Kentish Town: Kentish Town Stores
Central Kentish Town’s gloriously sun-baked independent cafe and lifestyle store (main pic, above) is especially appealing at this time of year, with its conservatory-style absorption of daytime rays and heat. As you can see from the above photo, taken this week, its pavement terrace has been chocka with locals basking in the wintry sun. Coffee and sweet treats are amongst the best in the area, there’s a slew of vegan options for lunch, and it’s without doubt one of our preferred overall NW5 pit stops. Read our original interview with owner Luci here. 230a Kentish Town Road, NW5 2AB
Tufnell Park: Cinnamon Village
This Tufnell Park corner institution has been around for years and has, we think, steadily improved its food and coffee offer. Mezzanine co-working space aside (get there early and join the solo laptop wielders), the real winner here is the glorious morning sunshine that streams in through its corner windows. There’ll always be wrapped-up folk on its appealing pavement terrace, too. Espresso is strong, while the menu majors on Middle Eastern flavours, hearty halloumi salads and avocado-heavy brunches. 112 Fortess Rd, NW5 2HL
Chalk Farm: Heroica Live
Still boarded up in shockingly lengthy sections, Chalk Farm Road is one local thoroughfare that really needs to be supported at the moment. And the newish arrival Heroica, which had the misfortune to open during Covid, is an undeniably charming spot to watch the Camden comings-and-goings with a hot drink or tasty wood-fire pizza. Better still, if the sun is out, its west-facing location makes it a killer afternoon sun-trap. 37 Chalk Farm Road NW1
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