Thursday, July 19, 2007

North London: Not As Nice As South London Then

Slovo: The One (Brixtown, 2007)
We thought it might be nice to go and have an ice-cream at the wonderful Marine Ices in Chalk Farm last night. Silvana's mum's here, so she was baby-sitting and we were free... It didn't take long to scoot up across town and we were soon pulling in a quiet side-street just by The Enterprise. We wandered up - past the bloke whose drug-dealer dog was emptying it's bowels outside a Chinese takeaway - and nipped inside MA for some fantastic ice cream. I recommend the hazlenut and the Italian toffee. And the hot chocolate sauce was amazing.

Anyway, twenty minutes later, full of dairy-based good vibes, we pushed past the drunk students outside the pubs and headed back to the car, only to discover that some tremendous fellow had smashed the passenger window and rifled around inside nicking not only Ken, but all his kit too. So, thanks for that.

We've left the front door open, we've left cards, phones and a purse on the front seat, we've left windows open, back doors open, keys in the door, we've left The Scrap out overnight to punish him for having curly hair (we haven't really), yet nothing has ever happened on Landcroft Road. Not sensible, but nothing. Not ever. But you take one trip to NW1... *shakes head sadly*

BTW: Slovo appear to be really good (as long as you like ancient Massive Attack records). And their record label appears to favour a local South London town *cries*.













Stay on the right side of the river!

15 comments:

Silvana said...

I'm back from Autoglass! They were very good and the trillion bits of glass have gone and the new window is in place. But my 5 week-old sat-nav is gone forever. Very upset about it I am. Only time our car ever got broken into before was in Islington - stinky old north London!

Rob said...

I literally hate north London :(

BLTP said...

Sorry to hear about this, I've never seen the attraction of Camden, a bad one way system with drug problem as far I can see. The charms of the market wore off years ago. Stay this side of the river as much as possible is the best solution although you may have to set up your own ice cream parlour.

James Franco said...

Nothing wrong with living north of the river, about 150 miles north of the Thames is lovely this time of year.

Anonymous said...

Sorry to hear you've lost Ken - I have to agree with you on this - I hate North London. I've been there twice in my whole life time and don't want to go ever again. The first was to Islington when I was 23 and I was punched in the face by a drunk transvestite in a newsagents.

The second was just up the road in Tottenham a few years ago. I was meeting David for lunch, arrived at the bar and ordered a drink, leaving my purse in front of me as I waited for the barman to pour my drink. A hand snuck in between my elbows (and dangerously close to my cleavage) and stole my purse.

My dear old mum used to literally hyperventilate if we went "north of the river" and wouldn't relax until we were in the south again.

Tony said...

Poor you! I used to love Marine Ices, but agree that the trip to North London isn't worth it. South London is so much better.

Rob said...

Oh NHMoO, I agree. Your story sounds so much worse than ours - how horrible. Your dear old mum sounds like a very sensible lady indeed. I have to go every day for work - but I'm not going back for "pleasure", oh no...

Anonymous said...

Sorry to hear of your loss. On the topic of music (Slovo), if you aren't already aware of them, try The Blue Nile - Hats.

Anonymous said...

I guess it's up to me to support North London. Having lived in Islington and latterly off the Holloway Road since moving here 3 years ago I appreciate it has its rough edges but there's a rock n roll tale on every corner. The Rainbow down the road to my right, the RoundHouse down the road to my left. Brittania Row, the Hope & Anchor, Pathway Studios. Four stops to Covent Garden. A 10 minute drive in the evening to the centre of town.

Above the grit is the glorious Heath and the beautiful Kenwood House (home of... a Marine Ices concession!) Muswell Hill! Hampsted! East Finchley! North London has it all! Please visit again soon!

(BTW enjoy the blog. From a Camden foodie point of view, have you tried Hache on Inverness Street? A very fine burger emporium. Away a good feed before the Marine Ices experience.)

Rob said...

Hey Billy Pye: I love that record! Well reminded...
DRJ: you're right, I know. I've lots of good times in North London. I'm sort of over it now *bites knuckles through to the bone with frustration and anger*

Anonymous said...

I used to live north of the river and had my headlights smashed while parked in Greenwich - I guess that this sort of thing can happen wherever you are.

Anonymous said...

Rob, Top album, top band. I had the rare privilege to see them play live in Manchester last weekend. Haley's Comet has made more appearances in the last 25 years!

Anonymous said...

Incidentally, if you want to hear a new song (equally rare!) try here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OW1Rl0pEvGc

sublime.

Rob said...

Nice - thanks BP...

Clair said...

I've had my car broken into both in the north and south of our dear capital; three times in Crouch End (nothing taken) and once in Forest Hill (CD player; rubbish denim jacket). I live in Crouchy, and work in Camden, and I have to say, Camden is so totally scuzzy that I don't understand why Alan Bennett lives here. Dealers, drunks, wannabe musos and the mentally ill make it a place to be avoided, but for three things"
Marine Ices
The Hawley Arms
The baked potato stand in Inverness Street
Apart from that, I'm outtahere on the stroke of six...