Q&A: My Hornsey

What brought you to Hornsey?

A happy coincidence. My sister lived in Crouch End and I loved it, so when I decided to move from south London it was the obvious choice. But the first property I saw was a tiny dilapidated house in somewhere called Hornsey. Where? I’d never even heard of it. I went to see it and that was it. I’m still here eight years later, and I’ve never looked back.

What makes Hornsey unique?

Hornsey was a village before it was gobbled up by London, and retains that feel thanks to its geography. Flanked to the north by Alexandra Park, it’s a little enclave of quiet streets. You see the same faces and get to know people. Coming from Clapham, it was a revelation to me. We have street parties. Hornsey also has a step stool named after it which makes it pretty unique!

You have a day off to spend in Hornsey, what do you do?

It would definitely involve a steep walk up through the park to Ally Pally to look at that glorious view over London. Possibly a mooch round Crouch End or Muswell Hill. Topped off with an evening of comedy at the King’s Head, music at the Earl Haig Social Club, or dancing at the Boogaloo in Highgate.

If you were Ham and High editor, what issues would you focus on?

As a passionate supporter of small businesses and the high street, I would love to see both things celebrated and encouraged in the Ham & High. London is losing so much light ndustrial space to housing, and the high street is struggling under the dual burden of high rents and rates. There is a real danger of losing the things that make a proper community: our local pubs, small independent shops, and workshops.

What are your dreams and ambitions for the summer?

As a small startup, my dream is to find angel investment so my business can grow and every household in the land has a Hornsey step stool in their kitchen! Back on Planet Earth, I would settle for a beautiful garden. I redesigned my garden in 2015 and it is really coming into its own now.