North London & Me

A year ago last Saturday, I closed the door on my lovely little flat in Brighton for the last time.  I did wonder if I'd done the right thing when I saw the squirrels on the tree outside my bedroom window, said goodbye to my lovely neighbour Roy and looked down on the pretty garden downstairs.  A year on and I know I did the right thing.

I think perhaps that things are meant to happen for a reason.  Perhaps I was meant to leave my great job at Linden Lab, perhaps I was meant to meet that person that saw visits to London again, perhaps it was fate that there were no jobs in Brighton that I wanted to do.  Who knows?

It really was Plan Z in my life that I moved back to London after 11 years away.  I got stuck into Brighton life, had a good group of friends, a good job and really no need to leave.  Then my office closed suddenly and 25 of us had big decisions to make.  Maybe if I could have afforded to take a job as an Admin Assistant and work for £18k, I'd have stayed....but maybe not.  It was such a sudden decision to move back but that's how I roll!!!!

As is my life, I just happened to write to a company in Bayswater that were looking for an Office Manager at that very second.  They hadn't even advertised a job but the timing was right.  I got the job and had a month to pack up my flat and find a new home in London.  Fate again - I came up to Crouch End to look at two flats that day, two flats that fell through as the landlord hadn't allowed access...but 5 mins before I arrived, another flat had come onto the market - the flat I'm in now, the flat that happened to be in the street I wanted to live in.  If only life is always that easy....

So here we are, a year later....no longer in the job I got but happier working freelance, enjoying my flat & the block I'm in, and loving life in Crouch End.  I really couldn't have chosen a nicer place to live.  Yes I am a snobby N8 resident and long may it continue.  I love Dunns Bakery, seeing C listers in the street, having my oldest & one of my best friends just down the road.

Brighton will always have a huge place in my heart.....but Crouch End, I'm very happy to have met you!

Your name's not down, you're not coming in......

Now, see this is what happens when you don't keep your blog up - too many goings on to write about.

Luckily being the Virgo, Office Manager type that I am, I've made a note on a pink post-it to remind me of where I've been and what I've been doing since I last wrote this.  Deep breath......

The week before last there was another Carnaby Street discount night.  You'll remember the last time I went to one, we ended up at the Pretty Green opening night and many a free glass of bubbly was consumed.  The idea of the evening is for all the shops in Carnaby Street to discount their wares by 20% and entice the general public to buy them.  What actually happens is the whole of London descends, purely for the fact that every shop has free drinks.  We nabbed our free mulled cider, mohito and rum punch, checked out the Quadrophenia exhibition (surprisingly very good) and finished off buying take-out cupcakes at the Hummingbird Bakery.  Roll on the next one!

Even bigger deep breath.....By chance I got given two free tickets to see Adam Ant at the Troxy on Sunday.  Lovely venue, hellish place to get to on a weekend with no transport running!  I'll not comment on the support bands, other than to say "Ann Summers eat your heart out".  Mr Ant, however, was a complete star.  It could have gone either way - it went the right way.  Not a fan of Goody Two Shoes, even though the delectable Mr Goddard made it sound bearable, but job well done sir!

Are you keeping up frock fans?

Thursday night saw the private view of the Punk & Beyond exhibition at the Signal Gallery.  Particularly liked the black & white photographs of Poly Styrene.  Extremely busy night with queues down the road apparently and people having to show email evidence before being allowed in.  The only famous folks I recognised were Gaye Advert, Billy Childish, Don Letts & Mark Keds but I'm sure the punks in the room would have known more.  The exhibition is on into December so check it out.

Finally and up-to-date now, today we headed to Primrose Hill Xmas Fayre.  Lunch in my favourite restaurant Trojka, followed by mulled cider at The Queens and consuming of yummy puddings.  I've never seen so many celebs in one place as today.  Only missing from the Primrose Hill gang was Jude Law & Ricky Gervais I think....oh and perhaps Gwen Stefani.  Paps - you had a field day today.

I've realised that every single I've been to above was free (well apart from lunch & cider in Primrose Hill anyway).  If it hadn't been done already, I'd write a book about how to have fun in London and not spend a penny.

Go Keith Go

It's been a fairly quiet week in N8.  Autumn in London is proving to be a winner though and everything is looking very pretty out there right now.  The trees outside my living room window have now lost all their leaves and if I stand on tip-toes, I can see Alexandra Palace high on the hill.

On Tuesday, the lovely folks at The Society Club Soho put on an evening downstairs at The Sun and Thirteen Cantons in Beak Street.  I loved the venue and I think it has huge potential for other nights.  It's a tiny little cellar bar but very atmospheric and perfect for the night.  Oldfashioned Daisy did a few songs before the main act, the "rock & roll" poet Murray Lachlan Young.  Although I'd heard of him, I'd never seen one of his shows but will definitely be back.  Just my sense of humour!  Below is one of my favourite poems about Keith Richards falling out of a coconut tree (as you do!):

What the hell did you think you were doing?
So blind that you just could not see
Not a thought for your legion of worshipping fans
When you shinned up the trunk of that coconut tree
If you’re gonna go Keith go Keith go
If your gonna go Keith go Keith go
If your gonna go Keith go Keith go
Don’t do it like that Keith no Keith no
Go in the middle of a hard blues riff
Go at the end of a laced up spliff
Speedball death plunge, Lear jet smash
Coked up gunfight, high-speed car crash
Kohl black eyes white rock n roll skin
With your hand on the fret board cigarette grin
Do itlike a king pin Debauchee
But not falling out of a coconut tree
Keith, man, what goaded you on
Was it Ronnie Wood? Who said you should?
Or was it Elton John that you tried to prove wrong?
When he called you King Kong, did you snag your sarong?
C’mon Keith, baby, tell us please what the hell was going on
If you’re gonna go Keith, go Keith go
If you’re gonna go Keith go Keith go
If you’re gonna go Keith go Keith go
Don’t do it like that Keith no Keith no

That, dear frock fans, is the extent of excitement this week.  Although we did venture out to the Kinks night at The Clissold last night, it really isn't worth writing about.  Thank god for The Alexandra and its' great jukebox over the road, that's all I can say. What DID happen to my Jane's Addiction track though?

Eastenders.....

The past week saw my first week of self-employment meaning more time for fun...which was the point of my self-employment in the first place.

Inbetween finding new clients and having meetings, I managed to have a lovely day with visiting friends who showed me the delights of Exmouth Market and the surrounding area.  I can't actually believe I had never been to that part of London before but now I know it's there, I'll be back.

We started off having brunch in Caravan (http://caravanonexmouth.co.uk/) which I loved.  It had an almost scandinavian feel about it, with big wooden tables, and people working on laptops.  I had creamy soy mushrooms on sourdough bread which were scrummy.  I feel I should probably make it my mission to try out the rest of the menu sometime very soon.

Exmouth Market had a nice feel about it - lots of interesting little shops and places to eat.  I can imagine it's a nice place to work so perhaps I'll target those interesting shops for work opportunities.

Next stop was the gorgeous old Jerusalem Tavern in Clerkenwell (http://www.stpetersbrewery.co.uk/london/history.htm).  A bizarre place founded in apparently the 12th Century.  Although it looked as though the only people that might drop in would be one old man and a dog, it's obviously very popular and filled up quickly, despite only just opening up.  Although I didn't feel anything strange in the pub, I can imagine it has it's fair share of hauntings!

Look Mum No Hands next (http://www.lookmumnohands.com/) in Old Street.  If you walked past this place and didn't actually know about it, you could think it was just a bicycle repair shop.  It is (and sells bikes I think) but is much more than that.  There's a cafe', a beer garden and a noticeboard full of flyers for events they're holding.  The food was fantastic and I enjoyed my Goats Cheese & Butternut Squash homemade pie with salad.  It seemed to be a popular lunch venue so don't be surprised if you don't get a table straight away.

Final stop, cake at Drink, Shop, Do (www.drinkshopdo.com) in Kings Cross.

I'm sure it looks as if all I do is eat and drink...probably true in reality.  I'm considering changing the name of this blog to Pies & Me very soon.

In other news....Friday night saw a special night at the Society Club Shop & a preview of the "We Can Be Heroes" book that will be published shortly.  The book's about the club scene in the 80s and full of gorgeous pics of the Blitz Kids and all those connected with that scene particularly.  Lots of interesting folk with an interesting past turned up and a few familiar faces.

 

For Jonnah.....

My blog posts are usually about cake....today is a bit different.

3 years ago today, my friend Jonnah took her own life so this is for her.

I hadn't known Jonnah long.  I was living in Stockholm, running a weekly club called "Another Sunny
Day" in a godforsaken turkish restaurant on a Monday night.  Jonnah came to nearly every club night.
I noticed her straight away as she was a little 60s girl who wore the best outfits!  Before I knew her name, I called her the "lovely lady with the lovely dresses" in my Facebook album.  I got to know her & her boyfriend Charley from that club....they kept me company on the door and their lovely little indiepop band "The Mare" played for me.  I remember that night particularly as one of the band members had to leave the club before they even played as his girlfriend went into labour.  Priorities and all that!

I moved back to Brighton and kept in touch with Jonnah via email.  We'd talked about them coming
to the Brighton mod rally the following August and she was already excited about it.  Then, one day,
I suddenly realised that I hadn't heard from her in a little while and checked her Facebook page.  That's when I discovered something awful had happened.....I didn't understand all the updates as they were in finnish and swedish but I did understand the one word that scared the hell out of me and made me mail someone to find out.

I had no idea Jonnah had problems....no idea that she would do what she did.  Every time I saw her, she was happy & laughing & dancing.....and thankfully, that's how I'll remember her.  Sometimes I guess you don't know everything about everybody. 

So Jonnah, this blog post is for you.  I won't forget you & your dresses.....I hope you're at peace now.

To Charley (if you read this) - I hope this doesn't upset you x

Way out West

Good morning Frock fans!

Tis another sunny day in N8.  I'm happy to report that Crouch End looks as pretty in Autumn as it does in Summer.  There's a squirrel outside on the lawn, foraging for snacks....I fear he may be out of luck in this area...unless he likes tofu or some other expensive organic matter!

Things have been pretty quiet in my world as I've been concentrating on getting better after the doctor FINALLY confirmed I had sciatica.  I think I'm getting there at last, with the help of Naproxen and Solpadol on occasions.  Hopefully the physio which I'll start in November will kill it completely.  I don't like taking the painkillers as they kill your brain cells off I'm sure.

Anyways.....last weekend I ventured out West.  I work in W2 at the moment so very close to Notting Hill and Westbourne Grove but during the week there's just no time to look round.  We walked from Notting Hill, down Portobello Road and into Golborne Road. 

I hadn't been to Portobello Road since I lived in London during the 90s.  Strangely enough, my last memory of that area is running into my eye-liner wearing friend Adam (who would have joined These Animal Men in the blink of an eye if he'd had been asked).  He laughed about how his Mother had got a new lodger in and he hoped he liked britpop as he'd be subjected to it on a daily basis.  Sadly, 3 days later, Adam died in his sleep so he never got his chance at britpop stardom.  RIP sir.

Portobello was as crowded as ever and full of Italian tourists who insist on wearing over-sized rucksacks 24 hours a day.  We managed to make it to the veggie takeaway bakery in one piece and I will be returning!  If I'd have thought that pasties would have made it home to North London in one piece, I'd have stuffed one of those Italian's rucksacks full of them....unfortunately, if truth be known, I would have eaten them all before reaching Kings Cross.  The Ladbroke Grove end of Portobello was much more like I remembered it & I enjoyed looking round the vintage stalls.  I noticed how much real fur there was and was quite shocked.  Although I don't mind it, I wouldn't feel comfortable wearing it and I'm surprised it's as popular as it is.  Perhaps, having said that, it isn't and that's why there is so much on sale.  We had lunch (& a cheeky glass of Rose') in The Elgin....which was a welcome break from the crowds.  Nice food, great decor & men in Curiosity Killed the Cat caps....just my cup of tea.

We finished up in Golborne Road.  I much prefer that end of Portobello - jumble stalls & space to breathe walking up there.  Very much a portugese area, there are lovely little shops, people eating authentic portugese food from stalls in the street, and a really relaxed community feel.  As there was no space to sit in the obviously very popular Lisboa cafe', we ventured to a similar one over the road, drank proper strong coffee (!!!) and ate portugese cake.....2 drinks & 2 large slabs of cake for a fiver.  Golborne Road is right next to the infamous Trellick Tower.  I imagine the flats in there sell for a fortune now and being a nosey type, I would love to have a look.  If anyone reading this lives there, please invite me round for tea.

My last official 6 days at work are coming up and then I'm on my own.  Wish me luck Frockers!

The times they are a changing

Good Morning Frock Fans!

I can't believe it's been so long since I wrote on here.  The ever-continuing back problems have rather got in the way, as well as some big changes which I'll be rambling about.

I've had a birthday since you heard from me last.  I am now officially middle-aged and am considering stocking up on Tena Lady and booking myself on a Saga holiday next year.  Am I hell!  I don't think I'm ready to retire quite yet so don't expect to see me wearing tan tights up the bingo hall quite yet kids!

So, what's been happening?  Soho Society Film Club is back and I'm so glad it is.  Over the past few weeks, I've been to some great nights showing great 50s/60s footage as always, and a fascinating talk by Jack Kerouac's once partner, Carolyn Cassady.  She's such a character, the same age as my Gran, but smokes like a chimney and partied later than the rest of us in the roof terrace bar. 

The Society Club Shop is now up and running in Ingestre Street, W1.  We had a lovely hour there one morning, drinking Earl Grey from proper china teacups, looking through all the great books and loving meeting the interesting folk that drop by.  I'm hoping that anyone reading this will support the shop - you'll love it and you never know who you might meet.  They've started to put on events and there's a great exhibition of biker photos on at the moment - check it out.  www.thesocietyclub.com

So....my big news is that I've resigned from my job.  This could be the worst mistake I've ever made in my life but possibly the best thing I've ever done.  Time will tell.  I want to be more flexible with my working hours and with what I do, when.  My website is up and running (www.cathenglish.co.uk) and I'm on a self-marketing mission.  From 1 November, I'm going to be offering freelance services to creative companies/individuals, helping them with paperwork/finances/events etc. etc.  I'm a trier if nothing else and I've already had some interest from people.  I'm determined to make this work.  I want to work for interesting people, be a lady that lunches (when she wants to), work early, finish early....and I will.  Watch this space.....and also send any potential work my way eh???

I've got a very uninteresting afternoon of household chores today so just to cheer myself up before that - here's a picture of some cake!  Maison Bertaux - I love you!  (www.maisonbertaux.com)