OK, so we tweeted this one yesterday but Mrs Kentishtowner still hasn’t stopped laughing – in fact, a little bit of wee has come out – so we thought we’d run with it again, in case you missed it:
“Kentish Town is up and coming. There’s a Costa here now, a Pret A Manger, and now we’re putting the Lion and Unicorn on the map too.”
What’s even more brilliant is that the quote, in this week’s Camden New Journal, is from one George Sallis, artistic director of Giant Olive, the theatre above the newly reopened Lion & Unicorn pub. Yes, that’s right: artistic director. Bizarre, eh? If not a little depressing.
We don’t mind the bit about KT being up and coming: it’s the reasoning behind it. All we can conclude is that Mr Sallis doesn’t live anywhere near NW5: if he did, he would know that enlightened locals (presumably the kind who might visit his theatre) would always much rather buy their coffee from characterful joints like Bean About Town, or the Wine Cellar (throw in a custard tart for an extra quid), or Mario’s Cafe, or Tolli, or Map Cafe, or the Canteen (raved about by Giles Coren et al). And surely there’s nothing more up and coming than the dozens of wonderful independent stores, from Earth Natural Foods to Harry’s Fishmonger? (Oh, and let’s not even get started on the gastropubs and art galleries.)
So, engaging your local audience, Mr Sallis? Nul Points. In fact, Mrs Kentishtowner would like to see you in her study. And no, don’t get excited. The woman does mean like you do Costa coffee.
4 thoughts on ““Kentish Town is up and coming.””
Obviously you’ve completely missed the point of the quote regarding Costa, Pret & etc. This was to demonstrate in an interview how the larger branded organisations now see Kentish Town as an opportunity. We’ve always known about the hidden gems; I’ve been running one for three years…
Perhaps you should come along to see a show and have a meal. Then you can really leave some objective view points.
George Sallis, Artistic Director, Giant Olive Theatre
thanks for the mention to bean about town, can you also add a back link http://www.beanabouttown.com . that would be very appreciated and rewarded with a free coffee ;P
Olivier
Thanks for the clarification George
Talking about independent shops can I throw in here The Bike House at the corner of Falkland Road? It reconditions second hand bikes, and the service is both very personal and very efficient. My son bought a titanium second hand bike there, and into the bargain was given freshly baked bread by the owner’s father, over from Turkey. Next time it was a delicious stew, and the next time a whole loaf of warm bread! We now feel part of the family! This is what I love about Kentish Town. Of course we went back bearing gifts of home made brownies. The bike, by the way, is excellent and so was the price.