A good local butcher is a rarity these days, so imagine our delight when we heard that highly respectable carnivores Meat N16, who have been carving a name for themselves on Stoke Newington Church Street for the past two years, are poised to open up their second store slap bang in the middle of NW5. Well, at the Tufnell Park end, to be fair.
“Fortess Road and the surrounding area is vibrant and interesting,” says head Meat bloke Paul Grout. “There’s a good residential community, with very interesting cafes, great pubs, nice boutiques. But we also wanted to bring something new.”
So what goodies can Kentishtowners expect in the new branch that Stokey folk won’t be able to get their mitts on? “NW5 will have a dedicated charcuterie section, which N16 doesn’t,” says Paul, “and also a much larger, more eclectic cheese section.” Sound tasty? Well, expect mouth-watering treats like “fabulous pork from Sussex” and “delicious veal from the Cotswolds.”
And there’s more. Paul was keen to stress that Meat NW5 won’t just be a shop, but rather an important part of ethos of the area. Their Twitter feed is a constant source of local food-envy, with daily photos of gooey scotch eggs, huge legs of lamb and the wedge of cheese.
“We’re all about contributing to the community. We’re steadfast in that ambition. In N16, we offer support to local schools, for summer or Christmas fairs, and sponsor a local ‘mini’ football league for kids. We hope to do something similar at NW5.”
If that’s not too much excitement for one day, in other independent shop news, a highly popular established business are set to open a – drum roll – French bakery on Kentish Town Road very soon. And if you haven’t yet supported the new twice-weekly fishmonger’s on Queen’s Crescent (Thursdays and Saturdays) head there forthwith for some bargainous piscine catches (we particularly like the four sea bream for a tenner, or whole salmon for just £15).
Additional words by Stephen Emms
11 thoughts on “Meat people”
Where abouts on KT road will the bakery be??
Also, does anyone know what phonographic services is going to be?
The latter is going to be a gallery and creative space run by a local, according to the planning permission.
Phonographic is apparently a recording studios (for hire) owned by the band Kitty, Daisy & Lewis.
Thanks!
Actually owned by their Dad.
Excellent development! Whilst my loyalty remains with Harry’s, it is positively thrilling to see our neighbourhood welcoming small business owners! Hurrah for NW5!
Speaking of Fishmongers – have you guys checked out the new Fishmonger on Junction Rd as you get up to Archway? I know it’s getting out of K Town, but the selection is good, stuff has looked fresh, and the guys are nice. Sign says from Billingsgate daily…
Fantastic news. There’s a great new fishmonger just opened in Junction Road, Archway too.
Is the new bakery being established by an existing KT independent or by a business new to the area?
Phoenicia
Yep – what / who / where for new bakery? My guess is Itta space – shame to see them go….