reader awards - Kentishtowner
Transcription
reader awards - Kentishtowner
Rick Edwards ESTHER WALKER just wants to hang out with other normal mothers issue one february 2013 “It’s quite fashionable to be curmudgeonly” READEl 5R-pAagWe gAuRidDe Sto Specia rite places u o v fa ’s a e r a e th North London’s award-winning website – in print kentishtowner.co.uk FREE SEE K-TOWN DIFFERENTLY? WELCOME to the start of something a little bit new. The Kentishtowner is North London’s award-winning website, and hopefully you’re already enjoying our daily coverage of local culture (see page 3). But what is this rather fetching newspapery incarnation all about? Well, just because our roots are digital, we needn’t be slave to the screen. And as what we do has always been a celebration of community, aided by the ease of online publishing and social media, this monthly edition is simply an extension of all that. What’s more, our continuing growth has mirrored a brimming pride in the area. Kentish Town, with its legacy of industry, the arts, and boozing, is an intriguing corner of a world-class city, a place forever shaped by railways, a long buried river, and its ancient highway. In print each month, just as we do daily online, we aim to fuel this spirit, presenting more reasons to adore the neighbourhood; fresh angles on old favourites, and juicy discoveries to boot. A sort of travel guide for locals, if you will. Do you enjoy seeing things differently? Read on. Celebrating 40 Years of ~The Original Camden Market~ B I G L O V E AT T H E L O C K C O M P E T I T I O N W 1st Prize W Dinner for two (up to £100) at one of our canalside venues and a return trip to Little Venice on the London Waterbus W 2nd Prize: one hour treatment from W 3rd Prize: 2 Valentine’s Takeout Boxes Natural Health or a signed and mounted print from Miss Libby from Cybercandy or a handmade leather belt from Jalal Leather Enter at www.kentishtowner.co.uk/win please see website for full terms & conditions @camdenlock officialcamdenlock camdenlock Lock your Love at Camden Lock! From the 1st to 17th February the British Heart Foundation’s huge heart will be at Camden Lock. Buy a padlock to support the charity, write your message of eternal love and lock it in place. All funds go directly to BHF. www.camdenlockmarket.com 3 the kentishtowner LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK We’d love to hear your feedback on our first print edition. Visit kentishtowner.co.uk/win and answer a couple of questions. Easy. And just to sweeten the deal, a whole host of tasty prizes could be yours too. See Camden Lock’s ad opposite for more info. Thanks! Editor Stephen Emms Co-Editor Tom Kihl Advertising Manager James Curry Designer Olly Skinner WELCOME to North London’s award-winning daily online magazine. In print. S O HOW did we get here? In late 2010 I started a little blog to cover Kentish Town, Camden and the surrounding areas. Why? Because I felt our neighbourhood had so much to offer which wasn’t being featured Logo Russell Loughlan Writers Conor Fisk Tim Sowula Contributors Esther Walker Rick Edwards Katy Lubin Tom Storr Des Whyman Douglas Cape, z360.com Richard Ehrlich Front Cover Jason Wilde Published by London Belongs To Me Ltd 2013 www.londonbelongstome.com Send us nice things: The Old House, 39-41 North Road N7 9DP For subscriptions and any other feedback please email us at info@kentishtowner.co.uk To advertise please call James on 07814 786 951 or email james@kentishtowner.co.uk above, l-r: Stephen Emms, Pepper & Tom Kihl. (© Sunday Times / Vicki Couchman) elsewhere. Very quickly it started attracting readers. Fast forward to January 2012 and my old friend Tom Kihl and I set about relaunching the site as North London’s only daily online magazine. As professional journalists, our intention is to post quality features, mostly with a local slant, and avoid hard news. So the focus remains firmly on cultural affairs – things like art, food, pubs, community, history, and music. Since we went daily, things have gone really well. In June 2012 we were awarded funding from innovations charity NESTA to develop the publication further. This was a big deal as we were one of only 10 online projects in the UK to receive a grant. Which brings us to our very first print edition. Here you’ll find a selection of the regular sections you can enjoy at Kentishtowner. co.uk, along with new features like our columnists, TV presenter Rick Edwards and broadsheet journalist Esther Walker. We also hope you enjoy the highlights of our recent Reader Awards, whose aim was to celebrate the very best the manor has to offer. So what attracts people to The Kentishtowner? We hope, most of all, it’s the lively community feel, whether you live in north London or anywhere else in the capital. We also maintain a regular social media presence and engage in conversations with all our followers. So join in with the loyal audience who regularly share our posts at kentishtowner.co.uk, @kentishtowner on Twitter or facebook.com/Kentishtowner. See you next month! How did we choose our cover art? L OCAL photographer Jason Wilde has amassed over 1000 images of North London passers-by with his Free Portrait Studio project. In fact, he may well have snapped you or a neighbour, as his mobile space – which mirrors the tradition of the travelling photographers of Victorian times – has pitched up at Castlehaven Community Centre and the James Wigg Practice on Bartholomew Road in recent months. The idea is simple: anyone passing is invited to take a few moments out to stop and pose. Collectively, the results document lives and histories through the endless variety of faces. “Many of the most interesting shots have come from the sessions in NW5,” Jason says, so much so that he’s running a story competition parallel to the project. He picks a Featured Portrait on the website www.freeportraitstudio.co.uk/ with a face to inspire submissions. Pretty much anything goes, be it fiction, personal experience, past, present or future fantasy. The winning tale will receive a full colour print of the picture. Oh, and look out for Jason again nearby soon, as the project is openended. Tom Kihl 4 WHY IT MATTERS the kentishtowner Every Monday on Kentishtowner.co.uk we post a column called Why It Matters. As you might expect, this is a digital soap box for anyone in the area to air their most heartfelt opinions. We’ve covered everything from swimming on Hampstead Heath’s ponds to turning NW5 into a chainstore free zone. Check it out for yourself: Kentishtowner.co.uk WHY A Cinema For Kentish Town O F ALL the entertainment venues in Kentish Town, no cinema, the stuff that dreams are made of? Which makes me ask one question: ‘Do you want one?’ Well, do you? I say if you build it, they will come. For more evidence, see Chicken Shop. From the eight cinemas that shone their silver screens in our patch, the Gem Picture Hall (Malden Road), which opened in April 1910, is thought to be the first. It was followed in no particular order by the Coronation Gardens (Prince of Wales Road), The Lismore (Lismore Road), Kentish Town Cinema (Gaisford Street) and Forum ABC (Highgate Road). The Electric Alhambra, The Palace and Venus were all once located along Kentish Town Road. The last cinema in the area, the Venus – seating 185 and opened in 1970 – may be considered an oddity, as it was situated on the ground floor of the church hall behind St Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Church. Nonetheless it was fully air conditioned with a licensed bar, but had closed by 1975 – and the area hasn’t seen a public screen since. Nostalgia entraps us all in memories of days passed, but it’s also a powerful antidote to the blues; and none more so than when recalling visits to the movies. It’s for this reason that the residents of Kentish Town must have a cinema in the area. The petition starts here. Let’s see what we can do. Des Whyman IT Our Nearby Button D ESPITE THE analogue joys of our first newsprint edition, the Kentishtowner is still a title at the forefront of local digital publishing. There was never a particular plan to be breaking new ground supporting local business with mobile phonebased technology. But that’s what has happened. With backing from innovations charity NESTA, we’ve developed a clever ‘Nearby’ button. Stand at a spot of your choice in NW5 with the website on your phone, press the button and all our reviews and features about the businesses around you appear on a map. This matters to everyone who prizes our independent shops and traders by keeping them visible on the new wave of devices so central to our lives. Imagine when this kind of thing is replicated in small communities up and down the country. Suddenly the internet looks the very opposite of the High Street’s grim reaper it has been painted as. Check it out for yourself: Kentishtowner.co.uk/nearby Tom Kihl MATTERS Boris Bikes for NW5 F OR ANYONE using a Barclays (or should we just say Boris?) Bike map, NW5 doesn’t exist. We’re hardly the suburbs, and it’s especially odd as the bikes pootle way out east; but at least we’re in good company, as neither are Islington, Dalston and Highbury. In the spirit of less moaning, more action, the Camden Green Party (full disclosure – I’m a member) have launched a petition to get Boris to run cycle-hire docks all the way through Kentish Town up to the bottom of Swains Lane, and the Lido. Why does this matter? For our wider community, extending the public transport network can only be a good thing. Current TfL regulations on how far bike stations can be from each other means that it’s likely three or four would need to be installed between Camden and Swains Lane. Therefore trade for our local businesses could grow if the area is made more accessible to the thousands who use the bikes on the weekends. And more cycles on the road equals less congestion, pollution, and quicker journeys for those who do need to drive. Given the number of folk who use the Heath, surely it makes even more sense. Cycle-hire is an asset to London, but we deserve a scheme that reaches the capital’s finest destinations. Whether you’re a driver, cyclist, trader, swimmer, heath-lover, or just care about our area, let’s show Boris how much we care, and demand he put NW5 on the map. Tim Sowula LIKE US ON FACEBOOK FOR EXCLUSIVE INFO AND SHOW TIMES - SCAN HERE: Fri 1 Feb 8pm 18+ £17.50 adv DJ KRUSH (EXCLUSIVE 3HR SET) + ANCHORSONG Fri 8 Feb 7pm £60 adv / £85 VIP TEEN TOP Sat 9 Feb 7pm £29/£39 adv MURAT DALKILIC Wed 13 Feb 7pm FRIGHTENED RABBIT + WINTERSLEEP + WASHINGTON IRVING Sat 16 Feb 7pm £25/£30 adv MARIJONAS MIKUTAVICIUS SU GRUPE Fri 1 Mar 7pm £15 adv NETSKY Tues 5 Mar 7pm £21.50 adv UFO + 4BITTEN Thurs 7 Mar 7pm £20 adv DEVILDRIVER & CANNIBAL CORPSE (CO HEADLINE SHOW) Fri 8 Mar 7pm £16 adv REEL BIG FISH Sat 9 Mar 5.45pm 18+ £25/£40 adv CAGE WARRIORS Thurs 14 Mar 7pm £20 adv THE AVETT BROTHERS + GRACE POTTER & THE NOCTURNALS Fri 15 Mar 7pm £35/£55 adv EBI & SHADMEHR AGHILI Sun 21 Apr 7pm £23.50 adv BIG COUNTRY THE JOURNEY TOUR Thurs 25 Apr 7pm £22.50 adv Sat 16 Mar 7pm £25 adv KILLING JOKE FRANK TURNER AND THE SLEEPING SOULS Sun 17 Mar 7pm £35/£45adv Fri 26 Apr 7pm £20 adv “ROYAYE MA WORLD TOUR” PEGGI ZINA & LOUCAS GIWRKAS Fri 22 Mar 7pm £18.50 adv STIFF LITTLE FINGERS + THE MEN THE COULDN’T HANG + EDWARD TUDOR POLE Weds 27 Mar 7pm £15 adv STORNOWAY Fri 29 Mar 7pm Sat 30 Mar 7pm AN EVENING WITH THE BLACK CROWES Sun 31 Mar 7pm £25/£35 adv BRUNO E MARRONE LIVE Sat 6 Apr 7pm £15 adv WALK OFF THE EARTH Thurs 11 Apr 7pm IMAGINE DRAGONS Tues 16 Apr 6pm £25 adv HELLISH ROCK PART II FT. HELLOWEEN AND GAMMA RAY Sat 20 Apr 7pm WILEY + SKEPTA + JME THE STARTING LINE Sun 28 Apr 7pm £20 adv THRASHFEST 2013: KREATOR Thurs 2 May 7pm £15 adv DEATH GRIPS Sat 4 May 8pm 18+ £7 / £9.50 / £15.50 / £17.50adv LTJ BUKEM RONI SIZE DJ KENTARO Sat 11 May 7pm £35/£25/£20 adv SHUGGIE OTIS Sun 12 May 7pm £17.50 adv LORDI TOUR BEAST OR NOT TOUR BEAST 2013 Thurs 16 May 7pm £14 adv SLEEPING WITH SIRENS Thurs 23 May 7pm £15 adv BENJAMIN FRANCIS LEFTWICH Sat 8 Jun 7pm £18.50 adv MUDHONEY + MEAT PUPPETS Sat 28 Sep 6pm £25 adv KULT 6 the kentishtowner Is Kentish Town really changing? You might think there have been more changes in the area recently than you can shake a chicken wing at – but are we nothing more than a historical footnote? Stephen Emms investigates. RECENTLY I’ve been thinking about change. On the surface we’ve seen some quite dramatic developments of late in the neighbourhood. There are the effects of High Speed1 (HS1) and the nearby King’s Cross redevelopments, the new wave of French inhabitants for the Lycee, and the continued influx of students thanks to a recent emphasis on new accommodation. Not to mention a slew of café, bar and restaurant openings, crowned by Soho House’s arrival on Highgate Road. NW5 is now, it would seem, a ‘hotspot’ (for more evidence see features in the FT, Metro and The Times). But what will the longterm effects be? Are things really shifting, or is this just a petty cycle? A historical footnote? And, of course, doesn’t everywhere change? The other day I stumbled across an Independent article on Kentish Town from nearly 20 years ago. Written by the author Rachel Cusk in 1994, it’s a typically jocular look at the area: “Before I came to live in Kentish Town,” she began, “I remember a friend of mine saying that she was thinking of looking for a flat there because it was the one place within spitting distance of Soho where she was unlikely to encounter anyone she knew. My move, needless to say, precluded hers, and I have spat leisurely at Soho many a time since, from the isolation of a top-floor shoe box off Lady Margaret Road with good enough views of all London’s landmarks to ensure that I never have to leave NW5 to visit them.” Cusk, who had spotted “one or two literary luminaries slinking around Iceland and Kwik Save”, otherwise declared Kentish Town Road “a maudlin middle child”, deriving much of its character from “neglect and unfair comparison”: “It’s one of the few high streets in central London where you are in little danger of spending any money,” she quipped. And such an absence of material preoccupation means “the fever of desire is miraculously cooled and one is left free to contemplate higher things.” Which, she concludes in her comical way, is why “so many intellectuals are coming to Kentish Town.” This raises two ideas: first, the way places are mythologised, with the middle-class obsessions with both the ‘grittiness’ of an area and its artistic roots; second, the insistence by home-owners, particularly in London neighbourhoods, on a place being “on the up.” Yet unlike, say Hackney, Kentish Town seems forever to have been on the ‘cusp’ rather than the ‘up’. It’s been neither here nor there. Neither Camden nor Hampstead. So is change here “a matter of degree,” as the great NW5 chronicler Gillian Tindall argues, “rather than a striking difference”? Perhaps. Certainly our threshold status has been long remarked upon: “There was a time,” continues Rachel Cusk, “when one could cross-country ski in dog excrement down to the Tube station and the strains of Mozart were not to be heard emanating from the now repointed facades of Georgian terraces.” Twenty years earlier, in the mid Seventies, Tindall discussed the problem of ‘gentrification’ in her seminal work, The Fields Beneath. Do all generations in fact believe they are at the start of an epoch? She argued that it began to be used as a “ready-made sneer on the lips of those who were, inevitably, middleclass and articulate themselves but did not want to see themselves that way.” This uncertainty created a division between those who expressed then contemporary fears that Kentish Town might deteriorate into an urban ‘jungle’ on the American model, “dangerous to cross after dark and full of racial tensions”; and those convinced that the area would become as affluent as Chelsea. Neither vision materialized, of course; Kentish Town merely remained ‘on the cusp.’ Rewind a century earlier, and similar fears were preoccupying the Victorians at the onset of the railways, a development which shaped the area both then and now. In the 1860s the cottages of the Inkerman Conservation Area had been built to house the ‘industrial proletariat’; concern swelled that Kentish Town’s middle classes would be ‘swamped’ by rowdy workers. Thus there were frantic attempts to build a New Kentish Town east of the High Street, its roads wide, villas grand, streets with names like Gaisford, Caversham, Patshull. This was, says Tindall, “the forward prosperous image of Kentish Town”, about which this reader wrote to the Gazette in 1867: “A stranger passing through Camden and Kentish Towns at the present time (1867) and observing the vista of large and magnificent shops, the busy appearance of the principal streets - well paved and lighted - and the miles of superior villas, Crescents, Squares and Avenues, could not fail to be attracted by the appearance of prosperity...The changes have been so swift, the progress so rapid and sudden...Still, a feeling of regret will arise...” And the regret the writer goes onto describe? Well, it’s for the area’s rural past, “the destruction of a field.” And there we have it: real change. A moment when Kentish Town was not on the cusp. Return now to 2012, where again, ambivalent fears and hopes occupy equal space in our minds. NW5’s ‘up and coming’ status is not without its detractors who, rightly or wrongly, believe their more ‘real’ experience of the area is now being corroded. And as for those embracing change, what exactly are we embracing? Are we no different from our ancestors, always eager for improvements? Do all generations in fact believe they are at the start of an epoch? Plenty remains constant, the legacy of the railways ensuring a healthy social and multicultural mix for one. But perhaps we should leave the last word to Gillian Tindall: “A more profound change took place between 1945,” she told me recently, “when the whole of Kentish Town was threatened with demolition under the Abercrombie plan, and the 1970s. Like several other comparable inner London districts it has actually been renaissing for the last fifty-odd years, ever since the steam trains departed, the whole place got cleaner, and young middle class couples realised they could buy nice houses here cheaply. Now the nice houses aren’t remotely cheap, but the basic situation hasn’t changed.” And does Tindall believe things are changing now? “I don’t think there is any special current renaissance of Kentish Town,” she concludes, with a historian’s note of finality. Might we, on this occasion, beg to differ? 7 the kentishtowner “BEING AWAY FROM CAMDEN PROPER IS A GOOD THING” Conor Fisk thinks Kentish Town’s music scene is nicely low-key – and all the better for it. NW5 is doing everything right when it comes to venues for live music. I’d wager there are few other areas in the city with as many establishments of such calibre. Being away from Camden proper is a Good Thing for our music scene, which is inevitably more laidback – and quirkier (for proof, look no further than the notorious hair salon-cum-gallerycum-venue, Flaxon Ptootch). So where should you head to discover the best sounds? Well, Aces And Eights opposite Tufnell Park tube is a real find, its live Club Stuntfox sessions on Thursdays and Sunday afternoons almost legendary; whilst the Torriano’s basement room is also a good bet for acoustic artists on a Sunday night. In central K-Town, try The Oxford for a touch of beard-stroking contemporary jazz upstairs on a Monday, whilst, for something less cerebral, head to either Club Fandango at the Bull & Gate, or across the manor to the Fiddler’s Elbow, the underrated Victorian venue that boasts eclectic line-ups (shame there’s a cover charge most nights, KENTISHTUNER above: Local girl Gabby Young on stage last year. ich bin kentishtowner style KATY LUBIN / 26 / PR FOR MR PORTER especially for us students). And whilst in 2013 we might not witness again a throwback to the heady days of The Flowerpot, rumours currently abound that the lower Kentish Town Road site, most recently known as Heroes, is being revived at some point this year, hopefully sans the trouble (naked dancing on a pillar box, anyone?) My personal favourite? The Abbey, which is continuing its ace music policy with – so I hear – new excursions into bluegrass, country, rockabilly and folk. Plus there’s a brand new weekly Blues Jam Session every Sunday evening, centred around their recentlyacquired honkytonk piano. Mine’s a Four Roses. And lest we forget, we are blessed enough to have one of London’s best mid-sized venues perched atop our little kingdom: The Forum. Its increasingly varied programme – take Bobby Womack’s residency, for example, or the surprise appearance by Rihanna last year - is putting it right back on the map for my generation. And as for the Black Crowes next month? I’m so there. When were you happiest? On my birthday, which is Christmas Eve. Every year my closest friends and family come over to Kentish Town for a cake and cava tea party. Where would you like to live? I’m very happy where I am on Patshull Road, but I love the colourful houses on Kelly Street. It’s like My Fair Lady crossed with Brighton. What is your favourite sound or smell? The smell of roast chicken cooking at my mum’s house off Prince of Wales Road. What is the most important lesson life has taught you? Listen to your mum, even if she’s delightfully mental. Where do you hang out? The Grafton, The Abbey, my flat, Kentish Canteen, Guanabana, Joe’s, anywhere and everywhere that I can walk home from after a couple of brandy’s. SCARF Vintage (actually from Episode in Camden) NAVY PEACOAT Stella McCartney CHAMBRAY SHIRT Acne CAMOUFLAGE BROCADE SKIRT Zara GREEN LEATHER TOTE BAG Want Les Essentiels de la Vie at MR PORTER BOOTS Topshop What has your career taught you? A face-to-face chat over eggs benedict is worth 45 emails. 8 the kentishtowner ESTHER WALKER All Esther Walker wants is to hang out with other normal mothers. Too much to ask? THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING ESTHER IN ABOUT mid-February I get an attack of “Spring Hope”, which is when I start believing that Spring is “just around the corner”. I keep saying to everyone “Spring is nearly here! I can smell it!” only to look a fool when the temperature keeps plummeting to minus 3 and it snows for the whole of March. My Spring Hope has arrived for me early this year as back in October I delivered the manuscript of my book, based on my food blog Recipe Rifle, and I have pretty much been twiddling my thumbs ever since, sitting out the endless rain. Winter takes on a new dimension of horror when you have children: I have one, Kitty who is nearly two and another due in May. Pre-children, bad weather was an excuse to stay in bed, reading a spicy novel and eating Turkish delight. With any under-5s it means norovirus, too much telly and the stench of exhaustion and boredom everywhere. The easiest way to entertain children is outside, where they can’t break anything and they can bring themselves to their knees by running round and round and screaming for no reason. But even an energetic toddler will turn his nose up at a grim, windswept, deserted playground. Last winter, when Kitty was not yet one and I was still a tragic novice mother with no clue and no friends, (NCT failed to provide any kindred spirits), I would dutifully wheel Kitty to the swings at least once a day and wonder where everyone was. We’d have a little swing, decide it was too cold and go home again, like two sad little vagrants. This year, I am no-one’s fool. I know now, for example, about the Talacre, the indoor play centre tucked behind that baffling new development off Dalby Street. Sure, the Talacre ticketing policy is Kafka-esque in its permissions and restrictions, but I don’t know a toddler who doesn’t go mental for Baby Gym and Treetops. It’s the kiddy equivalent of The Bull and Last. The other thing I have been doing is ruthlessly seeking out other normal women who have children about the same age as Kitty: what I realised last winter was that no-one was at the playground, not because they were sailing around the heath pretending that trudging along in the wind and rain and bitter cold was simply bracing entertainment, and not even because they were at Talacre or the One O’Clock Club or the library – no-one was at the playground because they were all round each other’s houses, having cosy playdates with tea and cake. This may not be strictly true, but it’s how it felt – like in the summer wondering where all your friends are and finding out that they’ve all gone on the same villa holiday without you. You know? Or did that just happen to me? Anyway, so far I have found one friend and she’s been a lifesaver on those long, cold, dark afternoons. I confidently told her the other day that I thought that Spring was nearly here – and she didn’t even laugh. It’s the kiddie equivalent of The Bull and Last. the kentishtowner READER AWARDS SPONSORED BY 9 READER AWARDS Best Boozer 1. The Pineapple 2. Southampton Arms 3. Tapping The Admiral N OW, WITH so many exciting new ventures starting up in the manor over the last year, our first category, Best New Opening, was always going to be one of the hardest fought categories. No surprise to see Chicken Shop (79 Highgate Road), at #3, causing a right flap. This place would be a hot table were it located anywhere central or east, but Soho House Group launching a whole new concept right on our doorstep? Instant success assured, for the huge vote of confidence in Kentish Town alone. Bringing foodie tourists in from far and wide, Chicken Shop has proved good news for everyone, its speakeasy vibe adding to the wow factor. Locals have also been making a beeline to the much anticipated pizza Whilst the global outlook might be largely doom and gloom, we’ve seen flourishing successes in the area to counter all that bad news. Strong community spirit, enthusiastically-received new openings plus a genuine buzz about the place have all made it a pretty damn exciting 12 months. Which is why, back in December, we asked readers to tell us which local businesses they thought deserved a little recognition... words: Stephen Emms & Tom Kihl outpost (at #2) above. It remains resolutely packed throughout the day, despite swift and attentive service once seated. Plus the bar is open late (and serves a bona fide ace cocktail). In first place? The Grafton (20 Prince Of Wales Road), who seem to have got their tarted-up old boozer just right, the crowds to be found her every night simple testament to the fact. Service is friendly, the booze interesting and the food a winner. Yet this is no gastro refit. A proper local has been carefully created, a previously drab and unloved pub blossoming into a vibrant community hub, from vintage markets at the weekends to street food on Fridays and piano sing-songs. As one voter succinctly put it, “I can’t believe the transformation.” Best New Opening 1. The Grafton 2. Pizza East 3. Chicken Shop W HILST WE were excited by all the new openings in 2012, we were pleased that a true institution swept the board in the end for this category. And people’s responses were passionate; you’re obviously a hard-drinking bunch. At #3 Tapping The Admiral (77 Castle Road) performed well enough to make it to the third spot. “Family friendly on an afternoon. Fab staff, food, drinks above: The Pineapple at night, photographed by Tom Storr. below: Popular new boozer The Grafton below left: Southampton Arms & location,” said one female thirtysomething. “Delicious pies,” added a twentysomething. And it seems to be the very definition of what a proper boozer is about in 20122, with its neighbourhood feel, high quality, well-priced food and drink, and lively eclectic crowd. At #2, The Southampton Arms (139 Highgate Road) is still as rammed as ever. And, queues aside, its rotating mix of guest and host ales ‘n’ ciders, turntable, cash-only bar, and appealing pork baps, is impossible to fault: on a recent visit we hovered, tankards in hand, by the roaring fire, enjoying the people-watching. Many respondents said this was ‘no contest’. “As a keen ale drinker,” gushed one twentysomething male, “this is heaven”. But claiming the top spot is The Pineapple (51 Leverton Street) with its vintage markets, quizzes, cheese and Spanish nights – not to mention beautiful panelled interior and etched Victorian glass back bar. ‘History, location, charm, character, variety and consistently great Thai.’ ‘All round perfection – KT’s (and London’s) best,’ said one thirtysomething male. Bet y’all agree with that. 10 READER AWARDS SPONSORED BY the kentishtowner Best Customer Service 1. The Grafton 2. The Vine 3. Mehmet’s / Hazrai “N Best for Families 1. Hampstead Heath 2. Talacre Sports Centre 3. Kentish Town City Farm OT MUCH of that in Kentish Town,” snorted one fiftysomething male in this category. Grumpy! Luckily, hundreds of you begged to differ. In joint 3rd spot, Mehmet’s Leverton Street store opposite The Pineapple, is run by “a real K-Town hero!” said one reader. Meanwhile, just down the road the friendly Raj at Mumbai streetfood diner Hazraj (1a Fortess Road). picked up more than a few votes. “Always smiling,” said one reader. “Really helpful explaining the menu,” said another. “And he always remembers what I like.” Good to see The Vine (86 Highgate Road) at second place in what must T HERE ARE some who bolt for the ‘burbs when starting a family, and there are others who need little convincing as to the advantages of a central NW childhood. Attractive days out and good facilities surround us: most are within walking distance, and many are free of charge. Currently celebrating 40 years of feeding, mucking out and learning right in the heart of one of the country’s most deprived urban areas, Kentish Town City Farm (Grafton Road) is a bona fide institution. Nestled in amongst the busy railway lines, it is nonetheless an oasis of calm. Open the gate to be greeted by wandering chickens or hungry pigs, and admire the pastoral grazing scenes under Victorian railway arches. Talacre at number 2, continues to be as vital and popular a resource as ever. From its vastly oversubscribed world class gymnastics classes, to the crazy soft-play monkey business witnessed hourly at Treetops. The new wood-sprung dance studio has proved a great addition, featuring special interactive sensory features to ensure disabled kids get to fully enjoy sports there too. But the grande dame of family days out, Hampstead Heath, is timeless, healthy, totally free and your number 1 choice. Alongside the ball games, flying kites or family picnicking, you’ll find cherished fixtures like the Olympic sized Lido. Venture a little deeper to unearth discoveries such as the woods and meadows surrounding Kenwood, which can be deserted even at the height of summer. Best Happening or Gig 1. Alma St Fair 2. Rihanna at The Forum 3. Street Feast at Camden Town Brewery W ITH THE Cultural Olympiad bringing such joys as Jeremy Deller’s bouncy Stonehenge to Hampstead Heath, there were plenty of 2012 happenings to choose from. The Friday night Street Feast events at Camden have been a challenging year for them with three crazy openings right opposite. Yet whilst both Pizza East and Chicken Shop were both praised for their generally very efficient service, The Vine won out with its “impeccable” standards. And if anything, we think this gastropub seems busier than ever these days, especially as staff at Chicken Shop always recommend punters to wait ‘over the road’. And at number 1, The Grafton (20 Prince of Wales Road), wins its second gong – and an enviable one to boot. ‘Very friendly, and they always remember our names,’ said one female thirtysomething, a sentiment echoed by many others. In fact, readers really have taken to youngish owners Joel and Susie and their team in a big way, and despite the pub being busier than they anticipated, standards remain high. Perhaps their real-life story chimes with people too: upping sticks from Guildford to Kentish Town to take a gamble on an old boozer was a brave move that has worked out for the best. Perhaps their reallife story chimes with people too? Town Brewery Bar (Wilkin St Mews) provided drool-worthy sights and smells from myriad food vendors, baps and wraps proving a wildly popular accompaniment to an evening on those pints. You can’t all have been at Rihanna’s ‘secret’ gig at The Forum, but whether it was the generous allocation of freebie tickets dished out to local shop keepers or the simple fact that we had a red hot gig going on in our midst, the show grabs second place for the hype factor alone. The Forum came top for most local’s best gigs of 2012 too. Among other events namechecked were Alabama Shakes, Kiss, Jack White, Graham Coxon, Libertines, Bat For Lashes, The Shins, Calexico, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Bobby Womack and Rodrigo & Gabriella. Despite all this, holding the #1 slot by throwing arguably their best event to date, the Inkerman area’s Alma Street Fair was the all-conquering, sun-kissed hit. “A glorious day”, “delightful”, “simply joyous” you gushed. And it really was all those things. With the fire brigade hosing down the kids, local foodie businesses hawking their lovely produce and Mr. Hudson’s Big Kids bringing the well lubricated dancing to a crescendo, it was a difficult Kentishtowner day out to fault. the kentishtowner READER AWARDS SPONSORED BY Best Venue or Gallery 1. The Forum 2. Roundhouse 3. Zabludowicz Collection C OMPILING THESE results confirms just how many proudly independent businesses there are in NW5. At number 3, Harry’s (258 Kentish Town Road) is exactly the sort of shop that should be gaining support. An extensive, well-sourced range of meat and fish plus interesting forays into takeaway options have all underlined Harry’s as a staple visit for locals. With specialist food shops under more pressure than ever before, we’re fortunate our high street has such a store at all. At number 2, Phoenicia (186 Kentish Town Road) is at the heart of many a grocery outing in KT Road. Doing everything that a chain store can’t do, such as T HE CENTREPIECE of the healthy West Kentish Town gallery scene, the stunning ex-Methodist chapel now known as the Zabludowicz Collection returned naturally to the Kentishtowner Awards after a very strong year. Locals are fans of their choice of young artists and the endlessly creative way the space is transformed for each of the key shows. ‘Consistently great acts, beautiful venue’ said one 30-something male voter, which in any other year would neatly sum up the Roundhouse (Chalk Farm Road), at number 2. But it has recently also been home to the wildly oversubscribed Camden Beach, plus provided the backdrop for that unforgettable morning the Olympic torch passed through the borough. Keeping Camden’s international musical profile where it should be with Best Independent Shop 1. Owl Bookshop 2. Phoenicia 3. Harry’s Fine Foods stocking interesting European and Middle Eastern imports, carrying a huge range of staples like olive oil and types of pasta, while running their own butcher’s counter, sit-down meze café and party catering services, staff are deeply knowledgeable, which makes a welcome change from the glazed looks often to be found elsewhere. Everyone in the area has a soft spot for the institution that is Owl (207 Kentish Town Road). Nearing its 40th birthday, our high street book store, with its excellent local history and children’s sections, is the epitome of a cherished indy: and for providing us with the increasingly rare joy of a non-branded, wholly offline book shopping experience, Owl wins your votes by the bucketload. 11 numerous televised awards shows and the massive iTunes festival, through to cutting edge circus and groundbreaking theatre from the likes of Kate Tempest. And not forgetting the achievements of the charity working in the vaults either. Meanwhile just up the road, we are humbled to have an established London home for world class bands in The Forum (9-17 Highgate Road), at number 1. One of London’s all-too-few decent mid-sized music venues is currently firing on all cylinders, hosting some amazing line-ups over the last 12 months (see above). Judging from the daily Twitter chatter, The Forum brings many people to K-Town for the first time too, and as such has the honour of being a key feature of both the cultural and economic landscape in the high street. opposite left: Hampstead Heath by Stephen Emms top: The Forum above: Alma Street Fair, by Douglas Cape z360.com left: Harry of Harry’s Fine Foods, by Richard Ehrlich 12 READER AWARDS SPONSORED BY the kentishtowner Best Breakfast Best Coffee 1. Bean About Town 2. Arancini Brothers 3. The Fields Beneath I T WAS a category that almost couldn’t have existed in Kentish Town three years ago. But now, in 2013, they’re fighting it out with votes for Doppio Cafe, an excellent Italian warehouse and caff, teeny lounge Houspresso, opposite Gospel Oak station, and The Wine Cellar all cosy haunts for a more than decent cup if you’re in need of a caffeine fix in their respective parts of town At #3 is new artisan café The Fields Beneath (52 Prince Of Wales Road). Very quickly Gavin, Sibylle and their baristas have proven their brilliant attention to detail with an ever-changing supply of Square Mile beanage. As one reader enthused: “Good coffee, well made, with great milk.” At #2 this year is the ever popular Arancini Brothers (115 Kentish Town Road). “Up there with the best coffee in London, not just K Town,” said one 1. Kentish Canteen 2. Arancini Brothers/ Renoir 3. Map Café/ Mario O F COURSE, by what we termed breakfast most people are thinking of a leisurely weekend brunch – and it showed in the votes. But for a simple weekday hunger buster, cheap and cheerful places like the Wine Cellar, Pedro’s, the Town Cafe, Tolli, Mamma Mia and the well-sourced and priced Dirty Breakfast had a few fans (we can vouch too for the latter’s refillable 99p coffee). But in joint third place came two very deserved local institutions: the bohemian Map Cafe (46 Grafton Road), whose cooked full English breakfast is one of its best eating options (shame the service can be so frustrating); nearby Mario’s (6 Kelly Street), so easy to forget about in the spate of recent openings like Doppio, was praised by one reader as “without a doubt the best cafe in London. Everything from the service to the customers reader. If anything, the ‘Brothers’ have settled into their stride this year: the bijou diner is now open at weekends (when it’s packed). “I really wish we could switch its location with Costa,” sighed one reader, “because I’d get coffee there more frequently. Great coffee, great staff.” Our clear winner this year is well-established coffee cart Bean About Town, right by the tube. “For sheer consistency and quality (let alone convenience), it’s Bean About Town”, said one reader. “Made with love and care every time,” And with its hand-crafted, ethically-sourced, 100% Arabica Beans, coffee here is impossible to fault. Bonus points too for the boys’ stamina, whether it’s boiling hot or blizzards out there. In short, is there a more breezily romantic spot, under the canopy, whatever the weather, with that view over the railway lines to Parliament Hill? KENTISH until 12th feb! NW5 that frequent it makes it truly special”. Arancini is a natural Top 3 finalist. Things you like there? “The little English muffins with all sorts of toppings,” said one reader. “Too tasty,” agreed another. Renoir (244 Kentish Town Road) was a less predictable joint second placing yet is often very busy in the mornings, especially with students and their visiting parents. Yet there was one absolutely clear winner: Kentish Canteen (300 Kentish Town Road). “It’s taken a while but these guys are starting to get it together,” said one reader, perhaps a little cautiously. “Stupendous roast tomatoes on toast,” enthused another; “they do this very unusual French Toast with bananas.” revealed another. “Some of the better coffee in the area, and a consistently tasty breakie”. Some of you were torn: “it’s a toss-up between the Canteen and Arancini.” CANTEEN 50% off your food bill FROM OUR A LA CARTE MENU // OFFER AVAILABLE SUN, MON & TUES EVENINGS // RESERVATIONS ONLY NOT TO BE USED WITH ANY OTHER OFFER OR ANY SET MENU OFFERS 300 Kentish Town Road, London, NW5 2TG // T:0207 485 7331 // www.kentishcanteen.co.uk READER AWARDS SPONSORED BY the kentishtowner far left: Coffee at The Fields Beneath. left: Breakfast at Kentish Canteen below top: Lunch at Arancini brothers 13 below centre: Chicken Shop below right: Lunch at Colonel Fawcett Best Lunch 1. Arancini Brothers 2. Colonel Fawcett 3. Kentish Canteen A Best Dinner 1. Chicken Shop 2. Pizza East 3. Bull & Last O UR LAST category in the Reader Awards, and it’s not overstating the matter to say that there has never been a time so fecund to dine close to home, from new ventures like Farmer Tom’s Kitchen at the Abbey Tavern through established restaurants like The Junction Tavern, The Vine and Pane Vino. Bull & Last (168 Highgate Road) is one of London’s great gastropubs and now forms the northern tip of a very food-and- ale rich stretch of good quality boozers and restaurants. Readers praised its experimental approach to cooking, short menu and delights like a velvety bowl of ravioli with squash, radicchio, sage and butter or Dedham Vale steak. “Thumbs up to Bull and Last,” said one respondent. “Always special food,” sighed another. A justified Top 3 entry and still one of the area’s most feted dining options. Meanwhile, Pizza East (79 Highgate Road) is a predictable second choice. “Very tasty and well-priced food,” agreed a fiftysomething male. “Great decor. Pleased that it’s been a resounding success, but looking forward to when business quietens down so that getting a table becomes easier.” A surprise #1, perhaps, as it’s not the absolute best food on offer in NW5, but in terms of fingerlickin’ deliciousness, value for money, atmosphere, a real buzz and great service Chicken Shop (79 Highgate Road) is a worthy winner. “Unbeatable on value, atmosphere and chicken. Great on twitter too,” said one twentysomething male. “Hands down winner,” said another. We think the fact that it’s £4 a quarter makes this an addition to NW5 that’ll be long cherished. DECENT lunch is a big deal to Kentishtowners. There was a huge spread of honourable namechecks in this, one of the most popular categories. Stretching geographically wide, from the Village Café in York Rise over to the “the Italian on the Heath”, and with a strong cluster of high street fry-up faves like Mem’s, Pedro’s, Kent, Town and Mario’s gaining votes too. Having scooped the Best Breakfast award opposite, Kentish Canteen (300 Kentish Town Road) in 3rd place, have done rather well again at lunchtime. As forerunners of the foodie revolution in Kentish Town, it’s sterling news that they continue to rate among the most popular choices in the area. Recent menu changes have proved a big hit, with innovative dishes alongside well-turned-out classics like onglet and chips (an an affordable £11 lunch menu). Nice to see that the outstanding kitchen at the Colonel Fawcett (1 Randolph Street) is a resounding hit at #2: a serious lunch to rival the best the West End or City can offer, but at local boozer prices and, unlike its evening service, not overly dominated by raucous drinkers: “such great dishes, always something surprising every time I visit,” said one voter, and the top hats for table numbers add to the pleasantly quirky style, too, as does a large gin selection. At #1 is much-loved caff Arancini Factory (115 Kentish Town Road). “I just can’t get enough of those balls,” enthused one 30-something male. “I simply love their veggie wraps,” said another. The opening of the cute walled garden area out back over the summer simply sealed the deal. Inside is now a permanently busy local hangout, and with new branches open in Broadgate and at the Southbank, the Brothers continue to look unstoppable. 14 the kentishtowner interesting perhaps, or funny, or the most scintillating conversationalists, but still. Not horrible (not even the ‘Tools’ from ‘Tool Academy’ bar a couple of them). Rick Edwards believes in the Human Race: “Of all the people I’ve come across, I don’t think I’ve met anyone that I haven’t liked” This brings me to Kentish Town, a place that fills me with hope and warmth. My 11-year love affair with the area has meant that, in my personal life, I have mainly interacted with Kentishtowners. My girlfriend is from Gospel Oak; my three best friends live within a five minute radius of my flat; and I have a jacket with ‘NW5’ embroidered on the back. I adore our locale and its people and I rarely venture elsewhere. I mean, why would I? It was pure luck that I ended up here having, whilst house-hunting post-university, wandered up Kentish Town Road from Camden and thought “this place seems quite fun”. What’s kept me here is the mix of people and the sense of community (and yes, to be fair, the pubs). Of all the people I’ve come across, I don’t think I’ve met anyone that I haven’t liked. I’m on nodding terms with so many, that my rest state is nodding. I FEEL like it’s quite fashionable to be curmudgeonly, snarky even. I’ve certainly dabbled with it in the past. But I’ve come to a heartening realisation: people are fundamentally nice. I genuinely believe that. Apart from anything else, I am rarely confronted with any compelling evidence to the contrary. My job - which certainly used to largely consist of firing inane questions at celebrities of varying calibre – has meant that I have met, albeit briefly, a lot of different people from many different walks of life. The most common work-related question I get asked (usually by my old school friends) is “who is the most difficult/rude/dickish person you’ve interviewed?” and I always struggle to answer. Because on the whole, as I say, everyone’s pretty decent. Not that Now, I’m not saying that the sort of people I love in the area are unique to NW5 (or am I?) I do wonder where else I would have the sort of pleasingly low-grade ‘banter’ that I enjoy in, say, FAM on Fortess Rd. The produce is great and cheap, but it’s the chat I go in for. An example: I went in to buy ingredients for a salad (it’s January), and as I was paying the guy (whose name I still don’t know) asked if I wanted the 60 packets of Extra chewing gum on the counter. I said that I probably wouldn’t get through it. He suggested I make a lovely soup with it. We then laughed for a good minute about Soup De la Gum - his excellent words. This is not an isolated anecdote. I’ve got loads. Don’t get me started on Sin the giant Serbian bouncer at The Abbey. That guy’s electric. So I rest my case. People are fundamentally nice. And the nicest reside in Kentish Town. CONTEMPORARY ART EXHIBITIONS & EVENTS FREE ENTRY ZABLUDOWICZ COLLECTION LONDON SARVISALO NEW YORK 176 Prince of Wales Road London NW5 3PT Open Thursday–Sunday 12–6pm during exhibitions 020 7428 8940 zabludowiczcollection.com NEON NEON * LITTLE SIMZ FIMBER BRAVO * MOULETTES FAYE * PINS * GAZELLE TWIN ROXXXAN * SWEET BABOO JACOB BANKS * RASITES * RIA RITCHIE ELECTRIC JALABA * DROP OUT VENUS RUBY AND THE VINES * JETTA PICTISH TRAIL * RTKAL * BERNHOLZ ELIZA & THE BEAR * JAMES SPANKIE JIN JIN & THE RAGDOLLS * JOEL BAKER ACQUAINTANCE * ALEMBIC * AMY HOLFORD * BLAZER SPLITZ BOYS * CALLUM RAFFERTY DEATH AT SEA * DEMO * DJ KOICHI SAKAI * DJ JOSS RYAN * FEMALE BAND FENCE COLLECTIVE – SEAMUS FOGARTY, ROZI PLAIN, EAGLEOWL, DELIFINGER GREAT PAGANS * IAM1 * JOHN J PRESLEY * NONONO * ROBERT VINCENT SPORTSMAN * THE TUTS * THE LAKE POETS * VANESSA GIMENEZ LABEL COLLABORATIONS WITH: MOSHI MOSHI * BEST FIT RECORDINGS * LEX RECORDS FENCE RECORDS * ANTI GHOST MOON RAY + Creative projects, panels, workshops, masterclasses, debates + Join us live online at roundhouse.org.uk/live or clashmusic.com BOOK TICKETS: WWW.ROUNDHOUSE.ORG.UK/RISING 0844 482 8008 JOIN THE CONVERSATION #rising2013 Roundhouse, Chalk Farm Road, London, NW1 8EH Chalk Farm / Camden Town EVENING, DAYTIME, SATURDAY, WEEKEND AND ONLINE EASTER SCHOOL AND SUMMER SCHOOL OVER 1000 CREATIVE COURSES FOR BEGINNERS THROUGH TO PROFESSIONALS: 20 13 CENTRAL SAINT MARTINS COLLEGE OF ARTS & DESIGN SHORT COURSES !.)-!4)/. s !2#()4%#452% s "53).%33 3+),,3 s #%2!-)#3 s #2%!4)6% 02/#%33 s $!.#% s $)')4!, $%3)'. s $2!7).' s &!3()/. s &),- !.$ 6)$%/ s &).% !24 s '2!0()# $%3)'. s ),,5342!4)/. s ).4%2)/2 $%3)'. s *%7%,,%29 s */52.!,)3- s 0!).4).' s 0%2&/2-!.#% s 0(/4/'2!0(9 s 0/24&/,)/ 02%0!2!4)/. s 02).4-!+).' s 02/$5#4 $%3)'. s 3#5,0452% s 4%84),%3 s 4(%!42% $%3)'. s 72)4).' PLUS THESE SPECIALLY DESIGNED PROGRAMMES: 5+ 2%3)$%.4)!, #/523%3 &/2 9%!2 /,$3 %!34%2 !.$ 35--%2 s 02%#/,,%'% #/523%3 &/2 9%!2 /,$3 7%%+%.$ %!34%2 !.$ 35--%2 s $5!, #)49 35--%2 ,/.$/. -),!. "!2#%,/.! 0!2)3 .%7 9/2+ /2 )34!."5, s SHORT COURSE WEB LISTINGS AND SECURE ONLINE BOOKINGS: WWW.CSM.ARTS.AC.UK/SHORTCOURSE TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES: +44 (0)20 7514 7015 CSM-Artscom_FP_KentishTown_Feb2013.indd 1 15/01/2013 17:53
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