There’s plenty of randomness to be found in KT, that much we know already. And this particular vote attracts as many quirky personal faves as it does the whole gamut of local highlights. The result is a celebration of all that makes life in NW5 unique.
Readers rightfully take it upon themselves to interpret just what constitutes their own personal ‘random’, with some of 2011’s results in this category, such as Angler’s Lane landmark ‘the Boris the Cat plaque’, highlighted once again. There was consensus that Transition Kentish Town – and their Veg Box scheme in particular – was fab. As one of you put it, ‘fresh seasonal veg for only £6.50 a week – bargain! Picked up from The Grafton so not only can you do your shopping, you can get a pint in too!’
Phoenicia had a few enthusing about their bountiful produce, ‘always having the weird random ingredient I might need,’ said one. Parliament Hill Farmer’s Market, the flower girl at Kentish town tube, the sports centre, B&S DIY shop, Drinker’s Paradise, Hix Fishdogs at Camden Lock Market, Petra Yoga Studio on Caversham Rd, Ruby Violet ice creams, London Nails and Le Café Du Coin all pulled votes. As did random positivity such as the Legal and Political Development Award at Acland Burghley School and the saving of the Pizza Express building from the wrecking ball.
Here are a few more of your choices:
1. Toby Brothers’ Literary Salon
Drawing by far the most votes for a single ‘random thing’ was this rather special book club. To quote one reader in their entirety: ‘Sounds posh (and it is academic) but actually it’s a fabulous friendly forum for real discussion about serious literature. You pay about a fiver per evening and spend an hour or two, over drinks, discussing a good book, play or poem. It’s like a structured book club with interested strangers. I haven’t come across anything like this before – like going back to a university tutorial in a very enjoyable way.’ Said another; ‘A wonderful way to study books one would normally not read by oneself; or if one did, one would most likely not understand!’ and also ‘a most agreeable and useful evening’.
2. Eccentrics and One-offs
Dimitriou the Big Issue seller outside the Co-op – always friendly…Omar the giant community policeman, a 7-foot gentleman…The string quartet that play outside the tube…Rick Edwards playing board games in Nandos…Jews For Jesus…The camel on the corner of Lady Somerset and Highgate Roads, it scares the shit out of me every time…The incredibly wonky cobblestone paving in Leverton Mews…Brick Lane Bagels from Mehmet’s on Leverton Street on Saturday morning…Mr. P’s ‘Kentish Town!’ graffiti above the station…I like that Stavros in Oskar Pink cuts your hair without talking – no obligation on either side!..Dressing Gown Man…Victorian Lady…Guy With Box on his Head…
3. The joy of NW5
Kentish Town Baths roof, while swimming backstroke in the pool, from an empty middle lane…The red polka dot dress at the front of Blustons that’s been there since I moved to KT last year…Blustons – just for being there, like a cuddly elderly relative who you visit for tea, biscuits and a chat when life gets rough…The Olympic Torch passing through – truly magical and memorable…The hollow tree on Hampstead Heath…Cheap veg on Queens Crescent…Bands playing above Flaxon Ptooch…Hot Baklava from Phoenicia…The pipe carrying the River Fleet over the railway tracks at York Rise…Pop up street food stalls…High Street Christmas lights – priceless!..Chalk Farm Road, at about 7.30 in the morning…The lane at the back of The Vine when it snows…
Tomorrow: Best Customer Service
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2 thoughts on “Kentishtowner Awards: Best Random Thing 2012”
Think I voted for guy with the box on his head bouncing balls. He has tourettes I believe and this helps him control it.
My experiences at the Literary Salon are some the best including s*x I’ve had in my life – really exciting and rewarding.