Area
Finchley news
125 stories from and about Finchley, mostly local news, culture & arts, council & politics. The most recent ran on 30 October 2026. Page 3 of 7.
Public records for Finchley. Explore the Home Office street-level crime figures for this area. Review the planning applications recently validated across the borough.
Reported from Finchley
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
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
Local News · FinchleyDuke's Aldridge Academy GCSE results show 42% at grade 4+
Duke’s Aldridge Academy in Finchley published its GCSE results on August 20. 42 per cent of students achieved five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and maths. The school recorded a Progress 8 score of 0.15.
Finchley3 min readTrust 42 · Craft 67 · Hype 20
Local News · FinchleyUCS Finchley pupils achieve record GCSE results
University College School (UCS) in Finchley has announced its best-ever GCSE results. 58 per cent of Year 11 pupils received top grades, with 19 students achieving straight 9s. The school's headmaster praised the pupils' hard work and the staff's dedication.
Finchley2 min readTrust 42 · Craft 57 · Hype 41
Local News · FinchleyFinchley Holocaust educator Lesley Urbach dies at 69
Lesley Urbach, who helped establish the Holocaust education charity Generation 2 Generation in 2016, has died suddenly at 69. A resident of Finchley, she supported Syrian refugees in Barnet and worked to secure Synagogue of Sanctuary status for Finchley Progressive Synagogue earlier this year.
Finchley4 min readTrust 30 · Craft 59 · Hype 15
Crime & Safety · FinchleyFormer Christ’s College teacher denies eight indecent assault charges in Finchley trial
A former teacher at Christ’s College Finchley is on trial for eight counts of indecent assault against two male pupils, both aged 14 at the time. Sally-Anne Bowen denies all charges, while the prosecution argues she exploited her position of trust. The trial continues at Southwark Crown Court.
Finchley5 min readTrust 50 · Craft 85 · Hype 70
Also affecting Finchley
Borough-wide and national stories that name Finchley or bear directly on it.
Property & Planning · BarnetWhy London’s leak detection specialists are busier than ever this autumn
Demand for leak detection in London is up 35% on last year. What is driving it, what a visit costs, who pays, and what Barnet homeowners and tenants should do first.
Barnet5 min read
Local News · CricklewoodWaitrose to open Chalk Farm convenience store in 2028
Waitrose has announced plans to open a new convenience store in Chalk Farm in 2028. This follows the recent opening of a larger supermarket on Cricklewood Broadway as part of a nationwide expansion.
Cricklewood2 min readTrust 30 · Craft 45 · Hype 41
Property & Planning · Golders GreenBarnet Council approves 130‑room Hotel Unique redevelopment in Golders Green
Barnet councillors gave unanimous backing on 14 October 2026 to a scheme that will add a four‑storey hotel with 114 rooms, refurbish the existing building for 16 more, and keep the locally‑listed Refectory Pub at 4 Golders Green Crescent. The plan was called in by Childs Hill councillor Cory Turner and submitted by Pressfield Limited.
Golders Green3 min readTrust 72 · Craft 87 · Hype 15- World
Labour forecast to win up to 60 London seats, poll shows strong swing in Barnet
A poll commissioned by PR firm PLMR and carried out by Find Out Now surveyed 6,699 people in late September. It projects Labour winning 59 or 60 of London’s 75 seats, a rise that could reshape representation in Barnet’s constituencies.
3 min readTrust 74 · Craft 64 · Hype 48 
Local News · North FinchleyNorth Finchley site manager wins NHBC award
Harvey Scott, site manager at Taylor Wimpey's The Tramworks development in North Finchley, has won a National House-Building Council (NHBC) Pride in the Job Regional Award. The award recognises excellence in the multi-storey category.
North Finchley2 min readTrust 42 · Craft 61 · Hype 41
Transport & TfL · High BarnetNorthern line suspended between Camden Town and East Finchley, High Barnet commuters face severe delays
A signal fault at Kentish Town has halted Northern line service between Camden Town and East Finchley. Severe delays now affect travel from East Finchley to High Barnet, with trains being diverted to Edgware. The District line also suffers minor delays around Earl’s Court.
High Barnet3 min readTrust 30 · Craft 77 · Hype 15
Council & Politics · BarnetMuswell Hill Cattery Owner Banned From Keeping Animals
A Muswell Hill cattery owner has been disqualified from keeping animals for three years after admitting to running an unlicensed cat boarding business. She was also fined a total of £1,368. Separately, a Finchley chicken shop and its director were fined for using an unlicensed A-board.
Barnet2 min readTrust 42 · Craft 57 · Hype 20
Culture & Arts · Barnet97-year-old artist's exhibition opens at Barnet care home
An exhibition featuring sculptures and paintings by 97-year-old resident Joy Feld is now open to the public at Carlton Court Care Home in Bells Hill, Barnet. The display, which includes artwork from the last 40 years, will run until 25 October 2026.
Barnet2 min readTrust 56 · Craft 80 · Hype 15
WorldHome Office data show hate crimes rise 7% to 146,825 in year to March 2026
Police‑recorded hate crimes in England and Wales increased by 7% to 146,825 in the year to March 2026. Anti‑Muslim offences jumped 15% while antisemitic hate crime remains at an unacceptably high level, according to the Home Office, the British Muslim Trust and the Community Security Trust.
3 min readTrust 74 · Craft 87 · Hype 28
Local News · North FinchleyNorth Finchley brewery wins national CAMRA award
London Brewing Company, based in North Finchley, has received the John Young Memorial Award from the London branches of CAMRA. The award celebrates significant contributions to real ale and pub culture in the capital.
North Finchley3 min readTrust 42 · Craft 57 · Hype 20
Council & Politics · BarnetBarnet depot workers reject 18‑month backpay offer, council faces strike
Barnet Council’s second offer of 18 months’ backpay for depot staff was turned down in a September ballot with more than 90% turnout. Unison says the council must improve the offer by 9 October or risk a strike ballot in November and possible action in December.
Barnet3 min readTrust 56 · Craft 95 · Hype 30
Local News · BarnetBritish Heart Foundation to close Barnet and Finchley stores
The British Heart Foundation will close its Barnet and Finchley shops as part of a wider plan to shut 150 stores across the UK. The charity reported a £3.3m retail loss in the last financial year, citing increased operating costs and shifts in consumer behaviour.
Barnet3 min readTrust 60 · Craft 65 · Hype 45
Culture & Arts · Golders GreenAckermans Chocolates shop on Goldhurst Terrace closed after 50 years
Ackermans Chocolates, established by Werner and Lotte Ackerman on Goldhurst Terrace, operated for five decades, earned a Royal Warrant in 1968 and welcomed the future King Charles in 1996. The shop closed roughly twenty years ago, ending a notable chapter in Golders Green’s culinary history.
Golders Green3 min readTrust 58 · Craft 69 · Hype 30
Local News · Golders GreenTories to regain Finchley and Golders Green seat, poll suggests
A new YouGov MRP poll projects that the Conservative Party will win back the Finchley and Golders Green constituency. The survey suggests Labour will lose eight seats in London overall, while the Green Party is not expected to secure any MPs in the capital.
Golders Green3 min readTrust 50 · Craft 60 · Hype 45
Local News · North FinchleyGifts in Wills fund nearly a fifth of North London Hospice care
Legacies account for almost 20% of patients cared for by North London Hospice, which offers free specialist palliative and end-of-life services. The hospice has teamed up with two providers to offer free Will writing.
North Finchley3 min readTrust 30 · Craft 53 · Hype 15
Local News · Brent CrossNew Brent Cross Town neighbourhood to welcome Holybella, Stamp, and Social Pottery
Mediterranean-inspired cafe Holybella, Post Office services provider Stamp, and creative studio Social Pottery are set to open in Brent Cross Town. The development, planned by Related Argent, aims to provide residents and workers with local amenities.
Brent Cross3 min readTrust 30 · Craft 65 · Hype 15
Council & Politics · BarnetDan Thomas quits Reform UK Wales leadership after arrest
Former Barnet Council leader Dan Thomas has resigned as leader of Reform UK in Wales following his arrest on suspicion of assault and controlling or coercive behaviour. He denies any wrongdoing and will continue as a Member of the Senedd.
Barnet3 min readTrust 60 · Craft 65 · Hype 45
Crime & Safety · Golders GreenMcDonald's late licence bid faces police opposition
The Metropolitan Police has urged Camden Council to reject a bid for extended late-night hours at a McDonald's on Finchley Road, citing a string of incidents including assaults and historical armed robberies. The franchisee has proposed body cameras for staff.
Golders Green4 min readTrust 64 · Craft 95 · Hype 35
Council & Politics · BarnetBarnet appoints former Grenfell housing chief despite survivor backlash
Barnet Council confirmed Laura Johnson, former housing director of Kensington and Chelsea, has been hired as group director of development and property by The Barnet Group. The council says the recruitment was legal and transparent, but Grenfell United and survivor Ed Daffarn have called for an immediate review.
Barnet3 min readTrust 50 · Craft 95 · Hype 15
Local News · North FinchleyHalifax North Finchley branch to close September 2026
The Halifax branch in North Finchley will close its doors on September 28, 2026. This decision by Lloyds Banking Group reflects a broader industry move towards online banking, with nearly 200 Halifax branches set to become Lloyds locations by 2027.
North Finchley2 min readTrust 40 · Craft 57 · Hype 41