Kentishtowner Weekly.
Woop! York Rise Street Party returns, The Stag at 150, spruce-ups for Gipsy Queen & Tufnell Park Tavern, Boxpark is on its way and Classic Car Boot Sale
Celebrate The Stag’s 150th birthday with Alexis from Hot Chip
A century and a half ago in 1874, The Stag’s first landlord, George Wadley, and his team “were busy getting ready to open up for the very first time”, says the NW3 pub’s long-serving manager Alex Pride. “Queen Victoria was on the throne, the penny farthing was the bike of choice and the phone had not yet been invented. What beer was served, I wonder, when was the first Sunday roast took place - and who started the first live music?”
It makes you think. Back then 1874 Fleet Road was a busy parade of shops, and The Stag was used by coachmen, “with the stables behind, beer downstairs and bunks upstairs,” he says. “The coaches travelled up from the City with high society that craved a bath on the Heath. We’re blessed that we have incredible locals who frequent the pub and know a part of its history, from how it was in the old days to how many ghosts we have hanging out in the cellar.”
Shudder. Fast forward 150 years - and a multitude of visits on our part, from Sunday soirees to weddings and birthdays - and Alex wants to “thank everybody that has frequented the pub, or even just popped in once.” To celebrate this Saturday there’s a history montage from Jon Culshaw, music from Alexis Taylor of Hot Chip, free beer from Northern Monk, a birthday cake and more. Follow @stagnw3
A new era for Gipsy Queen. Plus Tufnell Park Tavern
In other pub news, just a few minutes' walk away, the Gipsy Queen in Gospel Oak has been having a spruce-up with quirky new sign-writing by artists @joeandcharlotte (pictured above) and refreshed interior. You can now expect supperclubs, live music (monthly jazz, indie and electronic events), secret karaoke and a pool room.
“The next evolution of the Gipsy Queen is a new partnership between Christian Arden (PooNaNa and Chicago Rib Shack) and me," says Stevie Thomas, co-founder of The Rum Kitchen. The pair intend to build a "neighbourhood pub and cocktail bar with a secret garden and quarterly street food residencies, bringing together olde world elements of forgotten gipsy stories and tarot card games, all within warmly lit art-ridden rooms."
Sounds promising. And not to be outdone down in Tufnell Park, the Tufnell Park Tavern has just completed a makeover of their dining room with a “fresh design, cosy vibes and an elevated dining experience.” Plenty, then, to rediscover as the rain lashes down this weekend.
Speaking of local pubs, did you spot acclaimed Kentish Town dining room The Parakeet on Masterchef: The Professionals this week? That kitchen looked absolutely sweltering.
Just a little note (I’d love you to read this)
Kentishtowner turns 15 soon. And, as usual, a billion thanks to those who donate. If you’re sitting on the fence a bit, but enjoy the recommendations - and have even found a few useful over the years, maybe just ping over a couple of quid? Or even more if you like. It all helps. Thanks so much - Stephen, editor.
York Rise Street Party is back on Sunday
This last street party of the summer is often the best: hidden away in Dartmouth Park, it’s about as close as you’re gonna get to a sense of community spirit (not to mention joie-de-vivre). The annual neighbourhood get together boasts music, cinema, art, theatre, more music, food, drink, green street, activities, stalls, talks and lots more.
There are, of course, the usual local craft beer and streetfood stalls, and the lovely folks at Truffles Deli will be on hand with a reviving Campari Spritz, wine-by-the-glass, charcuterie and cheeses. At the street’s corner boozer the Dartmouth Arms, the party starts at 2pm and goes on till 1am (yes, on a school night!) with plenty of beer flowing, roasts to be eaten and and DJ Pete Herbert, along with other top DJs. Find out more here.
Boxpark is nearly here. Excited?
Boxpark has today confirmed they have begun refurbishment of their newest venture—the revitalisation of Camden’s Buck Street Market. It’s set to officially open its doors to the public in late September, bringing what they call “its electric energy” to NW1.
The three-floor market will include no less than 60 independent food and retail traders alongside two bars, complete with a rooftop terrace (subject to planning permission), enhancing the site’s appeal “as a vibrant social hub.” The market will operate seven days a week, seeing both Fridays and Saturdays open until 11.30pm.
One for the diary: Classic Car Boot Sale
The Classic Car Boot Sale swings into King’s Cross later this month (28th and 29th September 2024). Together with sustainable shopping, entertainment and even a mini-ferris wheel and merry-go-round fairground rides, there’ll be DJs playing in the three different locations in King's Cross: Granary Square, Lewis Cubitt Square and Coal Drops Yard.
Open daily from 10am - 6pm (£6 in advance and £7 on the day), you can hit the ‘shops’ and grab a bargain whilst striking a pose with classic cars and soaking up the vintage vibes. It’s always fun. Follow @classiccarbootsale
Next year we turn 15! If you value what we do, the easiest way to keep our independent food & culture publication going is to donate less than the price of a coffee (£2, or more if you wish) here. Thanks so much again for your support.
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