1. Her Upstairs
In an age of LGBT bar closures, this intimate drag venue, with its hilarious, lippy performers, is all the more welcome. Read our full review here. 18 Kentish Town Rd NW5
2. Arbour Café
This sun-trap greenhouse, packed with palms and ferns, is a top choice for superior coffee and toasties. Read our review here. Boma garden store, 51-53 Islip St NW5
3. Diverse
An acclaimed Upper Street ladieswear boutique moved into NW5 to cheers from locals. Read our interview with founder Saskia here. 148 Fortess Rd NW5
4. Jessica De Lotz
The award-winning jeweller has opened a fascinating store and workshop. Read our interview with owner Jessica here. 49 Fortess Rd NW5
5. Pizzeria di Camden
This new canalside stone-baked pizza is one of our top discoveries of the year. Read our review here. 195 Royal College St NW1
6. Butchies
The most tender fried buttermilk chicken we’ve tasted is available from this Camden Market hatch. Read more here.
7. Natural Food Store
A useful addition to the stretch near The Abbey pub – and a winning combo of organic groceries, wine and café with terrace for warmer weather. Read our review here.136 Kentish Town Rd NW1
8. KERB
Thirty-five of London’s best streetfood traders are now perusable right by the water. Just dodge the crowds. Read our review here. Camden Lock Place
9. Nice Green Café
Fresh-cooked breakfasts, lunches and cakes by day with ace nightly schedule of events, from supper clubs to yoga. Read more here. 53 Fortess Rd NW5
10. KenFishTown
Tasty, punning cod and chips from an outlet that has sold it for decades. Read our review here. 385 Kentish Town Rd NW5
And lest we forget: Top 5 2016…
1. Queen’s Crescent Market
Camden Council have run this popular twice-weekly market into the ground in the last twelve months. Us locals expect a real working plan for 2017, please!
2. Two Doors Down
A sad closure: the hugely popular coffee shop disappeared without trace one summer morning. And let’s not forget Shoe Shop too.
3. Magdala Tavern
The Heathside pub, where Ruth Ellis famously shot her lover, is now shut permanently.
4. Lido Café
It only survived one season – let’s hope new owners in 2017 make this scenic Heath hangout work.
5. Lord Southampton
The new managers of this lovely traditional Gospel Oak pub, where Karl Marx used to drink, have painted the exterior an ugly red-and-black, and revamped it as a tacky backpacker hostel.
Where’s the new Patron deli? Lazy Hunter? Laksa Kitchen? Why, they’re all in our Top 10 Food & Drink 2016 chart here.
