North London is quite a cosmopolitan part of the capital. At one time, parts of the area would attract intellectuals from far and wide, with places like St. John's Wood, Hampstead and Highgate sought after locations. Half of the UK's Jewish population live in North London, around Barnet and Finchley. It is also home to the UK's first American style out-of-town shopping centre, and the birthplace of the BBC's first high definition television service.
From Regents Park to High Barnet, there is a wealth of unique conference venues. Whether you wish to hold your conference in Alexandra Palace or London Zoo, it is possible. It is home to two Barclays Premier League sides, one of them has been in the top flight for almost a century.
Alexandra Palace opened in 1873 with the present building opening in 1875. It was opened on the 54th birthday of Queen Victoria with great fanfare as an entertainment venue. The first building was struck by fire - 16 days after opening, and fire would becurse its replacement in 1980. In 1936, the British Broadcasting Corporation began its first television broadcasts there. In more recent times, part of it has been restored as an attractive conference venue (though 40% of the building remains unused).
The Roundhouse, Camden, was converted from its original use as an engine shed into a theatre and conference venue. A wealth of live entertainment from circuses to theatrical productions take place, with emphasis on young talent. There is also a number of bars and a restaurant on the premises.
North London is also home to the Lord's Cricket Ground, which has hosted countless Test Matches and the fixtures of Middlesex County Cricket Club. The sleek Emirates Stadium plays host to Arsenal's fixtures whereas White Hart Lane, Tottenham Hotspur's home also sees top flight footballing action. In non-league's top flight, the Football Conference Premier league, is Barnet Football Club. They have recently moved to a new ground in Canons Park. Both Barclays Premier League sides and The Lord's Cricket Ground have top notch conferencing and hospitality facilities.
No mention of North London is complete without reference to Islington. Since the second part of the 20th Century, its Georgian terraces became popular with middle class households. This remains so today, with the Almeida Theatre playing host to avant-garde productions, and the London Art House. The former Royal Agricultural Hall is situated in Islington, used since 1986 as the Business Design Centre.
If you wish to take some time away from the city of London, you could always escape to Hampstead Heath and enjoy a relaxed stroll. Why not take the camera; on a clear day, there are superb views of Central London. If shopping's your sort of relaxation, why not visit Brent Cross Shopping Centre? Just off the A41, the North Circular Road and the M1 Motorway, it is Britain's first out-of-town covered American style shopping centre. Furthermore, there is plenty of scope for shoppers in Camden, Barnet, Hampstead, Highgate and surrounding area.
What's more, North London is highly accessible by road, tube, bus and rail. If you're looking for character, you've found the right place.
