Despite being happy to be away from the noise and pollution in London, I have often lamented the lack of being close to restaurants and venues within walking distance of where we live now in Beetley. This is a selection of some of the places I miss since moving away from the Capital.
The Marrakesh Cafe, Camden Market, London NW1. A short stroll from where I used to live, at the edge of the bustling Camden Market, this cafe was an ideal spot to enjoy mint tea, whilst watching the world go by late at night.
The Jazz Cafe, Parkway, NW1. Even closer, this wonderful venue where you could eat and drink as you watched some great bands or solo artists. Although called The Jazz Cafe, it featured a wide variety of music, and ticket prices were always affordable. We had some great nights in there.
The Feng Shang floating Chinese restaurant, Cumberland Basin, Regent’s Park, NW1. Accessed from Prince Albert Road, literally at the end of the street where I used to live, this upmarket Chinese restaurant serves some of the best Chinese food in London, in a refined atmosphere. Pricey, but worth it, this was also my mum’s favourite restauarant.
Bar Italia Cafe, Frith Street, Soho, W1. A London institution, tables on the pavement allow you to watch the nightlife in Soho as you sip your overpriced double espresso or cappuccino. Nothing better after a night out.
Pizza Express Jazz Club, Dean Street, Soho, W1. Not far from Bar Italia, you will find this branch of the well-known pizza chain, with live Jazz performed since 1976. Enjoy your favourite pizza and drinks as you listen to some famous names of the Jazz world.
The Gourmet Pizza Company, Gabriel’s Wharf, SE1. Next to the River Thames on a converted wharf, this pizza place specialises in unusual toppings and little-known beers from around the world. You can eat inside or outside, so it’s a good spot even in the winter. A longer walk from where I lived, but combined with a stroll along the riverside, it’s worth it. And I always ordered the Englsh Breakfast Pizza, a full breakfast (eggs, bacon, sausages, black pudding) served on a thin and crispy pizza base. Yum!
Now you know, what i am missing for decades, Pete! Lol Honestly, i think this is also a part of what one calls “culture”, and to only experience hospitality from club members at their festivals like here is a huge loss of culture. xx Michael
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I think you would really enjoy those places, Michael.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Delightful!
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I do miss those nights out, Jennie. But that’s all I miss about London.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Every age has its desires and interests. I loved the city and music when I was young. Now I crave the tranquility of the countryside.
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I despised living in Philadelphia but man there were lots of places to go see artists that probably couldn’t spell Texas.
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I think I am missing something in translation there, Phil. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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Philadelphia is and older (by US standards) metro area on the east coast 3 hours from New York. There were always tons of musicians and small musical events happening. People you wouldn’t see cruise through Dallas but once in a lifetime, if that. I picked up the entertainment paper in Philly and was amazed. Kenny Rankin, Herbie Hancock, Booker T, Boz Skaggs, Tony Bennett, George Duke, Sade… on and on. pages of great gigs. LIke three months of Ronnie Scott’s in a weekend.
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Ah, understood. Thanks for explaining. We used to go to Bar Italia after nights out in Ronnie Scott’s club opposite.
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I would especially love to visit that Chinese restaurant! An overpriced espresso at the Bar Italia sounds wonderful too! Do you ever go to London now for a special occasion or is it too much trouble?
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The last time I went back to London was 5 years ago, for a friend’s wedding. It felt oppressive after Beetley, and the traffic was worse than ever.
You would love that floating restaurant, sitting on the canal, with views of the canal boats and Regent’s Park. It is a real ‘quality’ place. Check out their photo gallery.
https://www.fengshang.co.uk/gallery/
Best wishes, Pete.
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Looks fabulous!
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It reminds me of New York where my daughter lives, lots of noise, restaurants, and people. It’s fun but I like the quiet of home and our little downtown. Hugs, C
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It is less hectic than New York, and the buildings are not so tall. (I haven’t been to NYC, but friends have told me.)
Best wishes Pete. x
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A rich variety. Warmest regards, Theo
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And there was so much more that I left out! 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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I am sure of that. Warmest regards, Theo
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I’m especially drawn to the Marrakesh Cafe and the Feng Shang floating Chinese restaurant. It’s doubtful I’ll ever get a chance to visit London, but if by some miracle I did, I would definitely want to spend time at those two places!
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I feel sure you would enjoy them both, David.
Best wishes, Pete.
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What wonderful choices. Now I’m hungry.
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I can recommend all of those places, Peggy. And they are all still trading.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Feng Shang is the most interesting place for me, and it was on the same street as yours back in the day…that’s so cool. I’m sure you have good memories of that eatery if it was your Mum’s favorite place. 🙂
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I lived in Redhill Street, NW1. So I would walk to the end of Albany Street, cross Parkway into Prince Albert Road, and there it was. Mind you, the bill (with drinks) was close to £100 for two people, even in 2004. So only for special occasions, Bruce. Best wishes, Pete.
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Redhill+St,+London/@51.5356128,-0.1486488,17z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x48761ad92ad3fad3:0x5905e117825edf25!8m2!3d51.5304004!4d-0.1436492
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Pete, thanks for sending the link along. Added some context to the location. Yeah, it does sound pricey, but worth saving up for those special occasions. Thanks again, Bruce
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In saying that, Beetley looks very charming. I think that’s what I would miss a lot when moving from the city, the handiness of having lovely restaurants and bars on my doorstep.
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It is the main thing I miss, Wrookie. There is a limited selection within 10 miles of Beetley, and all involve driving or taxis. (And having a reservation) Camden is one of the best places to live in London. Almost anything you can ever need is within walking distance. But the downside is the noise, the litter, and the random chance of being a victim of crime. Those do not apply in Beetley. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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Yes I totally see where you’re coming from. I have been to Camden and thought it was beautiful and I have mostly lived a city life so I can only imagine having to get taxis to restaurants. However, the quiet life sounds very appealing and less crime is always a good thing. When I move home to Northern Ireland, I would love to live further out of the city.
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I didn’t want to leave London until I retired. But I certainly didn’t want to grow old there. The countryside in NI sounds like a good plan. That said, I have been to Belfast, and I was amazed at how small it is,compared to London.
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Oh 100%, Belfast is tiny compared to London. Maybe one day I will visit Beetley.
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I can show you the whole of Beetley in 15 minutes, Wrookie! 🙂
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Oh wow 🤣 then go for a pint after. I’m sure Beetley must have a nice homely pub.
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The only pub is in the local Thai restaurant. They use the bar of the pub it used to be before they converted it. But we do have a ‘community pub’ (owned and run by villagers) in the nearby village of Gressenhall, and that is walkable. 🙂
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Ok that’s something 😊
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I can see why you miss them!
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Thanks, Liz. having so many nice places to go within a 10-minute walk was a real treasure. It was the best thing about where we lived in Central London.
Best wishes, Pete.
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You’re welcome, Pete.
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They all look and sound like great places to go to. I’m sure you miss them more since your loss of your driver’s license.
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I wouldn’t be able to drive to them anyway, GP. They are just nice memories of a former life now, and too far away to revisit.
(I am actually still driving my car, as it is not my fault they have not renewed my licence. I obtained a letter from the Norfolk Police stating that.)
Best wishes, Pete.
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sounds like a lot of wonderful places and experiences close at hand. I’d say since this is the only part of living in London that you miss, maybe schedule an overnight stay once of twice a year as a getaway and have fun, then return to your peaceful refuge after –
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I have only been back twice, since late 2012. Both times it felt rather oppressive and overwhelming. Maybe when I don’t have Ollie to worry about, we will try again.
Best wishes, Pete.
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As long as you know you can leave and go home it can be more enjoyable
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I guess I am an old fart breakfast pizza does not sound like it would be something I would order….chuq
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It tastes better than it sounds, chuq! 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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I was lucky to have worked on the Kings Rd. My old station is now the Bluebird Gastrodome.
Living in Barnes there were some cute restaurants (including Mortlake, still walking distance) & it was nothing to be dining next to John Pertwee, Peter Bowles or Brian May. I used to see them at train stn too but never talked to them. (They were with mates or practising lines).
That was before Rick Steins restaurant.
The Bulls Head was around the corner & Ronnie Scott would play there.
Restaurants in the West End were 2 a penny but Pete has a more eclectic mix than I had.
………runs off starving & drooling
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I have been to The Bull’s Head a few times in the past, when I lived in Wimbledon.
I also did some shifts at the old GLC Ambulance station at Chelsea. At least the new owners kept the Art Deco facade when it became The Bluebird.
Cheers, Pete.
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Oh, fantastic! In your former life…
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I miss that part of it, but nothing else. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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Good…best not to dwell on the past, I find
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I can just imagine the lather the pizza purists would get into, reading about your last one, Pete! Lovely variety so close at hand, though. Cheers, Jon.
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I had eaten plenty of very authentic pizzas, Jon. But that one made a nice change from the usual offerings. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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That breakfast pizza sounds interesting, Pete 😃
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It was a perfect combination, Chris. Made a change from Pepperoni or a La Reine. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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London has such a huge variety of restaurants. You were lucky to live there!
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In one small street in Camden, Inverness Street, there were 6 restaurants, and 2 bars that served food. I tried them all of course! 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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