Tan Parsons HIDDEN gems including pubs, unique shops and restaurants in the Ham&High area are up for prestigious accolades. The Love London Awards run by Smooth Radio are a celebration of London life as voted by the capital s people, and representatives f

Tan Parsons

HIDDEN gems including pubs, unique shops and restaurants in the Ham&High area are up for prestigious accolades.

The Love London Awards run by Smooth Radio are a celebration of London life as voted by the capital's people, and representatives from Hampstead and Highgate appear in every single category.

Mystical Fairies in Flask Walk has been nominated for the best local store and owner Veronica Ford is asking people to vote for her shop.

She said: "We sell anything that has to do with fairies, princesses or ballerinas - little girls' treasures, toys and gifts. It's for the young and the young at heart.

"We also run children's parties here and free workshops where they can learn how to be fairies. We are very special."

But she is also encouraging people to get behind the other businesses in the Ham&High area that are up for awards.

She said: "We've got entries in every single category and there are four really good pubs to choose from in that particular section. They are the Angel Inn and the Red Lion and Sun in Highgate, and the Holly Bush and the Spaniards Inn in Hampstead, and they're all fantastic.

"All of the businesses that have been nominated are independent small ventures.

"There are just so many little treasures hidden away in Hampstead and Highgate, and people should really get behind their local traders."

She says in previous years businesses in the area have run in close competition with arch rivals East Dulwich, which has always performed well in the awards.

But this year she is urging local residents to make sure Hampstead and Highgate claims a clean sweep.

She added: "Let's make sure our businesses feature heavily in the list of winners."

The other nominees include the Coffee Cup in Hampstead, which is up for best neighbourhood coffee shop, while Hampstead's Rosslyn Deli and La Fromagerie in Marylebone are up for best neighbourhood delicatessen.

Eateries is another section where the Ham&High area is strongly represented, with Base restaurant in Hampstead and Camden Town's El Parador both up for best neighbourhood restaurant, while Hampstead's Wells Tavern is up for best neighbourhood gastro pub.

Elsewhere the Everyman in Hampstead and the Phoenix in East Finchley are up for best cinema, and Alfie's Antique Market in St John's Wood joins Mystical Fairies in the best local store category.

Arts venues have also made the cut with the Tricycle Theatre in Kilburn up for an award along with the Roundhouse and Camden Town's Jazz Cafe.

Finally Alexandra Palace ice rink and Swiss Cottage Leisure Centre are up for best local sports centre.

To vote, visit www.smoothradiolondon.co.uk.