1. This Wimpy Bar in the 1960s
2. And this is what it looks like inside
3. Kids: so innocent back then
4. Is that really Queen’s Crescent?
5. And this?
6. Now, an easy one
7. But hang on, where on earth was this?
8. And now: boozers. Recognise this one?
9. Or this?
10. Stepping back a bit further…
11. Well, at least you’ll know this watering hole
12. And this, on Kentish Town Road
13. And finally, need a visual hug?
Now meet David Leer, the bloke who started the Facebook group where these pictures were posted, Who Grew Up In Kentish Town in the 1960s & 70s?
What was so great about the area at that time?
I was born in 1954 and Kentish Town was absolutely fantastic back then: growing up in Islip Street, the Saturday morning pictures at the ABC cost sixpence to get in, then we’d get a bag of chips for fourpence to eat on the way home. Later me and my mates would have a drink in the Tally Ho pub, and when that closed for the night we’d all go over the road to a place called the Street Sisco next door to the Bull & Gate.
Where else would you hang out?
The Wimpy bar (see above) was a place we used to meet in quite a lot. I met my wife there, who used to live in Highgate Road, and I married when we were 18. Since we’re now celebrating 43 years and are still going strong, Kentish Town will always have a special place in my heart no matter where I live now.
Why start the Facebook group?
To try and bring together people of that era, including friends and family. I cannot believe the response we’re getting: not a day has gone by without someone wanting to join our group, with so many pictures and stories that have been outstanding.
Yay. Where do you live now?
Like most of my friends and family we moved out of London and now live in Essex. I still come back to Kentish Town every two weeks to visit my mum. I look forward to the trip – and still call the area home.
Join the Facebook group here