Coldharbour Lane, Brixton - news and updates

[CH1]

What is happening to that row of shops is prime example of gentrification. I can't see how anyone can disagree with that. ( Any takers?)

I think you need to check who actually owns the shops.

I think several (including the prospective nail bar) belong to Geoge related to George the former hairdresser, and ran the cafe originally.

Whoever they belong to however they are going to get in tenants who can pay the rent. I don't think the Jamaican grocer can have been making a profit. It is appropriate to mourn the passing of an age - but if shops are not used/supported they close down and get replaced by more viable enterprises.

BTW I was chatting to my friend the Labour chair of the Amenities Committee under Ted Knight (ie Libraries & Sports Centres) on Monday in the Beehive. He ventured into the Sports Direct-owned shop in Popes Road (Van Mildert). He was surprised to find jackets and bags on sale for £300 - £400. Not many customers in sight he said.

 

[CH1]

And... relevant to gentrification/regeneration issues (though not specifically Coldharbour Lane) can I recommend this programme on BBC1 - Luisa Omielan's Politics for Bitches
it included a discussion (on site) of the uselessness of the Elephant and Castle redevelopment, what you get if you are a property guardian, why do we subsidise high rents rather than build social housing to bring rents down. A comedienne asking pertinent questions for which government is currently providing no solutions.

 

[Gramsci]

I think you need to check who actually owns the shops.

I think several (including the prospective nail bar) belong to Geoge related to George the former hairdresser, and ran the cafe originally.

Whoever they belong to however they are going to get in tenants who can pay the rent. I don't think the Jamaican grocer can have been making a profit. It is appropriate to mourn the passing of an age - but if shops are not used/supported they close down and get replaced by more viable enterprises.

BTW I was chatting to my friend the Labour chair of the Amenities Committee under Ted Knight (ie Libraries & Sports Centres) on Monday in the Beehive. He ventured into the Sports Direct-owned shop in Popes Road (Van Mildert). He was surprised to find jackets and bags on sale for £300 - £400. Not many customers in sight he said.

George never owned his shop. When his lease ran out he decided to retire.

Gentrification is not about who owns shops. The petit bourgeois property owners will rent to whoever pays "market value".

Reminds me of program I saw ages ago about Brick lane. An Asian property owner was asked why he wasn't doing more to protect Asian shopkeepers. His answer was to bemoan the changes but to say he was business man first.

The thing about capitalism is that its not about ethics or community. Its about making a profit. I really wish people would understand this basic concept.

The gentrification of that row of shops is in line with how capitalism works as a social process. Its not about individuals.

Capitalism thrives on inequality. Its purpose is not to create a good equal society.

This row of shops and what is happening to them is good example.

 

[CH1]

George never owned his shop. When his lease ran out he decided to retire.

Gentrification is not about who owns shops. The petit bourgeois property owners will rent to whoever pays "market value".

Reminds me of program I saw ages ago about Brick lane. An Asian property owner was asked why he wasn't doing more to protect Asian shopkeepers. His answer was to bemoan the changes but to say he was business man first.

The thing about capitalism is that its not about ethics or community. Its about making a profit. I really wish people would understand this basic concept.

The gentrification of that row of shops is in line with how capitalism works as a social process. Its not about individuals.

Capitalism thrives on inequality. Its purpose is not to create a good equal society.

This row of shops and what is happening to them is good example.

This is not wholly right.
George Fell owned his shop at 340 Coldharbour Lane- and was several times taken to court by Lambeth because he refused to pay council tax on the derelict flat upstairs. Bailiffs seized his stock. But he still continued to run his shop - because he wanted to do it, and retired aged about 75 when he was ready.

If George had been under a landlord on a rising rent contract they'd have forced him out 10 years earlier - by evicting him for non payment.

 

[editor]

So the Coldharbour Lane tally will shortly be: two pricey hairdressers (one, beyond hipster with its Berlin-themed premises), one upmarket cocktail bar, one upmarket cheese and wine parlour, a trendy pizza joint and Vietnamese restaurant and a few 'normal' shops and takeaways. My, how Brixton is changing,

 

[Gramsci]

This is not wholly right.
George Fell owned his shop at 340 Coldharbour Lane- and was several times taken to court by Lambeth because he refused to pay council tax on the derelict flat upstairs. Bailiffs seized his stock. But he still continued to run his shop - because he wanted to do it, and retired aged about 75 when he was ready.

If George had been under a landlord on a rising rent contract they'd have forced him out 10 years earlier - by evicting him for non payment.

I mean George the Greek cypriot barber. He never owned the shop. He had it on lease. He didn't have anything to do with the flat upstairs.

 

[CH1]

Is the small "Just Eat" sign next to Jimmy facia new? Looks new.
It could of course be that Jimmy's was hooked into "Just Eat" but still didn't get enough business.

 

[editor]

Is the small "Just Eat" sign next to Jimmy facia new? Looks new.
It could of course be that Jimmy's was hooked into "Just Eat" but still didn't get enough business.

I think Jimmy's might be staying but has just closed while they're rebuilding upstairs. I looked inside and there was a tarpaulin covering the fryer. I really hope they are staying.

 

[CH1]

I think Jimmy's might be staying but has just closed while they're rebuilding upstairs. I looked inside and there was a tarpaulin covering the fryer. I really hope they are staying.

You could see in yesterday afternoon. The fryers are still there actually, just covered with dust sheets, so I think you're right.
Maybe the Just Eat is new because he has joimed that network. Never tried it myself - I write with total naivety
Jimmy's Plaice restaurant menu in London – Order from Just Eat

 

[editor]

You could see in yesterday afternoon. The fryers are still there actually, just covered with dust sheets, so I think you're right.
Maybe the Just Eat is new because he has joimed that network. Never tried it myself - I write with total naivety
Jimmy's Plaice restaurant menu in London – Order from Just Eat

The loss of Jimmy's would have nearly been as catastrophic as the loss of the original Phoenix Cafe...

 

[editor]

So the jolly new wine bar opposite the Barrier Block opened up last night. The demographic inside was actually as I expected. It's such a shame these newly arrived businesses make no effort to reach out to the estate community opposite their bar.

 

[ChrisSouth]

So the jolly new wine bar opposite the Barrier Block opened up last night. The demographic inside was actually as I expected. It's such a shame these newly arrived businesses make no effort to reach out to the estate community opposite their bar.

Did you actually go inside?

 

[CH1]

I'm intrigued by why that Okan place looks such a dump, yet the new (and editor lampooned) Tupps cheese and wine bar has beautiful mini willow pattern tea cups in the window.

Tupps could do Japanese tea ceremonies, while Okan could be an old-style shebeen. Actually even the shebeen that was there before Shrub and Shutter looked a bit smarter than Okan. Even with the carp windsock.

 

[editor]

I'm intrigued by why that Okan place looks such a dump, yet the new (and editor lampooned) Tupps cheese and wine bar has beautiful mini willow pattern tea cups in the window.

I don't think I lampooned them. It was more of a resigned sigh when I saw how the place looked.

 

[CH1]

I don't think I lampooned them. It was more of a resigned sigh when I saw how the place looked.

Did you see the notice in the window - "Popping up every Friday and Saturday evening" - or words to that effect. I'm wondering if this is a meanwhile use.

 

[editor]

Did you see the notice in the window - "Popping up every Friday and Saturday evening" - or words to that effect. I'm wondering if this is a meanwhile use.

I missed that, but you're right:

Two sisters, who grew up on a vineyard, have teamed up to trial their idea for the perfect cheese and wine spot for Londoners. Max and Kelly Tupper's two month pop-up in Brixton will be all about the holy trinity of cheese, meat and wine.

"We don’t pretend to be connoisseurs," says Kelly, "but [we do] want to serve interesting wines from small producer vineyards without baffling guests with a confusing list [and] create a relaxed setting for an indulgent and fun experience where pleasure is paramount but posturing is out."

To that end they'll be serving up a variety of cheese, charcuterie and pate served tapas style on handmade boards. That might be baked camembert, tomato, burrata and truffle oil salad or venison and chilli homemade pate. Each plate is aimed at two sharing.

For the wine, they've teamed up with Vinterest, an independent on-demand wine service and stockist, who supply wines from small, exciting and up-and-coming producers. And there'll also be local beers and ciders on the list too.

The aim is to open somewhere permanent, but for now they're trialling the concept by popping-up every weekend during November and December in Coldharbour Lane.
Tupps Cheese and Wine Bar pops up in Brixton | Latest news | Gastroblog | Hot Dinners

So they're definitely not from Brixton, or indeed south London then

 

[editor]

Oh another note, residents of the Barrier Block will soon be able to look right inside the homes of denizens of the extra vibrant The Edge development on account of the flats having huge ceiling-to-floor windows.

Cash-rich incomers to the 'cut your own groove' block will also be gifted a panoramic view of the poverty-stricken Barrier Block and Moorlands Estate while they sup cocktails on their private balcony.

 

[CH1]

Oh another note, residents of the Barrier Block will soon be able to look right inside the homes of denizens of the extra vibrant The Edge development on account of the flats having huge ceiling-to-floor windows.

Cash-rich incomers to the 'cut your own groove' block will also be gifted a panoramic view of the poverty-stricken Barrier Block and Moorlands Estate while they sup cocktails on their private balcony.

If I were a buyer at The Edge I wouldn't want to see a video of the construction methods. Looks like the walls are basically some sort of fibre board, coated with aluminium foil topped with screw-on brick-effect cladding.

Hope they've done the flammability tests correctly.

 

[aka]

If I were a buyer at The Edge I wouldn't want to see a video of the construction methods. Looks like the walls are basically some sort of fibre board, coated with aluminium foil topped with screw-on brick-effect cladding.

Hope they've done the flammability tests correctly.

Is there a video?

 

[organicpanda]

If I were a buyer at The Edge I wouldn't want to see a video of the construction methods. Looks like the walls are basically some sort of fibre board, coated with aluminium foil topped with screw-on brick-effect cladding.

Hope they've done the flammability tests correctly.

the 'bricks' are actually about ¼ thickness of a normal brick stuck onto some foam. about a metre square and interlocking looks tacky as fuck, but then what do you expect for £450+k these days

 

[CH1]

Is there a video?

There seem to be a couple on the promotional website Home
The first one seems a rehash of the Pop Brixton thing about the New Zealand wine lady with the largest selection of NZ wines in the northern hemisphere.

There's also a guy (guitarist?) who has spent time in the diversity of Zimbabwe, Colombia and the Navaho region of Arizona.

Not sure what either of these have to do with mass-produced flats in East Brixton. But then again maybe they are a distraction from probing too intently into modern building methods?

 

[CH1]

the 'bricks' are actually about ¼ thickness of a normal brick stuck onto some foam. about a metre square and interlocking looks tacky as fuck, but then what do you expect for £450+k these days

Now I've reached the age where the small ads in the Daily Express would advocate a truss for external support, I am bound to ask - how much support do these "bricks" provide?

 

[ChrisSouth]

If I were a buyer at The Edge I wouldn't want to see a video of the construction methods. Looks like the walls are basically some sort of fibre board, coated with aluminium foil topped with screw-on brick-effect cladding.

Hope they've done the flammability tests correctly.

Yup, I've noticed that as I've been past. It does look like tin foil and balsa wood

 

[ChrisSouth]

I missed that, but you're right:

So they're definitely not from Brixton, or indeed south London then

Neither are a lot of people on this board, or those living in Brixton in general.......

 

[alcopop]

Neither are a lot of people on this board, or those living in Brixton in general.......

!!!!

 

[editor]

Neither are a lot of people on this board, or those living in Brixton in general.......

It was supposed to be a lighthearted comment about them 'growing up in a vineyard' and Brixton not having one. Oh well.

 

[Gramsci]

There seem to be a couple on the promotional website Home
The first one seems a rehash of the Pop Brixton thing about the New Zealand wine lady with the largest selection of NZ wines in the northern hemisphere.

There's also a guy (guitarist?) who has spent time in the diversity of Zimbabwe, Colombia and the Navaho region of Arizona.

Not sure what either of these have to do with mass-produced flats in East Brixton. But then again maybe they are a distraction from probing too intently into modern building methods?

Watched the videos and looked at the website.

The guy was a brand photographer. Whatever that is. The three videos showed the demographic that the developer is going for.

White with money.

This development is getting dangerously close to my area. I dont want this anywhere near LJ .

 

[Gramsci]

There seem to be a couple on the promotional website Home
The first one seems a rehash of the Pop Brixton thing about the New Zealand wine lady with the largest selection of NZ wines in the northern hemisphere.

There's also a guy (guitarist?) who has spent time in the diversity of Zimbabwe, Colombia and the Navaho region of Arizona.

Not sure what either of these have to do with mass-produced flats in East Brixton. But then again maybe they are a distraction from probing too intently into modern building methods?

Gentrification is fine as long as one says vibrancy and community enough. That is what I got from the videos

 

[editor]

So, the good news is that Jimmy's Plaice is back, but another shop is going upmarket in that stretch.

The nail bar that's opened up is no ordinary nail bar. It is in fact, a high end nail bar run by a "session manicurist" to the stars.

Ama’s career as a session manicurist continues to open the door for her to be able to work with some of today’s strongest, leading women on stage, screen and in the pages of our favourite fashion and style titles. Including Adwoa Aboah, Annie Lennox, Solange Knowles, Tilda Swinton, Cara Delevingne, Dua Lipa, Claire Foy and Adele to name but a few.

Working with renowned fashion industry power houses such as David Sims, Edward Enninful, Camilla Nickerson, Tim Walker, Phoebe Philo, Nick Knight, Alastair McKimm, Harley Weir, Juergen Teller, Emmanuelle Alt and Grace Coddington has allowed Ama to perfect her craft while working for publications including American, British and French Vogue, i-D, Wallpaper, Dazed & Confused, The Gentlewoman, W Magazine and L’Officiel Paris has cemented her status as a leading nail authority within the fashion and beauty industry.

Her nails have featured in recent campaigns for CELINE, Saint Laurant, Palace, Sotherby’s, Nike, Dior Homme, MAC, Zara, Paul Smith, Joseph and ACNE.

https://amathesalon.com/T
beauty - ama quashie

 

[Gramsci]

There seem to be a couple on the promotional website Home
The first one seems a rehash of the Pop Brixton thing about the New Zealand wine lady with the largest selection of NZ wines in the northern hemisphere.

There's also a guy (guitarist?) who has spent time in the diversity of Zimbabwe, Colombia and the Navaho region of Arizona.

Not sure what either of these have to do with mass-produced flats in East Brixton. But then again maybe they are a distraction from probing too intently into modern building methods?

Taylor Wimpey were on Today in Parliament on radio 4 just now. Top people from TW squirming in front of a select committee trying to explain why extorting money from leaseholders they had sold housing to was ok. In brief TW realised that selling leaseholds meant they could coin it by upping ground rents in future. A clever money making wheeze.

Worth a listen. about half way through.

BBC Radio 4 - Today in Parliament

Why making money whilst giving nothing in return is great business practise that TW now realise was misguided.

Some of these property developers should be put up against a wall and shot. Thats how I felt after listening to them.