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September 2021: Mayoral visit to Belsize Village

The Mayor of Camden visited Belsize Village as part of her efforts to support small business in Camden. The Belsize Village Streatery, which attracted the Mayor’s visit, holds a special place as the first alfresco dining event after Lockdown 1. It inspired the Streatery/al fresco movement across London and beyond. Notably, according to Cllr Oliver Cooper (Hampstead Town) the beautiful streateries in Sloane Square and Duke of York Square in Chelsea were directly modelled after the Belsize Streatery.

Mr Khan of Pyramid Dry Cleaners, Belsize Village Business Association (BVBA) co-coordinator Robert Stephenson-Padron of Penrose Care, Perkin’s / Pyramid Dry Cleaners manager Mr Rahman, Mayor of Camden Sabrina Francis, Her Majesty’s Deputy Lieutenant for Camden Roxane Zand, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Camden Cllr Adam Harrison

Following the visit, Cllr Adam Harrison said: “Lots of people out in the amazing Belsize Streatery this afternoon. Mayor of Camden Sabrina Francis visited, highlighting the importance of supporting hospitality and independent businesses and helping them recover. In The Square local magazine has also just launched.”⁣
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And Cllr Anne Clarke AM said: “Beautiful day for it! Wonderful to see the excellent streatery doing so well! Thanks for all your hard work.”

BVBA gardening volunteer Luisa Vasquez / Louise Lawson, BVBA co-coordinator Aya Khazaal of Pivoine Nail Spa, BVBA head of gardening Jane Lyons, Mayor of Camden Sabrina Francis, BVBA co-coordinator Robert Stephenson-Padron of Penrose Care, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Camden Cllr Adam Harrison, Her Majesty’s Deputy Lieutenant for Camden Roxane Zand.

First edition of In the Square magazine launches

September 2021 and magazine editor Nikki Manasseh launches the first-ever printed magazine for the Greater Belsize area, featuring local people and businesses with stories to tell and wisdom and joy to share. The first issue of In the Square introduces some of our community heroes, upcoming events, places to dine, and things to buy offline.

interviews with celebrated artists, daring designers, a psychologist with a powerful message and a resident who never knew he was making history with his universal tech invention. Producing this magazine has shown how much locals love living and working in this part of London that is so keenly connected to its history and yet regenerating too.

August: Donations of clothes for Afghan refugees

There are a number of places that are accepting donations of clothes for Afghan and other refugees. If you wish to donate clothes or other basic essential items such as shoes or phones, Care4Calais is currently accepting donations at King's Cross. Please contact Laura: lauramaurin287@gmail.com.

Pret a Manger is expanding

Pret a Manger is coming to Belsize Park. The company said it is drawing up plans to open about 100 franchised outlets – restaurants that would be run by independent operators on its behalf – over the next two to three years. The move follows the launch this year of a partnership with Tesco to trial Pret shops inside Tesco branches in Kensington in west London and other locations as part of a shake-up of its business model after the pandemic.

A Pret spokesperson said: “In some areas such as regional towns and parts of northern England, our shops are busier than they have ever been… We’re looking to establish new partnerships with franchise partners to bring Pret to more people in towns and travel hubs across the UK, and we’re also looking at where we can open more shops which we run directly.” Read more here

August: The Ancient Belsize Mulberry tree

The Ancient Mulberry tree on the corner of Belsize Terrace looks very sad this year. Following consultation with a Mulberry tree expert this is due to the exceptional weather so far in 2021. The tree has suffered from a hot spring which probably affected its fruit development. This was compounded by an extremely wet July with the leaves not drying out, developing spots and bacterial blight. Apparently other ancient Mulberry trees are similarly affected. Hopefully the tree will return to normal next year.

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Abacus Belsize Primary School News

The Ham&High reports that Haverstock School is in discussions with the Department for Education and Abacus Belsize Primary School over a deal which would see the Free School move onto the Haverstock site. Abacus has lacked a permanent home since its founding in September 2013. A Camden Council spokesperson said the aim is to have the new site ready for the 2022/23 school year. More details here and also read about Abacus here

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The Belsize Village Streatery – 2021

Belsize Village locals are now enjoying the reopened streatery, especially with the arrival of the warmer weather. Camden Council conducted a survey on local streateries. The Councill survey reported that out of the 416 respondents 381 (91.5%) supported the Belsize Village Streatery.

News: 20 March 2021

The Belsize Village Bambi artwork has been restored. Belsize Village Business Association’s volunteer project foreman and local resident Richard Lagani restored the artwork originally created by street artist Bambi in 2010. Since then the artwork had become mired with mould that had overtaken it and the original perspex had been badly damaged. Richard Lagani removed the mould and replaced the perspex restoring it to its former glory. Read the full story

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Pears Building on Hampstead Green – Update 2021

Philippa Hutchinson, Interim head of communications, Royal Free Charity reports that as part of the works Camden Council is planning to start work on the Hampstead Green footpath in February 2021. Works are expected to take about eight weeks and the footpath will be closed during this period. This will affect pedestrian access to the hospital from Haverstock Hill. The trust is discussing with the council appropriate signage to divert pedestrians.

Despite slight delays caused by pandemic restrictions, the building is on track to be completed and handed over in the spring to the three organisations which will occupy it. The work will include the new car park.

The charity, the trust and UCL communications teams have discussed the details of future communication plans with the community. We are looking at having a two-stage opening process. A virtual event later this year and an on-site event next year. We are also planning to commission a "virtual tour" of the building as well as look at ways to facilitate virtual and later in-person interactions between the researchers and the community.

January 2021: Stop the Haverstock Hill Cycle Lanes Crowd Justice Campaign February update: Haverstock Hill Cycle Lanes plan dropped by Camden Council

Due to a minor technical error, Camden Council has stated that it is looking at the plans for Haverstock Hill again. The plan was to remove all parking bays along a mile of Haverstock Hill and replace them with two cycle lanes – without any consultation. Businesses said this will force them to close, and older and disabled residents have said this would have a deleterious impact on them. Camden Council did this without any consultation – and tried to cover it up until the decision is made. Read more here

Amit Shah is requesting your urgent support. He is a Local resident who lives on Haverstock Hill, works in the area, supports local businesses, and has a strong sense of community spirit. Please Pledge your Support.
More on the update here

November 2020: Haverstock Hill Cycle Lanes

The Haverstock Hill cycle route will see parking spaces removed from a stretch of the road running from Pond Street to Prince of Wales Road. Read more here

November 2000: New shop in the Village

The former Oddbins and Sylvester Fine Art premises located on the corner of Belsize Crescent is to become an organic food store. The shop is due to open during the week of 23 November. The store is owned by Alper Kocer who has two other organic shops, one in Highgate and the other in Gospel Oak.

Belsize Village Streatery – Update 2021

Following overwhelming support from the local community the Belsize Village Streatery licence has been renewed and plans to relaunch on April 13, 2021. Robert Stephenson-Padron said: “We are overjoyed to be able to continue providing amazing food and superb service to local residents and visitors.” The licence also includes permission for environmentally-friendly electric heaters to be installed,

The Belsize Village Streatery operated over the summer of 2020, and helped keep our local restaurants and cafés open in the Village. The arrangement was agreed for the paved area of the Village for the summer months for external restaurant dining. This agreement enabled local restauranteurs and café owners to place socially-distanced tables and chairs in the square.

September 2020: New book on Belsize Park's local history

'Moll' King and her Belsize Houses

full details here
Plus – Dame Janet Suzman brings 'Moll' King to life as she reads excerpts from the book

BELSIZE Remembered: New Stories New Illustrated stories available to read here

BELSIZE Remembered is a collection of memories of life past and present in Belsize Park.

These reminiscences capture the flavour of what old hands and relative newcomers relish about where they live. Fully illustrated with contemporary and archival images, this book presents more than ninety chronicles from Belsize residents revisiting old experiences and feelings. Over 200 pages illustrated in colour.

Read the review by Dan Carrier, Camden New Journal

Read more about the book here

See photographs of the launch celebration here

BELSIZE Remembered is available from Daunt Books and Waterstone's Hampstead

Sir Derek Jacobi reads extracts from BELSIZE Remembered – watch video here

October 2020: Entrepreneur injects new lease of life into
the Belsize Community Library

700 libraries have closed over the past decade, a figure that will be dwarfed by the loss caused by COVID-19. It was reported that library footfall in September was only at 20 per cent of last year's levels. Simon Squibb, serial entrepreneur and founder of The Purposeful Project, is launching a one-of-a-kind initiative to save the UK’s libraries from collapse post-COVID, starting with his local centre, Belsize Community Library. The project launches on the 8 October.
Read the Press Release

NEWS May 2020: Covid-19

Please go here for the latest Covid-19 News
including all the cafés, restaurants and shops in the Village

Urgent help needed for families based in the England’s Lane Hostel

Many of the families in the England’s Lane Hostel are struggling, especially during lockdown. Often families with several children are living in one room with very little money. The mothers would like to earn some much needed money, therefore if you would like your ironing done, or wish buy some homemade baked bread please contact Queeny Singh who is volunteering and trying to make life better for these ladies. Queeny Singh is organising a fundraiser here.

News June 2020: Royal Free Hospital Garden damage
Full story here

Pears Building on Hampstead Green 2020

The Immunological Building for the Royal Free

The exterior building work is now at an advanced stage, although the scaffolding is yet to be removed. Some delays have been incurred by the pandemic, nevertheless installation of the windows is complete, with the brickwork and exterior due to be finished shortly. All the flooring is now installed and interior fitting out is now well underway.

Springtime in Belsize Avenue, 2020

Village Lights and Summer Flowers
YOUR VILLAGE NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT

The spring/summer flowers aren't provided free
On behalf of the Belsize Village Association Angela King of Heywoods Estate Agents collects the donations and organises the winter lights and flowers as well as the installation every year.

Donations Please – Drop Cash or Cheques in to
Heywoods Estate Agents 27 Belsize Lane NW3 5AS
(Cheques payable to Heywoods Estate Agents attn Angela King)

April 2020: Royal Free Nurses' Garden

The relaxing garden fully dedicated to the Royal Free Hospital nurses and staff, Spring 2020 – photo Linda Grove – read more about the garden volunteers here with 2019 photos

November 2019: St Peter’s Belsize Square clock beautifully restored in time to celebrate the 160th anniversary of the opening of the church.

November 2019: Charro de Rio restaurant open

Charro de Rio is located where the Italian restaurant Artigiano used to be in the Village. This restaurant is a very different experience. The menu comprises all you can eat BBQ meat, fish and salads for a set price. They can provide a vegetarian meal, and there's a BBQ fish option (which requires preordering).
The BBQ offerings range from chicken prepared in various ways to beef prime cuts, steaks, ribs, sausages, leg of lamb and lamb fillets. All this is supported by a wondrous variety of salads. There is a excellent selection of wines and tempting deserts. A fun experience – especially for a large groups of six or more.

Calici opens in Belsize Village: launch party held on 2nd October

Tapping into the casual dining scene, Calici offers a new laid-back location coupled with a sleek wine bar located in the front of house. The offerings include classic regional small plates, while pasta makes up a large portion of the menu. There are fish, meat and vegetarian dishes, summer salads, and homemade bread. Desserts include homemade gelato, tiramisu, panna cotta, and orange cake made with almond flour and polenta. With its fresh, clean decor Calici is an excellent addition to dining in the Village.

June 2019: New arrival in Belsize Village

Bourne’s Fishmongers and Fish Bar has just opened in Belsize Village. A premium fishmonger that welcomes everyone with a smile. Their friendly and knowledgeable service offers fish from sustainable sources. Headed up by Lee Bourne and John Long, this is their second venture after opening their Highbury branch. They aim to source all their fish directly from the coast and specialise in providing south coast and Cornish landings. Wonderful for an evening fish meal in the licensed bar and a marvelous addition to the Village!

Belsize Village Flower Baskets
Please help by contributing towards the cost of the flower baskets

YOUR VILLAGE NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT
The spring/summer flowers aren't provided free – on behalf of the Belsize Village Association Angela King of Heywoods Estate Agents collects the donations and organises the winter lights & flowers every year.

Donations Please – Drop Cash or Cheques in to
Heywoods Estate Agents 27 Belsize Lane - NW3 5AS
(Cheques payable to Heywoods Estate Agents attn Angela King



The Belsize Society Formed

The Belsize Residents Association announces a major change to the association. At this year's Annual General Meeting of the Belsize Residents Association held on 10 March, members agreed that officially the association would now become a registered charity. The association passed a motion to dissolve the old BRA and adopt the new charity. The new entity is to be known as The Belsize Society.

Michael Jampel, Neil Harris and Parbhat Vase celebrate the new Belsize Society

Two Blue Plaques unveiled, one at No.4 Downside Crescent
and the other for the Isokon designers, June/July 2018

Read full stories here

Springtime in Belsize

Bluebells outside The Tavistock Centre 120 Belsize Lane

Following on from the success of the Pond Street Gardening Project volunteers have planed bulbs and flowers around the trees on the west side of Haverstock Hill (near the Everyman and Thornton's Budgens). Camden Council agreed to provide soil for the planting. A group of enthusiasts ensured that Pond Street was also planted with shrubs and covered in daffs for the Spring.
A group of Korean tourists helped to plant the area outside the Royal Free read more >
Read the original idea for Haverstock Hill >

photo: Linda Grove

Volunteers of the Royal Free Charity are raising funds to continue to transform the outlying areas of the Royal Free from the previously abandoned litter-covered patches into beautiful flowery gardens. Please support this ongoing work by visiting their JustGiving page here >

Artist's impression of new building

Planning permission has been granted for the erection of a five-story building plus basement near Belsize Park Underground station. The scheme will create retail space at ground and basement levels and five self-contained flats from first to fourth floor level following demolition of the previous single-storey building. Architects: Squire & Partners.

Cycle Superhighway Swiss Cottage

Massive turnout for the public meeting
held at St Stephen's Rosslyn Hill

The planned cycle superhighway will permanently affect access to Swiss Cottage, Regents Park and the West End. Work wil start along the Finchley Road and the junction with College Crescent/Avenue Road from August 2018.

We will no longer be able to drive into the upper part of Avenue Road from Fitzjohn’s Avenue, read more here

A consultation sets out TfL's proposals for a route from Swiss Cottage southwards, along Avenue Road, the Outer Circle of The Regent’s Park, Park Crescent and Portland Place. Full details here >

Please help to keep our Village and the local area tidy

The Retail section of Belsize Village
Camden council wishes to remind us that the retail section of the village and the flats above the shops have daily morning collections.
For retail premises in the daily collection area you may put out your waste between 8am-9.30am.
Waste should not be presented before 8am or after 10am. To use these daily collections you must be a customer of Camden’s Business Waste Service.
If you are a resident who lives in a flat above a shop you may put out your waste between 7am-9.30am
FOR THE RETAIL SECTION OF BELSIZE VILLAGE THE DAILY COLLECTION TIME IN THE MORNING IS BETWEEN 10AM-12PM

The Residential part of Belsize Village
If you live in the residential section of the Village (other than retail premises or a flat above a shop in Belsize Lane, Belsize Mews, Belsize Place, Princess Mews, Belsize Crescent) the day for your refuse collection is TUESDAY and your waste must be presented neatly and secured for collection from 7am onwards on your collection day. Everyone is requested to please store their refuse in bins – or in your property – on non-collection days. This will prevent foxes from opening up bags on the street. More details >

Charlotte Gascoigne and Linda Grove are looking for local folk to join them to help improve our public spaces in NW3, so if you would like to get involved, starting with the gardens in Pond Street in front of the Royal Free, then please send them an email.
There is no requirement to be a fantastic gardener, just someone who appreciates our lovely location and wants to help to improve and preserve it.
The Peace garden in South Hill Park has been an inspiration, and we are fully aware that by being involved in community projects like this brings our neighbourhood closer together, creating a place where we want all to live, So come on, get those marigolds on and join them! – contact Charlotte and Linda.

Village Flowers in full bloom 2017
The flowers along Belsize Lane were extended last summer, with an additional six baskets along Belsize Lane down to McCrone Mews, a basket on the lower lamppost on Belsize Crescent, and one opposite the entrance to Belsize Court Garages – they look really lovely.

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These flowers are organised by Angela King of Heywoods, Angela says: "It obviously costs us more money to do this, so I would be most grateful for any further donations that our local residents may like to make to help with the annual flowers, as well as our Xmas lights. I have the baskets changed twice annually, so we have a spring/summer show and an autumn/winter show – they are maintained weekly too." Donation information is below.

Chatting to artist Alan Lancaster In the Village

Want to know more about Belsize Park?

The two films about Belsize Park are now free
to view in full online here
And the documentary on Hampstead Garden Suburb celebrating the story
of one of the first garden suburbs is also available to view here

My Partner and I just watched volume 1 of The Besize Story – what a delight this was! We wanted to thank Mr Percy and we hope this note can be shared with him.
The documentary gives a wonderful account of the history of the village, its architecture, its shops and its residents and community. It is very informative and engaging with as a bonus Fiona Bruce’s voice (excellent choice).
Having lived in the Belsize Village and enjoyed its neighbourhood for over 15 years, the movies only reinforces how beautiful Belsize Park is and how privileged we are to reside in this part of London.

– W and R, Belsize Village residents

Village Lights and Summer Flowers
YOUR VILLAGE NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT

The spring/summer flowers aren't provided free
On behalf of the Belsize Village Association Angela King of Heywoods Estate Agents collects the donations and organises the winter lights & flowers as well as the installation every year.

Donations Please – Drop Cash or Cheques in to
Heywoods Estate Agents 27 Belsize Lane - NW3 5AS
(Cheques payable to Heywoods Estate Agents attn Angela King)
Or donate via credit card through PayPal

With many thanks to the organisers

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