Free-cycling

So Brent have a new bin on the street philosophy zzzzzzz....

However, the other day, someone left a very nice gift in the rain. A record box containing an original 1973 Dr Who BBC Radiophonic Workshop single #ThankYou

Great local ethic, I can put anything on my front 'garden' wall and a someone will find a new home for it - now I have been rewarded. Adhoc Freecycle.

Don't chuck it, Freecycle it!

Brooks Fish Mongers

It's been too long since I last posted - you can blame the energy industry for that - amongst other things.

Great news, after many rumours, murmurings and  conjecture, it's pretty official that Brooks (run by the owner if Minkies) is opening a Fishmongers! - I'd heard the shop lease had a number of undesirable clauses in it, but hopefully they have been overcome!

Kensal Rise is becoming quite a foodie destination - Aubreys is hosting supper clubs - http://twitter.com/AubreysLondon amongst other gastro delights!

Sun Riser - Take 2

Following on from the success of June's SunRiser, local shopkeepers, restaurants and creatives are coming together to host an end of summer event on Saturday Sept 28th from 12noon until 5pm, Chamberlayne Road. More here

Saturday sounds good, I'll await with rumbling tummy - yum

Alse, paradise are getting in on the act - Paradise by Way of Kensal Green will host the inaugural Harvest Festival, a weekend celebration dedicated to street food, country pursuits, music and entertainment. More here

Barber Shop

I came across this great article about our very own Barber Shop in Kensal Rise.

http://www.spectator.co.uk/features/8977921/the-last-male-space-why-old-fashioned-barbers-are-booming/

This guy travels from South East London to get his hair cut on the Rise - that's dedication.

It's my favoured hair cut destination - and a great source of banter. Last time I was there a customer shared his 25year old Rum, mixed with Ginger Beer - certainly woke me up on a Saturday afternoon! Recommended to all, young and old.

Tug of War at Queen's Park Day

I've heard that Queen's Park Day will host a Tug Of War competition between local residents' Associations.

Kensal Rise Resident's association Team is making a certain amount of noise on twitter: http://twitter.com/KensalRRATugWar or @KensalRRATugWar

I understand it's effectively 2 teams per area, x 1 men's team of 10 and x 1 women's team of 10 from:

Kensal Rise Residents' Association (KRRA)

Queens Park Area Residents' Association (QPARA)

Kensal Triangle Residents' Association (KTRA)

Queens' Park Wardens - men only

Queen's Park Womens' Institute - ladies only

Queen's Park day is Sunday 15th September - those who live / work in the area are encouraged to sign up by contacting your local Residents' Association! - or contact me and i'll help put you in touch!

Kensal - international stations?!

A couple of weeks ago I passed some UK Border Agency staff at Kensal Rise station stopping 'random' people.

They didn't stop me - a white guy in a suit - but it was clear they weren't stopping people  matching my description.

The same happened last week at Kensal Green - and this attracted more attention and suggestions of racial profiling. I also saw BBC news reporting from outside the station more recently.

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/07/31/immigration-searches-kensal-green-tube_n_3681463.html?utm_hp_ref=uk

Madame Gautier - open!

I noticed that Madame Gautier was open earlier this week, so i couldn't resist having a look so went for a coffee on Saturday.

Half is restaurant, half is wine bar / cafe style and the garden has some comfortable looking booths / seating. The Diner's children's area at the back has been retained. The menu is French cuisine and looks moderately priced - I can only assume it will vary more than The Chamberlayne's  (still the same 5 years on)

The manager (authentically French) said they were fully booked for dinner this weekend after a 'soft launch' last weekend - but admitted (like any new establishment) they were still building consistency.

A great addition to The Rise - a proper French restaurant / bistro / wine bar. Queen's park will be jealous.