Pinboard: The Return of Camden Lock Night Market. Plus: another cocktail bar for Kentish Town?

1. The Return Of The Lock. We loved Camden Lock’s first ever night markets back in the summer: on a warm city evening, the smell of brochettes grilling, the smoke twisting into the air, was surprisingly intoxicating. And it was nice to see the space reclaimed by Londoners rather than the usual mob of tourists. So we’re thrilled that the Lock is now launching a new series of seasonal evenings, with vintage stalls, global kitchen, a jewellery quarter, farmer’s market, swing dancing and more. Oh, and there’s even an urban forest of trees emblazoning the canalside yards. If you come tonight you’ll spot us hoovering up the aromatic spiced cider and mulled wine, not to mention libations from ace ice cream lab Chin Chin’s Winter Brew Bar. 5-10pm.

2. A New Cocktail Bar In K-Town? Some readers may remember our rendezvous on a stormy night in The Oxford, earlier this year, with Kentish Town-based vodka producer Willy Borrell. His exquisitely crafted Vestal brand of potato fuel is now stocked all over town (and a particular favourite down at Shebeen). And before he launches a top secret new speakeasy in NW5 (rumoured to be early 2013) he’s getting a little practice with a pop-up doodah underneath The Forge on Garrick Street. We swung by and were charmed by the glassware, libations – and of course Willy himself. Our tip? A gorgeously smokey Mezcal Vestal, served in a coupe glass with an orange twist. 14 Garrick Street, Covent Garden, 6pm onwards daily. Till Dec 31.

3. A New Jewellers? At 12.30pm this Saturday, aided by Eastenders actor Scott Maslen no less, Stanley James opens its doors at 159 Kentish Town Road. They’ll be stocking various brands such as Forelli, Kenneth Cole, Ntinga, Clogau and Ice watches, and will also have the pawn-broking service where, promises owner Paul, ‘we will beat any of our competitors on price.’ He’s very keen to engage with the local community and so Kentishtowner readers get a 10% discount on all items up until 1st December, as well as one month’s interest free on all loans in December.

4. Streetfood at The Grafton Oh, how we chastided owners Susie & Joel the other night for not telling us about about their Streetfood Takeover Friday nights. And tomorrow, returning from last week’s inaugural nosh-up is Mission Mariscos, who encourage us to ‘fill your faces with fish and shrimp tacos, bean tostadas and tequila’. The Friday night Street Food Takeover will soon be a weekly event, kicking off at 5pm, with appearances by a different vendor each week, so makes a fun kinda crawl together with the Brewery down the road.

5. Kentish Town Filmmakers at Map Cafe. Friday is the launch event of the Kentish Town Kaleidoscope exhibition which sees Professor Jerry White from Birkbeck coming to talk about the resourcefulness of Kentishtowners in coping with the housing crisis after the Second World War. His talk will be followed by a film screening of shorts by Kentish Town filmmakers; take a look at the exhibition after 8.30pm until close when Rootsting will be playing out his favourite reggae tunes. Map Studio Café always deliver simple fuss-free food to so you can nosh too. Friday from 6.30pm.

6. Or How About A Supper Club? My Big Fat Jewish Supper Club – not just for Jews, the organisers are quick to point out – is a celebration of the traditional Friday night dinner, the mountains of food, the endless chat and the ambiance that pervades many a Jewish household each weekend. Alex and Jodie will be cooking Ashkinazi favourites like chopped liver, mama’s penicillin (aka Jewish chicken soup) plus wondrously tender salt beef, latkas and many more dishes besides. It’s BYO and there’s a £30 donation. Full info on their Facebook page.

7. What is happening to Eatzone on Fortess Road? And finally, does anyone know where K-Town’s reliable noodle bar has gone? Surely they’re missing a trick being closed at this time of year; plus, it seems to have been shut for aeons. Reader John Lewisohn, who works locally says: ‘Any info would be appreciated as it was my favourite lunch venue’. We’ll second that.

Words: Stephen Emms

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