A Hampstead institution, Jin Kichi is one of only a few real izakaya-style restaurants in London. And though the sushi is good, regulars are here for the yakitori counter where chefs dish out pork and shiso-leaf skewers straight from the fiery grill. Tiny, but always fun.

It’s always difficult to find a table for a big group in London, but this little Hampstead cellar bar has the sweetest alcove for 10, which isn’t a complete pain to book. Plus the Spanish-and Italian-inspired small plates are designed for sharing: jamón Iberico, pan con tomate and whole sea bass followed by perfectly pretty basil and white chocolate tartlets. tAn insider address worth knowing.

This ancient heath is filled with woodlands and meadows, and surrounded by houses worth daydreaming about. But perhaps most lovely are its swimming ponds. The Ladies’ Pond is the UK’s only exclusively female wild swimming spot. There’s also a mixed pool open in summer, but the gender- specific ones are for the truly dedicated cold-water plungers. There’s a wonderful camaraderie at both, and even Christmas Day draws a crowd. A slightly eccentric slice of the city that doesn’t feel like London at all.