Hotel in Barnet, London

Barnet – split into two distinct towns, High and Chipping Barnet – is a suburban development in north London on the fringes of the border of Greater London. It’s a fairly generic Greater London town with a busy high street, a number of coffee shops and small delis, and an Odeon cinema (Great North Road, 0871 2244 007, www.odeon.co.uk).

Eating out in Barnet is quite a pleasure with a wide range of cuisines available: Savoro (205 High Street, Hadley Green, 020 8449 9888) is very good for seafood and fresh, quality cuisine, with a set lunch menu for £10.50. Brasserie Chez Gerard (240 High Street, 020 8441 6112) is part of the popular chain, with classics a la Francais including great steak frites and some Moroccan dishes. The Prince of Wales (Church Hill Road, 020 8440 5392) is a proper neighbourhood pub with live sport and bargain grub, and Ye Olde Mitre Inn (58 High Street, 020 8449 6582) is as traditional as they come, a historical alehouse rife with conversation.

For cultural performances head to All Saints Arts Centre (112 Oakleigh Road North, 020 8445 8388, www.allsaints.uk.com) with music, dance and lots of art classes. You’re close to Hadley Wood, an upmarket Hertfordshire suburb home to quite a few footballers and, when not sunning herself in St Lucia, Amy Winehouse; and it’s not far on the tube to Highgate with its delightful village and proximity to Hampstead Heath.

High Barnet (Zone 5) is at the top end of the Northern Underground line.

Barnet: Tube (underground)

Barnet: Rail (overground)