Saturday, 18 May 2013
Closed for business
Great photo montage here from Peter Livingstone of many of the closed premises on West End Lane. You can read the background to the most recent closures here:
Thursday, 16 May 2013
Local cinema listings: May 17-23
The Tricycle ¦ Everyman Belsize Park ¦ Everyman Hampstead ¦ Everyman Maida Vale
Finchley Road Vue ¦ Swiss Cottage Odeon
The Friends of Fortune Green are hosting a screening of Back to the Future on the evening of Saturday June 1 (powered by bike no less). More details nearer the time, but definitely one to put in the diary. Also, a thank you to the 25 people who bought tickets to our Man of Steel opening night event at Swiss Cottage Odeon on June 14. It should be one of the blockbusters of the year. We will see you into the bar. If you missed out, it's probably because you're not on the West Hampstead Life mailing list! Do follow @NxNW6 on Twitter for updates and reviews during the week, and of course keep an eye on the #nw6filmclub hashtag.
Regular programme
Coming Soon
May 24 – The Hangover III, Epic, Something in the Air
May 31 – Byzantium, The Comedian, Populaire, A Haunted House, The Big Wedding
June 7 – After Earth., The Company You Keep, The Iceman.
All times correct at time of publication.
*new release.
Contact Mark via Twitter or .
Finchley Road Vue ¦ Swiss Cottage Odeon
The Friends of Fortune Green are hosting a screening of Back to the Future on the evening of Saturday June 1 (powered by bike no less). More details nearer the time, but definitely one to put in the diary. Also, a thank you to the 25 people who bought tickets to our Man of Steel opening night event at Swiss Cottage Odeon on June 14. It should be one of the blockbusters of the year. We will see you into the bar. If you missed out, it's probably because you're not on the West Hampstead Life mailing list! Do follow @NxNW6 on Twitter for updates and reviews during the week, and of course keep an eye on the #nw6filmclub hashtag.
Film of the Week
The Great Gatsby*
(2013, drama, 142 mins, 12A)
(2013, drama, 142 mins, 12A)
Originally set for the congested Christmas market and then delayed until May, Baz Luhrmann's (Moulin Rouge, Australia) retelling of Fitzgerald's great American novel was always going to ruffle feathers. Reviews have not been kind, but with film events like this, it's best to make up your own mind.
- Tricycle Cinema
- Everyman Belsize Park
- Everyman Maida Vale
- Fincley Road Vue
- Swiss Cottage Odeon
Regular programme
The Tricycle Cinema
£9.50 adult, £8.50 concessions, Mon £6 adult, £4.50 Brent resident
The Great Gatsby* (2D) - see film of the week
The Gatekeepers
An Oscar-nominated documentary featuring interviews with all the surviving former heads of Shin Bet, the Israeli security agency whose activities and membership are closely held state secrets. First time at the Tricycle and recommended.
£9.50 adult, £8.50 concessions, Mon £6 adult, £4.50 Brent resident
The Great Gatsby* (2D) - see film of the week
The Gatekeepers
An Oscar-nominated documentary featuring interviews with all the surviving former heads of Shin Bet, the Israeli security agency whose activities and membership are closely held state secrets. First time at the Tricycle and recommended.
The Everyman Cinemas
Prices vary, but expect to pay ~£13 (~£10 for a concession). Booking advised.
Belsize Park
The Great Gatsby* (2D, 3D) - see film of the week
Prices vary, but expect to pay ~£13 (~£10 for a concession). Booking advised.
Belsize Park
The Great Gatsby* (2D, 3D) - see film of the week
Hampstead
Beware of Mr Baker* (2012, documentary, 100 mins, 15)
Excellent music documentary about legendary drummer Ginger Baker. The film starts with Ginger breaking the director's nose for speaking to family members without consent and then proceeds to tell the man's incredible story. A genius musician maybe but not necessarily a very nice man.
Star Trek Into Darkness (2D)
One of the most anticipated films of the year. After the risky 2009 franchise reboot paid off handsomely, expectations are high for the J.J Abrams vehicle. Benedict Cumberbatch gets the plum role as the villain, but is he Khan?
Mud
American indie film set on the Mississippi and very much in the spirit of Huckleberry Finn. Two teenage boys encounter a fugitive and form a pact to help him evade the bounty hunters on his trail and to reunite him with his true love. Jeff Nichols (Take Shelter) directs an excellent Matthew McConaughey and an underused Reese Witherspoon. Recommended, if slightly long.
Beware of Mr Baker* (2012, documentary, 100 mins, 15)
Excellent music documentary about legendary drummer Ginger Baker. The film starts with Ginger breaking the director's nose for speaking to family members without consent and then proceeds to tell the man's incredible story. A genius musician maybe but not necessarily a very nice man.
Star Trek Into Darkness (2D)
One of the most anticipated films of the year. After the risky 2009 franchise reboot paid off handsomely, expectations are high for the J.J Abrams vehicle. Benedict Cumberbatch gets the plum role as the villain, but is he Khan?
Mud
American indie film set on the Mississippi and very much in the spirit of Huckleberry Finn. Two teenage boys encounter a fugitive and form a pact to help him evade the bounty hunters on his trail and to reunite him with his true love. Jeff Nichols (Take Shelter) directs an excellent Matthew McConaughey and an underused Reese Witherspoon. Recommended, if slightly long.
Maida Vale
The Great Gatsby* (2D) see film of the week
Star Trek Into Darkness (2D)
One of the most anticipated films of the year. After the risky 2009 franchise reboot paid off handsomely, expectations are high for the J.J Abrams vehicle. Benedict Cumberbatch gets the plum role as the villain, but is he Khan?
The Great Gatsby* (2D) see film of the week
Star Trek Into Darkness (2D)
One of the most anticipated films of the year. After the risky 2009 franchise reboot paid off handsomely, expectations are high for the J.J Abrams vehicle. Benedict Cumberbatch gets the plum role as the villain, but is he Khan?
Finchley Road Vue
(click here for pricing)
The Great Gatsby* (2D, 3D) – see film of the week.
Fast & Furious 6* (2013, action, 130 mins, 12A).
A guilty pleasure for more than a few people (judging by the box office returns of these films) and adored by petrol head teenagers around the world, this film is basically review-proof. This time, a chunk of the film is shot around the streets of London.
Star Trek Into Darkness (2D, 3D)
One of the most anticipated films of the year. After the risky 2009 franchise reboot paid off handsomely, expectations are high for the J.J Abrams vehicle. Benedict Cumberbatch gets the plum role as the villain, but is he Khan?
Mud
American indie film set on the Mississippi and very much in the spirit of Huckleberry Finn. Two teenage boys encounter a fugitive and form a pact to help him evade the bounty hunters on his trail and to reunite him with his true love. Jeff Nichols (Take Shelter) directs an excellent Matthew McConaughey and an underused Reese Witherspoon. Recommended, if slightly long.
The Reluctant Fundamentalist
A young Pakistani man is chasing corporate success on Wall Street but finds himself embroiled in a conflict between his American Dream, a hostage crisis, and the enduring call of his family's homeland. Stars the increasingly impressive Riz Ahmed (Four Lions) and Kiefer Sutherland. Reviews have been mixed, and the subject matter looks heavy going.
I'm so Excited
A new Pedro Almodovar film is still an event in European cinema even when it is average material such as this. This time the action takes place on a plane heading to Mexico City in a farce, thinly disguised as a commentary on Spanish politics.
All Stars (3D)
Comedy aimed at young children. Two kids look to throw an ambitious dance show in order to save their struggling youth centre.
Iron Man 3 (2D, 3D)
Two words change the whole way Iron Man 3 is being received: Shane Black. The writer of Lethal Weapon and director of the best Downey Jnr performance to date (Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang) is an excellent choice to helm what otherwise could have been a meandering box-ticking exercise. Instead, expect zingers galore and sharply directed action.
Olympus Has Fallen
Basically ‘Die Hard in the White House’ with Gerard "300" Butler playing the John McClane role. Solid action movie, but a bit heavy on the violence in places.
Oblivion
A very good looking science-fiction film (better in IMAX) and a decent popcorn flick, but also one of the most derviative films you will ever see. Star Wars, Wall-E, Planet of the Apes, Total Recall, Moon - you can play "spot the 'homage'". The good news is that Tom Cruise uses all three of his acting faces. Late night screenings and realistically the last week.
The Place Beyond the Pines
An American crime drama about the relationships between fathers and sons with an A-list cast. The first hour is the best 60 minutes of cinema I have seen this year. After that, there is a small drop off, but this is one that you don’t want to miss.
The Croods (2D)
The world's very first prehistoric family goes on a road trip to an uncharted and fantastical world. From the same studio that brought you the Ice Age franchise, skewed to a young demographic.
(click here for pricing)
The Great Gatsby* (2D, 3D) – see film of the week.
Fast & Furious 6* (2013, action, 130 mins, 12A).
A guilty pleasure for more than a few people (judging by the box office returns of these films) and adored by petrol head teenagers around the world, this film is basically review-proof. This time, a chunk of the film is shot around the streets of London.
Star Trek Into Darkness (2D, 3D)
One of the most anticipated films of the year. After the risky 2009 franchise reboot paid off handsomely, expectations are high for the J.J Abrams vehicle. Benedict Cumberbatch gets the plum role as the villain, but is he Khan?
Mud
American indie film set on the Mississippi and very much in the spirit of Huckleberry Finn. Two teenage boys encounter a fugitive and form a pact to help him evade the bounty hunters on his trail and to reunite him with his true love. Jeff Nichols (Take Shelter) directs an excellent Matthew McConaughey and an underused Reese Witherspoon. Recommended, if slightly long.
The Reluctant Fundamentalist
A young Pakistani man is chasing corporate success on Wall Street but finds himself embroiled in a conflict between his American Dream, a hostage crisis, and the enduring call of his family's homeland. Stars the increasingly impressive Riz Ahmed (Four Lions) and Kiefer Sutherland. Reviews have been mixed, and the subject matter looks heavy going.
I'm so Excited
A new Pedro Almodovar film is still an event in European cinema even when it is average material such as this. This time the action takes place on a plane heading to Mexico City in a farce, thinly disguised as a commentary on Spanish politics.
All Stars (3D)
Comedy aimed at young children. Two kids look to throw an ambitious dance show in order to save their struggling youth centre.
Iron Man 3 (2D, 3D)
Two words change the whole way Iron Man 3 is being received: Shane Black. The writer of Lethal Weapon and director of the best Downey Jnr performance to date (Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang) is an excellent choice to helm what otherwise could have been a meandering box-ticking exercise. Instead, expect zingers galore and sharply directed action.
Olympus Has Fallen
Basically ‘Die Hard in the White House’ with Gerard "300" Butler playing the John McClane role. Solid action movie, but a bit heavy on the violence in places.
Oblivion
A very good looking science-fiction film (better in IMAX) and a decent popcorn flick, but also one of the most derviative films you will ever see. Star Wars, Wall-E, Planet of the Apes, Total Recall, Moon - you can play "spot the 'homage'". The good news is that Tom Cruise uses all three of his acting faces. Late night screenings and realistically the last week.
The Place Beyond the Pines
An American crime drama about the relationships between fathers and sons with an A-list cast. The first hour is the best 60 minutes of cinema I have seen this year. After that, there is a small drop off, but this is one that you don’t want to miss.
The Croods (2D)
The world's very first prehistoric family goes on a road trip to an uncharted and fantastical world. From the same studio that brought you the Ice Age franchise, skewed to a young demographic.
Swiss Cottage Odeon
(click here for pricing)
The Great Gatsby* (2D, 3D) – see film of the week.
Fast & Furious 6* (2013, action, 130 mins, 12A).
A guilty pleasure for more than a few people (judging by the box office returns of these films) and adored by petrol head teenagers around the world, this film is basically review-proof. This time, a chunk of the film is shot around the streets of London.
Star Trek Into Darkness (3D IMAX)
One of the most anticipated films of the year. After the risky 2009 franchise reboot paid off handsomely, expectations are high for the J.J Abrams vehicle. Benedict Cumberbatch gets the plum role as the villain, but is he Khan?
Mud
American indie film set on the Mississippi and very much in the spirit of Huckleberry Finn. Two teenage boys encounter a fugitive and form a pact to help him evade the bounty hunters on his trail and to reunite him with his true love. Jeff Nichols (Take Shelter) directs an excellent Matthew McConaughey and an underused Reese Witherspoon. Recommended, if slightly long.
Iron Man 3 3D
Two words change the whole way Iron Man 3 is being received: Shane Black. The writer of Lethal Weapon and director of the best Downey Jnr performance to date (Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang) is an excellent choice to helm what otherwise could have been a meandering box-ticking exercise. Instead, expect zingers galore and sharply directed action.
(click here for pricing)
The Great Gatsby* (2D, 3D) – see film of the week.
Fast & Furious 6* (2013, action, 130 mins, 12A).
A guilty pleasure for more than a few people (judging by the box office returns of these films) and adored by petrol head teenagers around the world, this film is basically review-proof. This time, a chunk of the film is shot around the streets of London.
Star Trek Into Darkness (3D IMAX)
One of the most anticipated films of the year. After the risky 2009 franchise reboot paid off handsomely, expectations are high for the J.J Abrams vehicle. Benedict Cumberbatch gets the plum role as the villain, but is he Khan?
Mud
American indie film set on the Mississippi and very much in the spirit of Huckleberry Finn. Two teenage boys encounter a fugitive and form a pact to help him evade the bounty hunters on his trail and to reunite him with his true love. Jeff Nichols (Take Shelter) directs an excellent Matthew McConaughey and an underused Reese Witherspoon. Recommended, if slightly long.
Iron Man 3 3D
Two words change the whole way Iron Man 3 is being received: Shane Black. The writer of Lethal Weapon and director of the best Downey Jnr performance to date (Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang) is an excellent choice to helm what otherwise could have been a meandering box-ticking exercise. Instead, expect zingers galore and sharply directed action.
Coming Soon
May 24 – The Hangover III, Epic, Something in the Air
May 31 – Byzantium, The Comedian, Populaire, A Haunted House, The Big Wedding
June 7 – After Earth., The Company You Keep, The Iceman.
All times correct at time of publication.
*new release.
Contact Mark via Twitter or .
Tuesday, 14 May 2013
WIN: The Balcony Gardener book
One of the problems of living in a very built-up area like this is the lack of garden space. Ok, it's not a problem for everyone, but deep down most of us have a need for some foliage in our life and the cactus on the shelf by the TV doesn't really cut it.
But maybe you have a balcony? Lots of us have balconies and where there's a balcony there's the potential for a balcony garden.
Local green-fingered enthusiast Isabelle Palmer is here to help with her book, The Balcony Gardener.
"We all live busy lives", says Isabelle, "If you have never had a garden before, it can be a daunting thought not knowing where to begin. I know that this was how I felt initially and, looking back, my balcony garden started out as not much more than two pot plants. So, I would suggest that you start small. By small, I mean growing easy-care and low-maintenance plants at first to start to build the foundations of what you want to achieve"
The book shows you how to turn any balcony, roof terrace or window sill into your own mini-garden with a range of inventive gardening ideas and projects.
Isabelle provides lots of tips and advice for the small space-gardener as well as including a number of creative window boxes for those time-poor lazy gardeners among us who yearn for a blossoming garden with little effort and low maintenance.
If you're into food, Isabelle shows how to plant a selection of culinary herbs and who would have thought that a simple window box can easily provide you with tomatoes, strawberries, carrots , courgettes and all-year round
salad leaves?
Tempted? Well, guess what! You can win a copy of The Balcony Gardener (worth £14.99 - and otherwise available from www.cicobooks.co.uk). To enter, simply tell us which form of transport appears in one of The Balcony Gardener's Terrariums. Mail your answer to competitions@westhampsteadlife.com with the subject line "The Balcony Gardener". The winner will be drawn at random from the correct answers received by Friday 17th May. Open to UK residents only.
But maybe you have a balcony? Lots of us have balconies and where there's a balcony there's the potential for a balcony garden.
Local green-fingered enthusiast Isabelle Palmer is here to help with her book, The Balcony Gardener.
"We all live busy lives", says Isabelle, "If you have never had a garden before, it can be a daunting thought not knowing where to begin. I know that this was how I felt initially and, looking back, my balcony garden started out as not much more than two pot plants. So, I would suggest that you start small. By small, I mean growing easy-care and low-maintenance plants at first to start to build the foundations of what you want to achieve"
The book shows you how to turn any balcony, roof terrace or window sill into your own mini-garden with a range of inventive gardening ideas and projects.
Isabelle provides lots of tips and advice for the small space-gardener as well as including a number of creative window boxes for those time-poor lazy gardeners among us who yearn for a blossoming garden with little effort and low maintenance.
If you're into food, Isabelle shows how to plant a selection of culinary herbs and who would have thought that a simple window box can easily provide you with tomatoes, strawberries, carrots , courgettes and all-year round
salad leaves?
Tempted? Well, guess what! You can win a copy of The Balcony Gardener (worth £14.99 - and otherwise available from www.cicobooks.co.uk). To enter, simply tell us which form of transport appears in one of The Balcony Gardener's Terrariums. Mail your answer to competitions@westhampsteadlife.com with the subject line "The Balcony Gardener". The winner will be drawn at random from the correct answers received by Friday 17th May. Open to UK residents only.
Monday, 13 May 2013
Friends, Whampers, Countrymen - let's have some beers
A lot seems to be changing in West Hampstead right now. The demolition of the parade of shops between the tube and the Overground and a sudden rash of shop closures and new openings has highlighted that no urban area stands still.
Do you think things are changing for the better or is this the inevitable decline of the neighbourhood?
What do you love about West Hampstead? The access to transport, the "village feel" (whatever that means), the independent cafés, the red brick architecture?
What don't you like? The lack of affordable property? The scruffy area around the stations? The lack of modern architecture? The pretence that it's a village, when it's really just a London suburb?
What if I told you that not only could you have some say about how these issues play out in the area over the next few years, but you could do so without having to sit in a draughty community centre hall while people twice your age witter on about the good ol' days and dig up the same pet peeves they've been banging on about for years.*
Welcome to #whampforum.
It's not a digital platform for moans and groans it's a real physical event. But I promise you that it won't be long-winded, it won't be boring and (within reason) your views will be reflected in some of the plans for West Hampstead's future. And no, you don't have to wear togas.
It's next Tuesday evening - the 21st at The Alice House on West End Lane. I've booked out The Den downstairs from 7.45pm and the bar down there will be open for 15-20 minutes so you can get a drink easily. The forum itself kicks off at 8pm and I'm going to spend five (ok, maybe seven) minutes setting out how it's going to work, explaining a little bit about where we are with West Hampstead development, and what it is and is not possible (or at least realistic) to change or influence and how that happens. All that in seven minutes. There might be a map on a screen.
Then I'm going to hand the floor over to you. Ask questions, make statements, give your views on what you love and hate about West Hamsptead. It doesn't need to be a coherent policy idea, it might just be something you feel passionately about. Be warned, I'm not going to be all nice and Dimbleby about it; if you start waffling on then expect to be cut short. I'm not standing for election to anything so I don't need to be nice to you :)
We'll try and frame it around a few big topics:
To help me answer your questions and to discuss the topics I'm bringing along James Earl from the West Hampstead Neighbourhood Development Forum, Flick Rea, councillor for Fortune Green ward who knows more about the area than anyone, and Lauren "LollyGee" Geisler, who understands planning regulation better than I do, and has better hair.
There's no upper (or lower) age limit on attending, though I'm going to be blunt: this is targeted more at the under-40s than the over-40s. If any of the usual suspects apart from Flick and James turn up (you know who you are), then don't expect to get much airtime unless you've got a helpful perspective on someone else's comment - your views are generally well known and have already been incorporated into the thinking about the area. This is more about listening to the silent majority of young(er) people who may be less materially invested in the area because they may not own property, but whose voices very much need to be heard (not least over the fact that many can't afford to own property here).
If you are in the over-40s camp but are put off "community meetings" for the same reason lots of other people are, then you too are very welcome to join in. I don't want to be ageist, but I am definitely trying to reach a particular (large) segment of the local population. Other organisations are better placed to reach other groups.
That's it. Whampforum. Tuesday May 21st, from 7.45pm at The Alice House (downstairs). If cold village halls aren't for you but you do actually care a bit about West Hampstead then come along. At the very least, it would be great to meet you and you've only got 45 minutes to lose.
*Before I get accused of all sorts of prejudices, there are of course people of all ages who make extremely sensible and pertinent points at these meetings,but sometimes - and I think most attendees would agree - such sessions descend into talking shops with a lot of hot air and very little forward movement.
Do you think things are changing for the better or is this the inevitable decline of the neighbourhood?
What do you love about West Hampstead? The access to transport, the "village feel" (whatever that means), the independent cafés, the red brick architecture?
What don't you like? The lack of affordable property? The scruffy area around the stations? The lack of modern architecture? The pretence that it's a village, when it's really just a London suburb?
What if I told you that not only could you have some say about how these issues play out in the area over the next few years, but you could do so without having to sit in a draughty community centre hall while people twice your age witter on about the good ol' days and dig up the same pet peeves they've been banging on about for years.*
Welcome to #whampforum.
 |
| The Roman forum in Verulamium (a few stops up the Thameslink line) |
It's not a digital platform for moans and groans it's a real physical event. But I promise you that it won't be long-winded, it won't be boring and (within reason) your views will be reflected in some of the plans for West Hampstead's future. And no, you don't have to wear togas.
It's next Tuesday evening - the 21st at The Alice House on West End Lane. I've booked out The Den downstairs from 7.45pm and the bar down there will be open for 15-20 minutes so you can get a drink easily. The forum itself kicks off at 8pm and I'm going to spend five (ok, maybe seven) minutes setting out how it's going to work, explaining a little bit about where we are with West Hampstead development, and what it is and is not possible (or at least realistic) to change or influence and how that happens. All that in seven minutes. There might be a map on a screen.
Then I'm going to hand the floor over to you. Ask questions, make statements, give your views on what you love and hate about West Hamsptead. It doesn't need to be a coherent policy idea, it might just be something you feel passionately about. Be warned, I'm not going to be all nice and Dimbleby about it; if you start waffling on then expect to be cut short. I'm not standing for election to anything so I don't need to be nice to you :)
We'll try and frame it around a few big topics:
- buildings and architecture
- housing
- local businesses (including shops)
- amenities and infrastructure (including transport).
To help me answer your questions and to discuss the topics I'm bringing along James Earl from the West Hampstead Neighbourhood Development Forum, Flick Rea, councillor for Fortune Green ward who knows more about the area than anyone, and Lauren "LollyGee" Geisler, who understands planning regulation better than I do, and has better hair.
There's no upper (or lower) age limit on attending, though I'm going to be blunt: this is targeted more at the under-40s than the over-40s. If any of the usual suspects apart from Flick and James turn up (you know who you are), then don't expect to get much airtime unless you've got a helpful perspective on someone else's comment - your views are generally well known and have already been incorporated into the thinking about the area. This is more about listening to the silent majority of young(er) people who may be less materially invested in the area because they may not own property, but whose voices very much need to be heard (not least over the fact that many can't afford to own property here).
If you are in the over-40s camp but are put off "community meetings" for the same reason lots of other people are, then you too are very welcome to join in. I don't want to be ageist, but I am definitely trying to reach a particular (large) segment of the local population. Other organisations are better placed to reach other groups.
That's it. Whampforum. Tuesday May 21st, from 7.45pm at The Alice House (downstairs). If cold village halls aren't for you but you do actually care a bit about West Hampstead then come along. At the very least, it would be great to meet you and you've only got 45 minutes to lose.
*Before I get accused of all sorts of prejudices, there are of course people of all ages who make extremely sensible and pertinent points at these meetings,but sometimes - and I think most attendees would agree - such sessions descend into talking shops with a lot of hot air and very little forward movement.
What have I missed since May 6th?
ShakeTastic, Me Love Sushi, Picasso's and Blue Daisy have all closed, while Minkies, Curled Leaf, Tiger Stores, a new sweet shop and Spice Tree all opened. What's happening in West Hampstead?
There are plenty of changes afoot at the Thameslink station too.
Developers have submitted an alternative proposal for Midland Crescent. More on this later in the week.
Want to know more about changes to West Hampstead, share your ideas, and find out how you can actually have some impact? May 21st 7.45pm at The Alice House is #whampforum. It's for people who don't like sitting in a cold community centre for two hours while other people rant about their pet peeves. More details this week.
What did we make of Ruchi when we went for #whampreview?
Lately has had a makeover of sorts.
Win a year's Zipcar membership (worth £59) and £50 driving credit.
The main contenders for Labour's candidate for Hampstead & Kilburn began to square up. Tulip Siddiq has Neil Kinnock in her corner, while Sally Gimson has her own list of supporters.
Meanwhile, Camden's Conservatives have named Claire-Louise Leyland as their new leader, taking over from Andrew Mennear who will become deputy leader.
Asda was filming an advert in the Mill Lane area of West Hampstead on Saturday.
A flashmob descended on West Hampstead Mews to promote local designer Nicola Quilter's skirts.
Star Trek Into Darkness is NxNW6's Film of the Week. Full local listings here.
Squatters took over Handrail House and held a rave.
Locals can get £6 off tickets for the Kenwood House Live by the Lake concerts. Just enter your address when you buy.
Scope had a Camden Town vs West Hampstead Apprentice-style competition.
A tree fell over on Dennington Park Road, though the only serious damage was to an estate agent sign.
Tweet of the Week
There are plenty of changes afoot at the Thameslink station too.
Developers have submitted an alternative proposal for Midland Crescent. More on this later in the week.
Want to know more about changes to West Hampstead, share your ideas, and find out how you can actually have some impact? May 21st 7.45pm at The Alice House is #whampforum. It's for people who don't like sitting in a cold community centre for two hours while other people rant about their pet peeves. More details this week.
 |
| Photo via @arewenotben |
What did we make of Ruchi when we went for #whampreview?
Lately has had a makeover of sorts.
Win a year's Zipcar membership (worth £59) and £50 driving credit.
The main contenders for Labour's candidate for Hampstead & Kilburn began to square up. Tulip Siddiq has Neil Kinnock in her corner, while Sally Gimson has her own list of supporters.
Meanwhile, Camden's Conservatives have named Claire-Louise Leyland as their new leader, taking over from Andrew Mennear who will become deputy leader.
Asda was filming an advert in the Mill Lane area of West Hampstead on Saturday.
A flashmob descended on West Hampstead Mews to promote local designer Nicola Quilter's skirts.
Star Trek Into Darkness is NxNW6's Film of the Week. Full local listings here.
Squatters took over Handrail House and held a rave.
Locals can get £6 off tickets for the Kenwood House Live by the Lake concerts. Just enter your address when you buy.
Scope had a Camden Town vs West Hampstead Apprentice-style competition.
A tree fell over on Dennington Park Road, though the only serious damage was to an estate agent sign.
Tweet of the Week
Just saw 3 schoolkids tell off a friend for littering. "It's a nice area; pick it up" Only in #Whampstead
— James Coatsworth (@j_coatsworth) May 10, 2013
Friday, 10 May 2013
Rash of closures on West End Lane
[original post May 10th 3.30pm]
[updated May 12th 10.30pm]
[updated May 15th 3.30pm]
If the retail landscape hadn't changed enough with the knocking down of the strip of shops opposite the post office, this week's seen four units close on West End Lane. Before we all get too depressed, it's worth noting that four places have also opened this week in West Hampstead.
Blue Daisy's retrenchment to the safety of yummy mummyville in Hampstead has been mooted for some time. When it came time to renegotiate the lease on its West End Lane branch, it decided enough was enough. Has the arrival of JoJoMamanBebe up the road had anything to do with it? Seems like this town ain't big enough for the two of them.
Talking of competition, the sushi explosion that's occurred in West Hampstead over the past year or two was bound to do some damage somewhere. The venerable Sushi Gen didn't last long once the sushi wars began, but Me Love Sushi is the latest to fall victim to sushi overload. It tweeted that it had sold up to the owners of Cafe Rouge although from correspondence with the Tragus Group, which is Cafe Rouge's parent company and also owns previous incumbent Strada, we know that in fact it owned the site anyway and Me Love Sushi was a leaseholder. Tragus is now looking for a new leaseholder so it's unlikely to be one of Tragus's own brands. In the meantime, Me Love Sushi fans can still get their fix (or their delivery) from the Swiss Cottage branch.
Another saturated market around here is pizza, so it wasn't a great surprise to hear that Picasso's has shut up shop - with the bailiffs called in to the premises. Although reviews of the food had largely been good, it always seemed to be quiet and may have strugged to establish itself over perennial favourites Lupa, Sarracino and even Domino's.
Finally, and more out-of-the-blue, was the closure of ShakeTastic. The tiny milkshake bar never seem rammed (and was never open early enough for a hangover-curing morning juice), and although the staff were always lovely I was never convinced it fitted in here. The poster that's gone up in the window suggests it might return, but in the meantime the West Hampstead branch is relocating to Pinner(!).
In more positive retail news, Minkies finally opened its tiny outlet by the Overground station to much acclaim. The well-liked Kensal Rise business had had us waiting for a year - the staff blamed TfL and Camden bureaucracy for much of the delay. Its position sets it on a collision course with Starbucks and Costa but with nowhere much for people to queue, I suspect it will maintain a very steady passing trade without setting the world on fire. It's also well placed not just for commuters at the interchange but the two large estate agents opposite.
This very afternoon the sweet shop next to West End Lane cars re-opened too. Probably had to wait until ShakeTastic closed so as not to exceed the sugar quota for that stretch of road.
Away from West End Lane, there's a new tea-shop on Mill lane called Curled Leaf that I've yet to get to and Spice Tree (which used to be Babur Empire) also opened on Mill Lane. Meanwhile, Tiger Stores - the Danish Muji if you can countenance such a thing - has opened in the O2.
What does all this mean for the retail landscape? It seems that established businesses are generally faring ok - most of the recent closures have been of more recent arrivals (the business above, Pita, Chez Chantal), though of course there are exceptions (LoveFood, Walnut). It's hard to get a foothold in the area I guess. Lena's is one of the few newish businesses that's really thrived - largely because it's a unique offering for West Hampstead. A lesson there.
If you're interested in learning more about the evolution of West Hampstead, then put the 21st May in your diaries. I'm holding an open forum aimed at the younger population for people to share their views on what they love and hate about the area and what they can do about it. There'll be more details on this v.soon.
[photos via @misshkwilson]
[updated May 12th 10.30pm]
[updated May 15th 3.30pm]
If the retail landscape hadn't changed enough with the knocking down of the strip of shops opposite the post office, this week's seen four units close on West End Lane. Before we all get too depressed, it's worth noting that four places have also opened this week in West Hampstead.
Blue Daisy's retrenchment to the safety of yummy mummyville in Hampstead has been mooted for some time. When it came time to renegotiate the lease on its West End Lane branch, it decided enough was enough. Has the arrival of JoJoMamanBebe up the road had anything to do with it? Seems like this town ain't big enough for the two of them.
Talking of competition, the sushi explosion that's occurred in West Hampstead over the past year or two was bound to do some damage somewhere. The venerable Sushi Gen didn't last long once the sushi wars began, but Me Love Sushi is the latest to fall victim to sushi overload. It tweeted that it had sold up to the owners of Cafe Rouge although from correspondence with the Tragus Group, which is Cafe Rouge's parent company and also owns previous incumbent Strada, we know that in fact it owned the site anyway and Me Love Sushi was a leaseholder. Tragus is now looking for a new leaseholder so it's unlikely to be one of Tragus's own brands. In the meantime, Me Love Sushi fans can still get their fix (or their delivery) from the Swiss Cottage branch.
Another saturated market around here is pizza, so it wasn't a great surprise to hear that Picasso's has shut up shop - with the bailiffs called in to the premises. Although reviews of the food had largely been good, it always seemed to be quiet and may have strugged to establish itself over perennial favourites Lupa, Sarracino and even Domino's.
Finally, and more out-of-the-blue, was the closure of ShakeTastic. The tiny milkshake bar never seem rammed (and was never open early enough for a hangover-curing morning juice), and although the staff were always lovely I was never convinced it fitted in here. The poster that's gone up in the window suggests it might return, but in the meantime the West Hampstead branch is relocating to Pinner(!).
In more positive retail news, Minkies finally opened its tiny outlet by the Overground station to much acclaim. The well-liked Kensal Rise business had had us waiting for a year - the staff blamed TfL and Camden bureaucracy for much of the delay. Its position sets it on a collision course with Starbucks and Costa but with nowhere much for people to queue, I suspect it will maintain a very steady passing trade without setting the world on fire. It's also well placed not just for commuters at the interchange but the two large estate agents opposite.
This very afternoon the sweet shop next to West End Lane cars re-opened too. Probably had to wait until ShakeTastic closed so as not to exceed the sugar quota for that stretch of road.
Away from West End Lane, there's a new tea-shop on Mill lane called Curled Leaf that I've yet to get to and Spice Tree (which used to be Babur Empire) also opened on Mill Lane. Meanwhile, Tiger Stores - the Danish Muji if you can countenance such a thing - has opened in the O2.
What does all this mean for the retail landscape? It seems that established businesses are generally faring ok - most of the recent closures have been of more recent arrivals (the business above, Pita, Chez Chantal), though of course there are exceptions (LoveFood, Walnut). It's hard to get a foothold in the area I guess. Lena's is one of the few newish businesses that's really thrived - largely because it's a unique offering for West Hampstead. A lesson there.
If you're interested in learning more about the evolution of West Hampstead, then put the 21st May in your diaries. I'm holding an open forum aimed at the younger population for people to share their views on what they love and hate about the area and what they can do about it. There'll be more details on this v.soon.
[photos via @misshkwilson]
Wednesday, 8 May 2013
Ruchi: The whampreview verdict
Aside from the minor inconvenience of trying to walk through Kilburn Grange Park just as the gates closed, our evening at local Indian restaurant Ruchi got off to a good start.
Plenty of newbies joined a few of the whampreview old hands to check out this neighbourhood stalwart that sits on the corner of Messina Avenue and Kingsgate Road. I had bigged the place up - perhaps raising expectations a little too high - but I was confident that at the very least people would leave happy.
We had three large tables, and even though the restaurant took other tables over the course of the evening, service was still reasonably prompt.
But what of the food!?
We more or less all went for a selection of starters and they were generally a hit, "tangy with lots of heat", said Tom. No-one was drooling in awe at them but they generally did the job and people were happy.
As the wine and Cobras flowed and main courses arrived there was rejoicing at a restaurant that brought out hot plates. The main dishes elicited more praise than the starters "Very good", "Awesome" "Really nice", "Lovely", "Quality, "Delicious", "Amazing, "Very impressed, "Good portions", "Hearty" "I'd come again", "Nicely spiced without being stupid", "Hit the mark"; just a selection of the accolades.
No one had real gripes though for some people it was passable rather than outstanding. "Lacks va va voom", said Karen. Overall though, the standard was high, the service efficient and I sincerely doubt that anyone left hungry. Not given the oversupply of naan bread. "I'm a sucker for the naan", said marathon running Claire who clearly hadn't had enough carbs the previous week and needed to fill the void!
Overall, a success. I had probably built expectations too high, but although the food didn't wow everyone, the consensus was that this was a high standard for a traditional curry house and good value. Next time you fancy a curry, why not pop along (you can even sit outside in the summer).
Scores:
Tom's table: 7.7
Mark's table: 7.3
Jonathan's table: 7.6
Ruchi
92 Kingsgate Road
LONDON NW6 4LA
T: 020 7328 4800
www.ruchi.youdomain.co.uk
Thanks to Tom and Mark for hosting tables and to Tom for the photos.
Plenty of newbies joined a few of the whampreview old hands to check out this neighbourhood stalwart that sits on the corner of Messina Avenue and Kingsgate Road. I had bigged the place up - perhaps raising expectations a little too high - but I was confident that at the very least people would leave happy.
We had three large tables, and even though the restaurant took other tables over the course of the evening, service was still reasonably prompt.
But what of the food!?
We more or less all went for a selection of starters and they were generally a hit, "tangy with lots of heat", said Tom. No-one was drooling in awe at them but they generally did the job and people were happy.
As the wine and Cobras flowed and main courses arrived there was rejoicing at a restaurant that brought out hot plates. The main dishes elicited more praise than the starters "Very good", "Awesome" "Really nice", "Lovely", "Quality, "Delicious", "Amazing, "Very impressed, "Good portions", "Hearty" "I'd come again", "Nicely spiced without being stupid", "Hit the mark"; just a selection of the accolades.
No one had real gripes though for some people it was passable rather than outstanding. "Lacks va va voom", said Karen. Overall though, the standard was high, the service efficient and I sincerely doubt that anyone left hungry. Not given the oversupply of naan bread. "I'm a sucker for the naan", said marathon running Claire who clearly hadn't had enough carbs the previous week and needed to fill the void!
Overall, a success. I had probably built expectations too high, but although the food didn't wow everyone, the consensus was that this was a high standard for a traditional curry house and good value. Next time you fancy a curry, why not pop along (you can even sit outside in the summer).
Scores:
Tom's table: 7.7
Mark's table: 7.3
Jonathan's table: 7.6
Ruchi
92 Kingsgate Road
LONDON NW6 4LA
T: 020 7328 4800
www.ruchi.youdomain.co.uk
Thanks to Tom and Mark for hosting tables and to Tom for the photos.
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