we reckon, is surely a must. Open daily, Lismore Circus, NW3

PRIMROSE HILL: a hip new wine shop

Located on Regent’s Park Road opposite Lemonia is micro-chain Bottle Apostle’s fifth shop in the capital, which opened this month. They make a big play for being part of the community with an eclectic selection of wines, informative service and a friendly, approachable shop environment. There’ll be 16 wines to sample at any time using Enomatic tasting machines, and a wide range of weekly wine and food pairing events to attend. Oh, and informal wine-tasting every Friday 4-8pm, too. Hic. Open till 8pm daily except Sunday (6pm). 172 Regent’s Park Road NW1

TUFNELL PARK: coffee in the courtyard

Future and Found originally launched on Fortess Road back in 2012 – but since their move into a former piano factory opposite Tufnell Park tube the shop has become even more of a neighbourhood hub. The recent addition of a friendly coffee hatch and outdoor seating surrounded by all manner of beautiful things only adds to the hang factor. And let’s hope it’s a sunnier September. Open daily till 6pm, sometimes later. 225a Brecknock Road N19