OK, so the picture makes it look deserted (Mrs Kentishtowner preferring to do her shopping at the crack of dawn) but a vibrant Italian market, which attracted a nice metropolitan mix of locals, descended on Queen’s Crescent on Saturday. Fondling the huge selection of breads, olive oils, cheeses and pastries, several Irish ladies, who had clearly also been patronising the mulled wine stall, excitedly declared it ‘the busiest market in years.’
It’s encouraging to see the council – or LoveCamden, as they like to be known – pushing Queen’s Crescent this December with flyer marketing and festive events. Most people feel it still has the potential to do a ‘Broadway’: it just needs some organization – and curation. This is one of the oldest London street markets so why not build on its heritage further? Why not encourage a greater diversity of stall-holders? Pop-up shops and/or galleries to fill unused retail units? Collaborations with the area’s young and artistic community, spearheaded by Rankin’s Annroy, the 176 Gallery and Spring Studios? The Kentishtowner is first in line to offer our support.
In the meantime, get out and support the community arts and crafts market, up next on December 18, followed by a Christmas market on Dec 24.
