Area
Finchley news
72 stories from and about Finchley, mostly local news, culture & arts, property & planning. The most recent ran on 12 September 2026. Page 1 of 4.
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Reported from Finchley
Local News · FinchleyEast Finchley accessible homes redevelopment to finish late 2027
The Jewish Blind & Disabled (JBD) Fairacres development in East Finchley is undergoing a significant redevelopment to create 40 accessible homes. Construction is ongoing, with completion expected by late 2027, aiming to address a growing waiting list for suitable accommodation.
Finchley3 min readTrust 42 · Craft 53 · Hype 41
Local News · FinchleyFinchley cinema to screen climate emergency film
A film detailing the biodiversity and climate emergencies and the benefits of taking action will be shown for free at the Phoenix Cinema in East Finchley. The screening is organised by local groups.
Finchley3 min readTrust 30 · Craft 65 · Hype 45
Local News · FinchleyAlleyn's Hampstead school opens with 500 pupils
Alleyn's Hampstead, an outpost of a south London institution, has opened its doors to 500 pupils aged two to 16. The school is operating from three sites in Rosslyn Hill, Netherhall Gardens, and Fitzjohn's Avenue.
Finchley3 min readTrust 30 · Craft 57 · Hype 41
Local News · FinchleyBlack Bear Burger named UK's happiest workplace
Black Bear Burger, a chain with a restaurant in Islington's Exmouth Market, has been named the UK's happiest place to work for 2026. The company received the CODE award for its commitment to team welfare and positive working environments.
Finchley3 min readTrust 30 · Craft 57 · Hype 41
Local News · FinchleyArriva North London bus drivers cancel strikes after AC deal
Bus drivers employed by Arriva North London have called off further strike action after agreeing a deal that includes the installation of air conditioning on all buses by May 2027. The agreement also introduces a 35-minute limit for driving buses without functioning air conditioning during hot weather.
Finchley3 min readTrust 40 · Craft 65 · Hype 15- Culture & Arts · Finchley
Holy Fool play explores Shostakovich's life under Stalin
The new musical history 'Holy Fool' by Rosalind Adler and Lea Sellers, now playing at Park Theatre in Finsbury Park, examines the life of composer Dimitri Shostakovich under Stalin's regime. It opens backstage at the Bolshoi Theatre in 1934.
Finchley3 min readTrust 30 · Craft 57 · Hype 41 
Local News · FinchleyFinchley Teacher Convicted of Indecent Assault After Podcast
Sally Anne Bowen, a former science teacher at Christ's College in Finchley, has been convicted of seven counts of indecent assault. The case, involving abuse that occurred in 1988, gained renewed attention following an investigative podcast.
Finchley3 min readTrust 50 · Craft 77 · Hype 41
Local News · FinchleyWaitrose Finchley reopens with new bakery and dry‑aged beef cabinet
Waitrose on Ballards Lane in Finchley reopened after a week‑long refurbishment, adding upgraded service counters, a dry‑aged beef cabinet and a redesigned bakery. MP Sarah Sackman attended the ribbon‑cutting ceremony and early customers were given complimentary tote bags and a beverage.
Finchley3 min readTrust 56 · Craft 62 · Hype 15
Business · FinchleyWaitrose Finchley reopens after multi‑million refurbishment
Waitrose’s Finchley supermarket on Ballards Lane reopened on 4 September 2026 after a multi‑million‑pound refurbishment. Manager Edward Caswell leads 174 staff and the upgrade includes a redesigned bakery, dry‑aged beef cabinet, expanded wine range and new fish, deli and sushi counters.
Finchley2 min readTrust 56 · Craft 80 · Hype 30
Culture & Arts · FinchleyFinchley cinema offers £4 tickets for National Cinema Weekend
National Cinema Weekend is offering £4 tickets for all films, screens, and seating types, with an additional £2 charge for IMAX. The event, run by Cinema First, includes over 530 UK cinemas, with 49 in London, including Finchley's Phoenix Cinema.
Finchley3 min readTrust 50 · Craft 72 · Hype 30
Business · FinchleyDurum Restaurant in Finchley fined for underpaying five workers £977.92
Durum Ocakbasi Limited, trading as Durum Restaurant on Ballards Lane, Finchley, failed to pay five employees the legal minimum wage. The government named the business in a 3 September enforcement round that returned £4m to underpaid workers nationwide.
Finchley4 min readTrust 56 · Craft 80 · Hype 25- Local News · Finchley
Plaque marks former home of assassinated PM Spencer Perceval
Lindsey House in Lincolns Inn Fields, once home to Prime Minister Spencer Perceval, is now empty. A bronze plaque, installed in 1914 by London County Council, marks the Grade I listed building where Perceval lived before his assassination in 1812.
Finchley3 min readTrust 30 · Craft 45 · Hype 15 - Local News · Finchley
Crouch End clock tower history revealed
The history of the Crouch End clock tower, a landmark in the area, has been detailed. The structure was built to recognise the work of local politician Henry Reader Williams and was designed by Frederick Knight in an English Renaissance style.
Finchley3 min readTrust 30 · Craft 60 · Hype 20 - Council & Politics · Finchley
Finchley councillor questions PM job description
A Finchley councillor has highlighted the absence of a formal job description for the UK Prime Minister, questioning the process for selecting national leaders. The issue arose during discussions about planning and change management.
Finchley3 min readTrust 30 · Craft 45 · Hype 41 - Local News · Finchley
Architect's home dispute inspired James Bond villain
A dispute over architect Ernő Goldfinger's plan to demolish a cottage in Finchley in 1939 to build his own home led to a literary feud with author Ian Fleming. Fleming later used Goldfinger's name for a villain in his 1959 novel, resulting in an out-of-court settlement.
Finchley3 min readTrust 30 · Craft 45 · Hype 20 - Property & Planning · Finchley
Finchley shisha lounge plans submitted retrospectively
Retrospective plans have been submitted to Barnet Council for changes to a commercial property at 225 to 229 Regents Park Road in Finchley. The application seeks permission for a single-storey rear extension to provide additional seating for a shisha lounge with a retractable roof.
Finchley2 min readTrust 30 · Craft 45 · Hype 20 - Local News · Finchley
Finchley's College Farm Set for Public Reopening
Finchley's historic College Farm, closed to the public since 2001, is set to reopen thanks to financial support from the Jeremy Coller Foundation. The farm, originally established in the 1880s, aims to return to its role as an educational and leisure space.
Finchley3 min readTrust 50 · Craft 71 · Hype 20 
Property & Planning · FinchleyO2 Centre O2 Centre redevelopment plans approved by Camden Council
Camden Council's planning committee has approved revised plans for the O2 Centre redevelopment in Finchley Road. The changes permit taller buildings and reduce the number of affordable homes, with developer Landsec citing rising construction costs and interest rates.
Finchley3 min readTrust 40 · Craft 58 · Hype 41
Property & Planning · FinchleyFinchley Home Demolished for Two New Semi-Detached Houses
A residential property in Cyprus Road, Finchley, is set to be demolished and replaced with two new semi-detached homes. The redevelopment proposal, submitted to Barnet Council, also includes plans for new access, parking, outbuildings, and air source heat pumps.
Finchley2 min readTrust 42 · Craft 45 · Hype 20
Local News · FinchleyVirgin Active Finchley O2 Centre to close end of September
Virgin Active's leisure centre at the O2 Centre in Finchley Road will close at the end of September. Members are being offered transfers to other gyms, but many find the alternatives too distant or unaffordable.
Finchley3 min readTrust 42 · Craft 61 · Hype 41
Also affecting Finchley
Borough-wide and national stories that name Finchley or bear directly on it.
- Crime & Safety · Golders Green
Four guilty of Golders Green ambulance arson
Four men have pleaded guilty to destroying four Jewish community ambulances in an arson attack in Golders Green on 23 March. The incident caused approximately £1m in damage and occurred during a period of increased antisemitic incidents in north-west London.
Golders Green3 min readTrust 55 · Craft 65 · Hype 50 - Culture & Arts · North Finchley
Larisa Faber's 'The Land We Shared' premieres at Artsdepot
Romanian director Larisa Faber premieres her new play, 'The Land We Shared', at Artsdepot in North Finchley on 15th October 2026. The production delves into themes of grief, family history, and surrealism, featuring songs and unexpected transformations.
North Finchley3 min readTrust 42 · Craft 55 · Hype 15 - Culture & Arts · North Finchley
North Finchley exhibition features photography and painting
An exhibition titled 'Lens & Canvas, Beyond the Frame' will be held at Artsdepot in North Finchley. The show, running from September 1st to 14th, will display photography and artwork by Debbie Jaye and Richard Szerman. Entry is free.
North Finchley2 min readTrust 30 · Craft 45 · Hype 10 - Culture & Arts · North Finchley
Artsdepot announces over 30 autumn productions
Artsdepot in North Finchley will present more than 30 productions this autumn, featuring a diverse range of performances including theatre, dance, circus, comedy, music, magic, and family entertainment. The season includes notable shows like Hofesh Shechter’s In the Brain and family favourites such as Toto the Ninja Cat.
North Finchley3 min readTrust 30 · Craft 61 · Hype 20 - Council & Politics · Colindale
Four new heritage lampposts installed in Colindale
Four new lamppost sculptures, known as Waylamps, have been installed along the 125 bus route between Colindale and North Finchley. Funded by the National Lottery Community Fund and supported by the Mayor of London's borough of culture programme, the installations aim to help residents and visitors discover Barnet's heritage.
Colindale3 min readTrust 50 · Craft 95 · Hype 30 - Council & Politics · Chipping Barnet
Chipping Barnet set for Conservative gain, poll suggests
Chipping Barnet is among the London constituencies projected to switch from Labour to Conservative at the next general election, according to a new poll. The survey also suggests Finchley and Golders Green could see a similar shift.
Chipping Barnet2 min readTrust 74 · Craft 87 · Hype 28 - World
Tories could win 8 London seats from Labour, poll finds
A recent poll indicates the Conservative Party could gain eight parliamentary seats from Labour in London. The Savanta survey for The Mile End Institute, Queen Mary University of London, shows Labour's support at 32%, with Reform UK and Conservatives both at 18%.
3 min readTrust 74 · Craft 87 · Hype 50 
Culture & Arts · North FinchleyKrapp's Last Tape performance at Artsdepot raises funds for charity
Artsdepot in North Finchley will host a performance of Samuel Beckett's 'Krapp's Last Tape' on 5 November. Ticket sales from the event will support the Wembley to Soweto Foundation, which provides training for disadvantaged young people.
North Finchley2 min readTrust 42 · Craft 67 · Hype 20- Local News · Cricklewood
Waitrose to open 18,000 sq ft store in Cricklewood this autumn
An 18,000 square foot Waitrose store is set to open on Cricklewood Broadway this autumn. Located at 194-196 Cricklewood Broadway, the supermarket is part of a wider investment by the company to reach new customers. Some local residents have voiced concerns about potential shoplifting.
Cricklewood3 min readTrust 40 · Craft 65 · Hype 45 
Property & Planning · Golders GreenO2 Centre regeneration loses 240 affordable homes after Mayor cuts targets
Camden Council will decide next week on changes to the O2 Centre regeneration in Golders Green, cutting affordable homes from 570 to 330 after Mayor Sadiq Khan reduced London-wide targets. The £1bn project, delayed by rising costs, will still deliver 1,800 homes but with fewer for low-income households.
Golders Green5 min readTrust 42 · Craft 55 · Hype 58
Crime & Safety · North FinchleyNorth Finchley among London areas warned of rising anti-Muslim hate crime
North Finchley was named as a potential flashpoint during 2024 anti-immigration unrest, though no riots occurred. New data shows anti-Muslim hate reports in London have risen sixfold since 2021, with 1,909 cases in 2025, the highest annual total recorded. The Mayor has allocated £16m to community safety programmes.
North Finchley5 min readTrust 74 · Craft 95 · Hype 50- Culture & Arts · Barnet
Barnet FC publishes Arsenal U21 matchday programme for 2025-26 season
Barnet Football Club released its official matchday programme for the 2025-26 season fixture against Arsenal U21. The programme, available at The Hive stadium, includes team line-ups, player interviews and club news. No ticket prices or match dates were confirmed in the publication.
Barnet4 min readTrust 30 · Craft 22 · Hype 10 
Local News · North FinchleyTaylor Wimpey donates £500 to Finchley Foodbank near Tramworks site
Taylor Wimpey has given £500 to Finchley Foodbank as part of a national campaign to support foodbanks during high-demand periods. The foodbank, located near the developer’s Tramworks site, spends over £11,000 monthly to provide emergency food and toiletries to Barnet residents.
North Finchley4 min readTrust 58 · Craft 72 · Hype 15- Local News · Barnet
Magnolia Court staff cycle London to Brighton for disability charity
Wayne Hughes and Solomon Imafidon from Magnolia Court Care Home in Child’s Hill will cycle 54 miles on 13 September to support the Barchester Charitable Foundation. Donations can be made through their JustGiving page.
Barnet4 min readTrust 48 · Craft 80 · Hype 12 
Business · Golders GreenVue Cinema in Golders Green reopens half-refurbished with laser screens
Vue Cinema at the O2 Centre on Finchley Road has reopened with six refurbished screens offering Lux and Ultra Lux seating and Laser by Barco projection. The remaining screens will close temporarily later this year for final works, including a new retail foyer.
Golders Green4 min readTrust 50 · Craft 80 · Hype 15
Business · BarnetRadfield Home Care Barnet and Finchley wins third consecutive Top 20 award
Radfield Home Care Barnet and Finchley has received a Top 20 Home Care Award for the third year running. The award, based on client feedback on homecare.co.uk, recognises the branch’s consistent quality of care for residents in Barnet and Finchley.
Barnet4 min readTrust 42 · Craft 55 · Hype 35
Lifestyle & Food · BarnetFood banks in Barnet: where they are, and one has just moved
Ten food bank organisations operate across Barnet, some needing a referral and some not. Colindale Foodbank closed at its old address in the first week of August and reopens on 11 August at Trinity Hub in Grahame Park — a change neither the council nor the food bank’s own locations page has caught up with.
Barnet4 min read
Lifestyle & Food · BarnetBarnet leisure centres and pools: where they are and what a swim costs
Barnet has five Better-run leisure centres — Copthall, Finchley Lido, Hendon, Burnt Oak and New Barnet. Two of them have no pool at all. This covers where each one is, what casual swimming and gym use cost, and which pools are which.
Barnet5 min read
Council & Politics · Golders GreenBarnet Tories accuse MP of wasting money over Temple Fortune flags
Barnet Conservatives have criticised Finchley and Golders Green MP Sarah Sackman after she called for the removal of unauthorised Union Jack flags in Temple Fortune. The council said it would only act if there were health and safety concerns, not to spend limited funds on repeated removals.
Golders Green4 min readTrust 55 · Craft 65 · Hype 50
WorldFinchley Heatwave: Amber Alert Issued As Temperatures Soar
London faces an amber heat-health alert with temperatures predicted to reach 35C. The Met Office has warned of exceptionally severe fire risks, with advice issued to stay indoors during peak heat.
2 min readTrust 66 · Craft 95 · Hype 15