EVENT: Kentish Town Xmas Lights
On Saturday (29th), Kentish Town Road enjoys its annual Lighting Up festie at the canopy by the station. “The coffee stall will be open and selling mulled wine and hot chocolate,” says organiser Jo Sherren, “and lots of shops are participating with special offers over the weekend. Meanwhile, the library is hosting a whole afternoon of activities, including stories and poetry, as well as a Christmas Bazaar.” And there’s music too – an eclectic mix of Camden Youth Brass, Gospel Oak Choir and former X-Factor luminary Natasha from the flower stall doing her thing. Get wrapped up. Saturday 30th November, 4-6pm (5pm switch-on).
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RELAUNCH: Cork & Bottle reopens
For such a landmark spot – and with extremely lively boozers each side of it (you can barely get near either The Stag or the Garden Gate at weekends) – it’s an enigma why this building has, for so long, struggled in the first place. But nonetheless it’s been sat, boarded up for many years. Until now. Perched on the corner of Fleet Road and Constantine Road in South End Green, it will open temporarily throughout December by Star Pubs, under temporary management as they seek a licensee, as well as undertake a full refurb. The pub, originally called the White Horse, can trace its origins back to the early 18th century – former boozy customers included George Orwell, who worked at the bookshop opposite. Now it’s – what else? – a Gail’s bakery, at the foot of Pond Street. 156 Fleet Road NW3
TIP: Mono, a cosy Greek hideaway
I’ll admit it was a reader who tipped me off about this understated Greek restaurant right up near Archway station. And on a chilly wet Sunday we finally visited its rather lovely – and subtly lit – dining room. The list of hot and cold meze – shrimp saganaki, dolmadakia, tzatziki – has hot-sun holiday vibes written all over it, but – slightly regrettably – after a long walk we ordered a mix grill for two. At £40, it was a little too meat-heavy. However, carnivores will delight in the pleasingly chargrilled mixed gyros (chicken, pork and lamb), very meaty sausages, bifteki (like a doner), lamb chops, pita, chips, salad and dips. I’d return, instead, for the £8 pitta wraps, or specialities like moussaka, and pan-fried fish dishes. House red is a reasonable £5.95 a glass, too. And it sure feels like an oasis in this hellish weather. 69 Junction Rd N19
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Kentishtowner turns 15 soon – which isn’t too shabby for an independent food & culture site run on almost zero resources. And, as usual, a billion thanks to those who donate. But to put it into perspective, that’s just under 5% of readers in the last year. If you’re sitting on the fence a bit, maybe just ping over a couple of quid? After all, that’s cheaper than a coffee almost anywhere these days. Support Kentishtowner here
