The Abbey (124 Kentish Town Road) is actually really pleasant. I say ‘actually’ because nobody I know goes there regularly, although, on the rare occasions when we do, we will inevitably comment on its red-lit, wooden-floored, rather elegant long bar and interior. Its winning card is a very shady secret garden, with hidden treehouse and …
Bintang is a Kentish Town institution, yet is still not as consistent as it should be. Oozing vibes and atmosphere, with its Malaysian shack-like interior, candle-lit tables in close proximity, and BYO wine policy (hooray!) our advice remains to stick with vegetarian and fish dishes and avoid anything meaty (chicken knuckles have been known to …
Back in the day this was the Town & Country Club, and scene of my first ever London gig, since you ask (autumn 1989, Inspiral Carpets, two pints of cider). Still one of the best-sized venues in London with an always enviable line-up. And don’t forget to look up, as it was a lovely art-deco …
OK, so if there’s a hierarchy of cute NW5 streets, then this one sits fatly at the summit (and isn’t the sky blue?) It’s just about the oldest byway in the area, too (most of the other 18th century buildings were torn down in the industrial revolution, history fans). And, if you like a period …
So you like where you live and want to, you know, tell everyone. How do you climb up what is basically a flat wall? And at what time of night (or day)? Who knows, but a cautious high-five to whoever bothered; and you can pontificate its gestation from the platform, awaiting the train to (god …
Yes, yes, we keep talking about all the independent shops on Kentish Town Road, but that’s because it’s true. Earth is fabulous, all glass windows and frizzy-haired eccentrics fingering the jars of herbs and spices. And, as the photo suggests, you can even park your bike outside, you eco-warrior you.
A renowned TV scriptwriter, whose work included The Prisoner, Dr Who and Crossroads, Lewis Greifer was a true lover of Hampstead Heath, not just because of its beauty, but also because, according to his son Josh, it belongs to the people. ‘My father was municipally minded, a committed socialist.’ For the last fifteen years of …
Bench Tales: ‘They Could Do With A Bench Here’: Lewis Greifer (1915-2003) Read More »
Oooh la la, this classic boozer has had a bit of a makeover. For now, it seems the old whore’s lipstick is just about in place. But for how much longer? So before she crumbles again, gawp at her glistening paint, restored Victorian bar, chandeliers and fireplaces, and wonder why she smells just slightly sterile. …
Oh yum. A slither of a bar, with everything you could wish for: roaring fire, stripped boards, pork baps with apple sauce, home-made sausage rolls – and a vinyl-only music policy. Gets a little too busy thanks to Time Out showering it with awards, but still the most charming pub in north London – and …
Pane Vino (323, Kentish Town Road) still dishes up understated, delicious meals. Trouble is, now it feels left behind with the rash of more fashionable new openings on the street – and it’s lighting and plain decor don’t really justify the high prices. However, house special Linguine with Bottarga is delicate, un-fishy and distinctly moreish, …
