London Daily Photo: STOP

London Daily Photo: STOP
Photography by Chris Osburn © 2008
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New York Times Discover Hackney

This article is perhaps best filedeunder "Oh so 2 years ago" or "Yawnsville" but here ya go:

New Home for Arts Refugees
By JOSHUA DAVID STEIN
New York Times
Published: March 9, 2008

But in the past few years, a new kind of refugee has landed on Hackney’s teeming streets. Artists, designers and young bohemians in ever-skinnier jeans are getting priced out of nearby Shoreditch, and opening bars, clubs and galleries in this gritty immigrant enclave. But since Hackney is already densely and vibrantly packed, these new establishments are often hidden below, above and even within existing storefronts.

Click here for complete article.

Londonist asks "What's for Lunch?" Wick Café

Here's another What's for Lunch? post for Londonist. Stayed tuned for subsequent instalments on Tuesdays around noon.

Londonist asks "What's for Lunch?" Wick Café
by Chris Osburn
Londonist
March 4, 2008










This tea peddling East London greasy spoon, where the only thing more high viz than the vests of the chowing workers is the specials signage adorning the walls, is an oasis amid Hackney Wick’s industrial desert ... This is working London at its best with a dab of artistic flare dashed across it for good measure.

Click here for complete review.

People Don't Walk in Hackney after Dark?

Smith admits London street fear
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith has admitted she would not feel safe walking around London after dark.
BBC News
Last Updated: Sunday, 20 January 2008, 11:59 GMT

In the interview with the Sunday Times, Ms Smith was asked why she would not feel safe on Hackney's streets at night. She replied: "Well, I just don't think that's a thing that people do, is it, really?"

Click here for complete article.


Photography by Chris Osburn © 2008

London Daily Photo: Borough of Hackney

London Daily Photo: Borough of Hackney
Photography by Tiki Chris © 2007
Interested in contributing a photograph of London to this blog? Click here for details.

Londonist asks "What’s for Lunch?" Pogo Café

Here's another What's for Lunch? post for Londonist. Stayed tuned for subsequent instalments on Tuesdays around noon.

What's for Lunch? Pogo Café
by Chris Osburn
Londonist
August 14, 2007

Pogo Café is a “vegan worker’s cooperative café” in Hackney. Being a vegan worker must do wonders for one’s disposition, as the smiley and soft-spoken woman that served us was possibly the nicest person we’ve come across in a long time. She also seemed to genuinely appreciate our patronage and showed sincere interest in our thoughts about our dining experience.

Click here for complete review.

Back to the Pie and Mash

... except this time I visited a new place - F. Cooke on Broadway Market (don't worry - I fully intend to pop round to my local, Clark's, soon).















I first spotted F. Cooke a few days ago while roaming around the area and knew I'd have to return soon. A step through the door and I was transported to another time ... a time I know little about but nonetheless elicits an intense feeling of nostalgia within me.

The food was simple, ample, inexpensive and better than I'd expected. Of course, I got the pie and mash and was surprised by how crisp and delicious the pie crust was. I followed up with hot fruit pie (apple) and was again pleasantly surprised. I now wish that I had brought a few home with me for the week.



















Definitely pay F. Cooke a visit, if but to sit in its stark tiled room of homey austerity and stoic charm. Try to go on a sunny day and to sit facing the window with the light streaming in. If cloudy on your visit, sit with your back to the window and admire the portrait of Diana, "the people's princess."

Photography by Tiki Chris © 2007
Interested in contributing a photograph of London to this blog? Click here for details.

Great day out in Hackney

This past Saturday, Emiana and I headed east to Hackney's Broadway Market for a stroll in the sun. I was happy to see Exmouth Market faves Gujarati Rasoi and Jollif Pot, as well as other recognizable venders on the street. After a spot of lunch, we roamed around admiring the grafitti and urban landscape until we (quite accidently) came upon a landscape of quite a different sort, Hackney City Farm. Great way to spend a Saturday afternoon. Hope to do it again soon.

Photography by Emiana © 2007
Interested in contributing a photograph of London to this blog? Click here for details.