Mill Hill Observatory and First Light Remote Viewing milestone

The UCL Mill Hill Observatory is a local landmark. A series of DOMES breaking through the greenery next to the A41 and Mill Hill Park.

Built in the mid 1920s - with that tantalising 1927 link with the development of the A41 into a dual carriageway and the development of Mill Hill Broadway that year.

The Observatory has a very informative website about its telescopes and activities HERE and of particular interest is the news that they have used REMOTE observing on 21 July 2010 for the first time - check out the full story HERE

"A milestone in this process was passed on 2010 July 21, when student Jakub Bochinski controlled a C14 telescope and its CCD camera from his home in central London, using a web-based interface – the first remote observation to be conducted at ULO. As well as calibration frames, a set of 'first light' images of the planetary nebula M27, was obtained. ( See link for image)"

Of interest to locals are the tours that are sometimes offered and can be booked privately for groups for just £85. In addition the Observatory has a weather page for Mill Hill and astronomers locally which is in the links section which is very extensive for those interested in sky gazing.

A very unique place and another reason that Mill Hill is so special. Dont forget to use the SUBWAYS under the A41 and look at the murals which show the planets in one and the actual observatory in the other. Truly Mill Hill is linked to the stars !

MORE ON FILMING

Half Full is closed to diners - and here is a panoramic photo of the scene. More news as we get it

FILMING ON THE BROADWAY : Now

It is 18.45 on Friday night and a film crew has moved onto the Broadway ! Based next to Half Full and in Half Full restaurant. Very exciting - loads of Yellow Jacketed stewards and a ton of gear. Get down here if you want to see all the excitement.

As soon as we hear more then we will tell you !

COOKSLEYS : Real Butcher on the Broadway

Nearly every meat I have ever had from any London supermarket has been tasteless. Not suprising seeing as much of it has been processed and put in plastic - and maybe mass produced. We are very lucky on the Broadway to still have a traditional butchers - Cooksleys.

Their informative website is HERE and in the summer they produce a large number of BAR B Q kebabs which not only cost very little but taste amazing. Their chickens are free range and again are at least 5 times better than anything that can be purchased at a Supermarket. The beef and lamb and pork is what you would expect. Properly sourced - hung - matured - and then cut specifically for sale.

On price the quality here means that you can get cheaper and better. So it amazes me that anyone would even bother to walk over the road to Marks and Spencers for any meat produce when we have such a fine shop on the Broadway.

So when having a roast this weekend or a BAR B Q make sure you go to this superb butchers and taste the difference.

ADAM and EVE PUB FINALLY SOLD

Great news for those who like historic local pubs because the ADAM AND EVE on the Ridgeway has finally been given a new lease of life today. The Hendon Times is following the story HERE and the new owners have big plans for the pub. We will keep you posted on BROADWAY BLOG.

MILL HILL WINES

We are lucky in Mill Hill to have probably the best independent off license in North London on the Broadway. Many people travel miles to buy their wines and champagnes from Mill Hill Wines.

When you enter the shop it is worth noting that there is such a selection that it may take some time to move around the shop and actually realise that there is everything from Supermarket prices to bottles that cost hundreds of pounds.

Where the shop really comes into its own is its sourcing of amazing estate wines at knockdown prices. Wines such as the Spanish and Portugese reds which have been on offer this summer at less than a tenner which are so good.

Mill Hill Wines also sells an estate bottled Premier Cru Champagne which is the equal of any champagne which costs twice as much - and is usually priced for less than the supermarket fizzes.

In addition the shop carries a small real ale selection and some continental special beers and ciders as well as some spirits.

With offers on cases and a very friendly service ( and the staff often help customers carry their purchases to the car if there is alot !) this is an off license where everyone should go. In addition it is always worth asking the staff to point you in the right direction ! So far when we have been into the shop every time we have asked we have come out with something very special and reasonably priced.

Flowers On the Broadway

Here is a photo of the Broadway appropriately on the junction with Flower Lane. A wonderful display of flowers. One of the reasons to go and sit outside The Bell or Delisserie or Pizza Express or Sapori and take in the view this week.

Album of the Month : August

Every month on our blog we will feature an album from Mill Hill's leading record company - Organic Records. The album will be featured down below on the HMV Digital Player and if you like what you hear just click through and purchase it for immediate listening.

GARETH ICKE : It gets worse at Night ( Organic Records )

This album has received airplay on Radio 2, Radio 6 and many local radio stations. Gareth is touring the UK and playing European festivals. Produced by Dan Swift ( Snow Patrol, Art Brut, and many others ) it is has an indie James Blunt vibe with great songs and lyrics. Single "Race" has received rave reviews and new single We Hide In Caves comes out in October along with a new UK tour. Check it out under the blog and tell us what you think !

LA MODE up to 70% sale now on

LA MODE one of the Broadway's exclusive designer shops for women has an UP TO 70% sale now on.

Great bargains to be had at all the Broadway's main Women's clothes shops with IMAGE having a 50% sale and WILD SWANS at 80%.

Now is the time to get some designer gear at great prices on the Broadway !

80% off at WILD SWANS on Broadway

Up to 80% off clothing in the designer Woman's clothes shop WILD SWANS at the centre of the Broadway near the Post Office.

Fantastic clothes at amazing prices. Another superb sale on the Broadway.

The Bell at Mill Hill

Owned by Marstons and now becoming a very popular place in the day time with the tables outside full most days ( see photo )

A large and very reasonably priced menu is available and like Wetherspoons pubs there are always cheap offers on bottles of beer etc.

The decor is very good and they also cater for the younger drinkers with occasional party nights.

Well worth checking out for lunch , a drink or coffee and dont forget they have a very decently priced Sunday lunch. We will review the food in coming months.

VISITS TO BROADWAY BLOG CONTINUE TO GROW !

The last 14 days have seen record numbers visiting the blog as we add more links ( More to come ) and start reviewing Restaurants and local businesses. Remember you can share any of our info with your friends by clicking on the Social Network buttons underneath.

We are the only non - political blog about the community in Barnet from what I can see : which makes this blog very special. Most blogs are people talking about themselves or with a political slant.

Broadway Blog is fiercely independent. You can therefore trust BROADWAY BLOG to tell it as it is with no spin. We are positive and supportive of our community here in wonderful MILL HILL and want to see every business and person living here reaching their true potential and happiness.

The mass media and bloggerdom tends to concentrate on the bad in society. On here we want to be positive and celebrate all that is good in Mill Hill. So why not bookmark this site and come over every day or so - and invite your friends. This unique site is totally different - and we want to make a difference. Thank you to everyone who is sharing our Blog with others. Become a follower - add it to your side bars - and spread the word. Mill Hill is awesome.

Spanish Wine this weekend from the Broadway ?

While the weather is still lovely and warm perhaps a bottle of some lovely red wine is a good idea ?

Well we have price checked and tested two Tempranillo wines from the Broadway.

First we tried Stowells version which is £5 from Iceland ( or 3 bottles for £12 ) which was a very pleasant drink and very fruity. ( pictured )

Secondly we tried the estate bottled Tempranillo which you can find right in front of you as you walk into Mill Hill Wines which was £5.95 a bottle ( discounts for bigger quantities ) and found for just a extra pound you got a more complex drink and as with most Mill Hill Wines specials a price that defies the quality.

So whatever you are doing this weekend - this wine goes really well with seafood and Sunday lunch why not nip down the Broadway and get a bottle of red and celebrate the weather we are still having.

Things to do this Weekend in Mill Hill

Well the sun is not shining all the time but there is still plenty to do this weekend in the Mill Hill area and on the Broadway - here are our suggestions. ( Pictured The Broadway on a recent Sunday )

1. Visit a new restaurant : why not try the new menu at Half Full, visit the newly refurbished Pizza Express that re-opened this week, visit Yogopink and try out the frozen yoghurts that has just opened.

2. Go out for the day to Finchley Farmers Market at Avenue House. New in the last two months and proving very popular. 10a.m - 3p.m on Sunday.

3. Take A Walk round Mill Hill Park and visit Mill Hill Park Cafe for lunch. Fantastic menu.

4. Take A Walk through the Arrandene public space and end up at The Three Hammers for lunch or for dinner

5. Visit the sales in Mill Hill and have Morning coffee in one of the Cafes or breakfast first on Sunday.

6. Visit one of Mill Hill's churches or Synagogues this weekend for a spiritual treat.

One thing is for sure - there is plenty to do in Mill Hill from free activities like the wonderful walks to some of the best food in the South East and the best shopping.

Have a wonderful weekend.

SIGN THE PETITIONS against Council Greed

You may have read in the national and local press or the local blogs about the dreadful expenses rises that the Tory councillors have awarded themselves last week in this time of supposed cuts.

There are two petitions that have been started to try and show the Councillors what we the voters think of their greed. They really should be signed. Over 100 have signed the Barnet Residents petition in the first day and the Hendon Times " Reject the Rise " petition has now started as well. Take the time to show your feelings on this subject.

BARNET RESIDENTS PETITION click HERE

HENDON TIMES PETITION click HERE

HEES Takeaway : Review

HEEs Takeaway is now an established food outlet on Station Road just off the Broadway - the Hees group also have a restaurant on the Broadway.

Offering a mix of Chinese styles in an "A La Carte" menu HEEs offer a telephone collect service and a delivery service.

The menu is large. Our favourites include the excellent Hot and Sour soup - the hot and spicy Thai dishes - although it is hard to fault anything that we have had. The staff are helpful and know many customers by name and when collecting food the large sofa area is comfortable and newspapers are provided.

To check out HEES click HERE

UPDATE

The weather today has been wonderful and the BROADWAY has been busy all day with the cafes full of visitors. Please post your events on this site and from THURSDAY this week we will be pushing the NEWS as you see it. So post and let us know what is happenng.

DAVE MORGAN BLINDS - business review

Dave Morgan Blinds is one of the South East's leading blinds maker. Featured on TV in many of the best programmes about home improvements the company based on the Broadway in the "Old Garage" down the lane next to Richard James Estate Agents also makes blinds and awnings for shops and businesses.

With their own showroom on the Broadway this is one of the most sought after businesses on Mill Hill Broadway and should be the first point of call for both private residents and businesses for their blinds requirements.

"Dave Morgan Blinds is a traditional blindmaking factory. Traditional methods of manufacture, training and service allow us to give the sun shading you require for your home or business. Being completely independent enables us to offer you the sun shading you require, not the brand name we represent.
Survey, manufacture and installation would all be carried out by our fully trained staff, not agents, reps, middlemen or contract fitters!"

Visit the website HERE for more information

YOGOPINK : Review

The latest addition to Mill Hill is YOGOPINK - a frozen yoghurt restaurant and takeaway. The first thing to notice is that it is decorated in a pink theme. Youngsters especially girls are going to love that !

The second thing is that the Yoghurts are fat free - making them a really healthy alternative to ice creams and much fast food.

You get presented with a choice of three sizes. The small is quite a decent size and at £2.50 wont break the bank. You can then top your yoghurt with either healthy toppings - including most fruits and berries or go for the sweet choice which includes favourites like smarties - which is the topping we chose.

The yoghurt is very refreshing and has a lovely tangy flavour - is ice cold - and with the sweet topping really hit the spot.

This restaurant may not be a regular visit for everyone but for families who want to encourage healthy eating and take the family out to a pleasant well appointed restaurant this is probably the best option on the Broadway for a night or afternoon out after school. Certainly when we visited it was very busy as you can see from the photograph

"OLD STYLE" SWEETSHOP IS BIG SUCCESS

Opening earlier this year the OLDE SWEET SHOPPE is a must visit. Forget the modern sweets and chocolate - this shop has loads of treats which need to be seen and tasted. A wide variety of sweets including all the tradional favourites are available at the Olde Sweet Shop which is appropriately based in one of the oldest shops on the Broadway bearing the 1910 plaque signifying when the Broadway was first developed into a shopping area.

We have certainly enjoyed the wide variety of chocolate and liquorice from this shop ( only as occasional treats ) and it is yet another excellent addition to the Broadway as the road goes from strength to strength in 2010 - a century after this shop was first built no less !

LAUNCH REPORT for Sapori Italia

A fantastic night was had by all which went on until very late at the launch of the completely reburbished Sapori Italia. Mill Hill Broadway is seeing many new openings this year of some of the most exciting restaurants, cafes and shops making the street once again the jewel in the crown of North West London High Streets.

HUGE CROWD to GREET TV CHEF

Large crowds have turned out tonight ( see photo ) creating a road block for the appearance of TV Chef Gino D'Acampo at SAPORI ITALIA.

News In Brief

PIZZA EXPRESS : currently closed for refurbishment on the Broadway.

YOGOPINK : frozen yoghurts the healthy low fat alternative Opened this week

POUND PLUS : Now fully open where In and Out used to be opposite Half Full.

HALF FULL : New summer menu introduced this week.

SPORTEC : Sale Now On

IMAGE : Sale Now On

URC Church : Hall demolished.

NEW CAFE : Opposite Flower Lane. Progress seems to be being made.

BARNET COUNCIL : See BARNET EYE about Council Expenses Row

SAPORI ITALIA : Now Open and Grand Opening Tonight with TV celebrity chef

GINO D'ACAMPO to open Sapori Italia Thursday 15th at 6.30p.m

International Chef and TV Icon the brilliant GINO D'ACAMPO comes to Mill Hill Broadway tomorrow evening ( thursday 15 July ) to open the superb new Sapori Italia cafe. Gino is bound to attract a massive crowd so get there nice and early for the 6.30p.m opening.

Gino is the darling of many housewives all round the UK from his TV appearances and you can find out more about him HERE on his website.

This is a great coup for the Broadway and lets hope it is sunny and there is a huge crowd to celebrate the opening.

YOGOPINK opens today on Broadway

The Broadway's new Frozen Yoghurt shop opens today on the Broadway. Ideal for the summer months and well worth checking out with special offers for anyone who resisters with their website.

Another new opening - we will review the shop later this month.

A Hot Weekend in Mill Hill !

Mill Hill Broadway is positively steaming today as the heatwave continues. All the cafes are nice and full . The 50% sale at IMAGE is doing good business and the shops are busy as well. Could not get the energy up to make it to the park such is the heat but I am sure it will be busy as well today.

Things to do this weekend include watching the World Cup Final tomorrow night and the Third Place match tonight.

Finchley Farmers Market takes place at Avenue house between 11 - 3 tomorrow for those looking to travel out of the area but I suspect most people will just be enjoying the warm weather.

Have a lovely weekend.

HALF FULL : Restaurant Review

Mill Hill Broadway has fantastic restaurants and here is our first short review of one that has opened in the last year.

HALF FULL is a Spanish type of restaurant with seat seating and has the new windows which pull back to open the whole restaurant to the street.

A Friday night on the hottest day of the year so far seemed ideal to go out for mediterranean experience.

To start with a cool White Sauvignon wine was accompanied by a dish of olives. Lovely and plum with a selection in an olive oil and herb dressing. The wine crisp and cold and perfect for the weather.

We then had to wait whilst our main course was prepared which allowed us time to enjoy the music and watch the world go by. The restaurant was cool and relaxing with many arriving after working on the Broadway for a drink or food.

We chose the mixed meat and fish PAELLA for two. It arrived and was truly stunning. Huge king prawns - wedges of lemon - mussels - chicken - sliced peppers and so on. It also tasted as good as it looked. It was very authentic and a totally unique experience for us in London. You would usually have to travel to the coast or abroad for something as wonderful as this. A lovely lemon bowl of water was provided for hands. Filling and full of flavours and colours

With a superb coffee to finish which HALF FULL is renowned for the meal for two and two drinks each came to £35. Which is fantastic value for a couple of perfect hours on a Friday night.

HALF FULL is a must visit destination in Mill Hill. A wonderful meal and a lovely evening out.

Mill Hill Eruv approved - Sacred Heart Appoint Youth Councilllor

The Hendon Times is reporting that the Mill Hill eruv has been approved HERE Though the plan has its critics the Jewish community in Mill Hill and its area has contributed much to the community and it is good that Worship in Mill Hill is respected.

In other local news the Barnet Eye blog has reported HERE that Roger Titchborne has been made a Pastoral councillor for Sacred Heart RC Church on the Broadway with a brief to work with young people in the area. Another welcome intitiative from a local faith group which can only benefit the area.

Mill Hill Library

Just off the Broadway is Mill Hill Library. If you have never visited then you are missing out on a local resource which is always well used. Comprising of a Children's Library - a Main Library and a reference section it always has a good selection of books.

In addition there is FREE INTERNET access for members of an hour - and there are loads of PCs there - though be warned this is very popular.

Comfy seats allow visitors to read papers and magazine ( and saving money may be on some people's agenda at the moment. )

A good local history section is also in the library if you want to find out more about Mill Hill.

The library is open every day except Sunday.

The Broadway OPEN on a SUNDAY !

Walking down the Broadway this morning about 11a.m it is noticable that most shops are now open on a Sunday. All the Cafes are doing brisk business with tables full outside all of them by 11 today.

The shops with sales are all open and also Iceland and M&S. The Cancer Research Charity shop is the only charity shop open.

With no football on the TV this afternoon it is well worth popping down to the Broadway to enjoy the shopping experience and cafes. An ideal way to spend a lazy Sunday and pick up some bargains. The sun is shining and it is lovely and warm.

IMAGE summer sale starts today

IMAGE the largest clothes retailer on Mill Hill Broadway started their summer sale today. Their three shops at the centre of the Broadway stock most designer female clothing and their summer sale is legendary ( it was 70% in 2003 ! ) and well worth a visit. With SPORTEC next door having a 50% sale it is well worth heading down to the Broadway this week to spot a bargain.

SALES FEVER GRIPS THE BROADWAY

Hot on the heels of us announcing a 50% off sale at MILL HILL GARDEN CENTRE today the superb SPORTEC SPORTS SHOP have started their summer sale with discounts of up to 50% as well. Their winter sale was amazing - so we again urge you to visit the shop this weekend and pick up some quality at bargain prices.

We will list all the shops with sales next Friday - and will continue to announce them as they start. So keep visiting BROADWAY BLOG to find out where the bargains are now the SUMMER SALES SEASON has started.

Over 600 visits to BROADWAY NEWS and BLOG in first month

We are delighted that over 600 visits have been made to this site in its very first month without any advertising at all. For much of the month we have been getting used to the format and trying things out - so please keep visiting because the quality will be improving all the time.

In addition at the end of July we will begin our advertising push around Mill Hill to bring in the local community to the site as it launches with a website attached and loads of information. We hope we are addressing the issues you want to read about - and if you want to contact us please do and let us know any news and what you want to know.

Thank you to Roger T at BARNET EYE blog for bringing us to the attention of his thousands of readers earlier in the month. The support of other Barnet websites is much appreciated and we will be updating our links to link to every Barnet and area website that supports the community.

Have a great July.

Another New Restaurant to open on Broadway

If you walked down the Broadway today you will see that opposite Flower Lane another new restaurant is taking shape - again with a moveable front meaning it will be joining the "Street Cafe" revolution.

Today Olives was packed out and tonight Half Full was rocking as well - as the Al Fresco - Street Cafe capital of North London continues to remain packed in the good weather. The Bell and the lovely new street furniture of Sapori also have been packed for the last few days.

Bring your friends and come and hang out on the Broadway where North London's beautiful people are now hanging out.

We will bring you the latest on the new restaurant when we get it.