Midda’s Chickens « This Is Stoke Newington

48 Responses to “Midda’s Chickens”

Ben Says:
February 14, 2008 at 11:20 am
A weird choice – I can’t imagine it will be massively popular in that location. Whereas I can see a Starbucks or a Caffe Nero or similar being chock full throughout the day.

Pedantically: surely Fresh and Wild is a chain, albeit a much smaller one?
Kris Says:
February 14, 2008 at 11:23 am
yes, you’re right. I don’t really think of Fresh and Wild as a chain, but they most certainly are.

Least I know where to get some chicken wings – which is just what I need – not!
Luke Akehurst Says:
February 15, 2008 at 10:45 am
Oddbins is a chain too.
Kris Says:
February 15, 2008 at 2:19 pm
Well done. I prefer to do business with Jim at Clissold Wines, so Oddbins didn’t spring to mind. I also didn’t take into account betting shops. Maybe we’ll catch up with Hackney Central in that regard soon.

Nevertheles, I see Nandos as the opening of the truly tasteless floodgates. Even Luke will remember that the Vortex once stood on the site before Midda demolished it contrary to planning permission. The Vortex, yes, the former cultural lynchpin of the street.

But hey, who cares.
Ms Baroque Says:
February 15, 2008 at 8:37 pm
Oh, God.
Linda S Says:
February 15, 2008 at 10:43 pm
Fresh and Wild/Whole Foods are a multi-national chain that have the audacity to display posters reassuring their customers that they are choosing to ’shop local’.

Personally I can’t wait for the new Tesco’s on the High Street to open so I can avoid F & W altogether. At least there you pay for what you get and you are not charged extra for a large dose of smugness with your shopping.
bryn Says:
February 16, 2008 at 8:36 am
Linda I take your point. I can’t bear fresh and wild as it is just smug and expensive and full of yummy mummies with big pushchairs.

I have to say that I actually quite like a Nandos now and then and I hope and expect that the yummy mummy crowd with their maclarens will think it too low for them (so I am all for it). Anyways should the mummies invade I can always walk to Dalston. Bryn
Ms Baroque Says:
February 16, 2008 at 11:56 am
God, I loathe Nandos. Bad food in ugly surroundings. All-you-can-drink Cokes. Ugh.

Fresh & Wild – or its parent company, Whole Foods – is takinvg over America and doing a Starbucks on the entire health-food-shop sector, at huge vast prices. Locally, I went in there the other day when I left work early, because I was ill, and I needed bread. I just wanted a small white Spence loaf, which I know they sell in there, for like 20p more. Wrong! They’ve put it up to £2.59!! For a SMALL LOAF! I asked a guy about it, but he was young and lame, and kept talking about the price of flour going up.

In the end I threw the paper bag I was holding back onto the loaves, and said that ill as I was I’d rather walk back up to the Spence to get it. Sure enough, in the Spence the loaf is still £1.400 or thereabouts. Naked greed.

And don’t even talk to me about those smug gits who shop there, especially on a Saturday. I hate them.

Well! How’s that! Nice cup of tea, anyone?
Ms Baroque Says:
February 16, 2008 at 11:58 am
£1.40 of course I mean. Prices have risen slightly in the Spence, but not by 75%. And I noted that F&W hadn’t put every other loaf up by 90p!
aDM Says:
February 16, 2008 at 7:28 pm
Nando’s is by far the best fast food chain out there. Really clever little place. Food isn’t bad either if you take it for what it is.

The one in Soho is popular with a few stars (Jude Law for example) so its had a good bit of publicity of late and aiming to be a bit of a boutique amongst chains

Deservedly so. Staff are pleasant and the prices are okay. Chicken pitta is decent fast food. And if you have kids and get that ‘fast food pressure’ then its better than McDonalds.

It would be worse if it was a frikkin’ Starbucks. The Rubbish Coffee Empire.
Ms Baroque Says:
February 17, 2008 at 10:46 pm
aDM, well I take your point but for one thing, there is a Nando’s already half a mile away.

Secondly, I think the key words in your tatement above are “for what it is” – surely we could do beetter than that. I seem to recall a nice little coffee shop/restaurant/jazz bar that once stodd on the premises, where I used to take my toddlers for lunch.

Thirdly, I think the whole problem with Stoe Nwengton these days could usefully be summed up as “Jude Law Disease” – no no brownie points for encouraging everybody to want to be MORE like him!

On the other hand, if all the irritating gits go to Nando’s with their spoilt, overdressed children, maybe I can have my coffee in peace.
Ms Baroque Says:
February 17, 2008 at 10:46 pm
Okay, make that three things. And apols as usual for typos, it really is a curse.
Kris Says:
February 18, 2008 at 1:39 pm
Does anyone really think that the Stoke Newington ladies will take little Cosmo, Freya and Tarquin for luncheon at Nandos?!

I too recall a nice little coffee shop/restaurant/jazz bar that once stood on the premises.

The beginning of the end of Church Street as we once knew it. Middasville, here we come.
PC Bitseach Says:
February 20, 2008 at 8:44 pm
Hmm…I just hope they sort out the local mouse issue prior to the opening… must confess I like the spicy peri-peri chicken though I can’t often afford it now and have no chance next year – THANKS JACQUI BLOODY SMITH!

I just hope it doesn’t attract rough types though, like those bloody Church St nazi-mothers and whiny unchivalrous dads who don’t mind their children’s inconsiderate behaviour to go unchecked in case it crushes their little mimosa-like spirits and who see every footpath encounter as a game of push-chair chicken and have little sharp knives sticking out from their jogger-chair’s wheel-nuts Ben-hur styleee. Anyone else been poked in the eye by the stiff plastic flag on one of those bloody kiddy-cart things in F&W whilst the adult version runs into your ankles on the other side? Heaven forfend these spawn should have any discipline! Or manners!! Or thought for others!!! I can never work out if the average Stoke Newington Parent’s selfishness is more Gordon Gecko-ist or just plain old-fashioned Thatcherite… answers on a post-card to Kris please. Harrumph!
Bits’
Jody Says:
March 4, 2008 at 11:48 am
I don’t go in Fresh and Wild. I don’t go in Oddbins and I won’t be going in Nando’s. I think a Nando’s opening on Church St is really sad. I see it as the beginning of a downward spiral where Stokey loses its individuality and just becomes a small version of Upper Street.

Also anyone who has actually eaten chicken peri-peri will be aware that what Nando’s serve is rubbish!
alex c Says:
March 7, 2008 at 11:42 am
It’s true, it will be a Nandos.

Application Details

Application Number: 2007/3285
Site Address: 139-141 Stoke Newington Church Street, London N16 0UH

Development Proposal: Installation of an internally illuminated fret cut logo sign.

Decision: GRANTED

Status Description: FINAL DECISION

Case Officer Name: Tyler Sharratt

Case Officer Telephone Number: 020 8356 8146

Applicant Name: Stephen Duplesis

Applicant Address: Nandos Erico House 93-99 Upper Richmond Road SW15 2TG
Tim Says:
March 10, 2008 at 2:27 pm
I sympathise with you all – of course it’s sad to see a much loved area change.

However, I’m saddened and appalled by your attitude towards ‘yummy mummies’ and their children. I once thought that Stoke Newington prided itself on being an inclusive and welcoming community. But having just witnessed the prejudice and inverted snobbery posted on this site, I realise I was wrong.

Having a Nando’s on Church St is the least of your problems…
Kris Says:
March 10, 2008 at 7:18 pm
“Prejudice and inverted snobbery against the yummy mummies”?….

Hello, Tim and welcome to the show.

Perhaps it would be of assistance to define our terms before getting out of our respective prams (geddit?)

For me, at any rate, the label, “yummy mummy” makes reference to a particular breed of young mother. I would say that the mothers to whom I and others here refer can be identified by their total disregard for anyone or anything.

If that somehow in your world makes me “bad”, so be it.

Next.

PS
Go on, excoriate me for this one too.
Lisa Says:
March 14, 2008 at 5:06 pm
Ive been in Stokey for 13 years. And my daughter grew up here. As a single parent I found the community incredibly supportive. And yes even then there were lots of kids and it was great. I needed there to be other families out there to share childcare with etc. I know what you mean about ‘yummy mummy’s” Its the most foul term on the planet. Ans sometimes I get this little urge to just push that big fat buggy out of the way but they are not the issue here. And by the way, kids love nandos so dont think you will be getting any peace and quiet in there! Church street has always been a great place to hang out (although now getting somewhat white and very middleclass). I like the bit of sanity I feel not being bombarded by loads of chain stores. I like the small shops. I dont even go to the supermarket very often. I try to support the locals. Most of you seem incredibly selfish. It shouldnt only be about what YOU want, It;s about preserving a space that doesnt bombard you with loads of commercialism. Yes Church street is full of Estate agents, has a Fresh and Wild. When is it going to stop? Do we want the entire street to be taken over? L
Mudkip Says:
March 14, 2008 at 6:02 pm
Yeah, this is really NOT a good thing. I’m a little cross, to say the least.
Midda’s Chickens Part Deux « This Is Stoke Newington Says:
March 14, 2008 at 6:32 pm
[...] on the above and feel the pain of someone a bit late to the party. Posted in Anti Social Behaviour, Councils, Hackney, Idiots, Property [...]
sam Says:
March 14, 2008 at 6:41 pm
i just dont want it
sam Says:
March 14, 2008 at 6:45 pm
for the same reasons as lisa and mudkip
Matt Says:
March 17, 2008 at 2:32 pm
Just what the street needs, yet another eating establishment and a not very good one at that.
Katherine Says:
March 18, 2008 at 5:38 pm
Does anybody have the address posted in a few shop windows on the Church Street about opposing the Nando’s?
Kris Says:
March 18, 2008 at 8:12 pm
Katherine

I’ve got a photo of the sign at Midda’s Chickens Part Deux.
Jane Says:
March 20, 2008 at 12:26 pm
Nandos is an ugly place with ugly food that attracts the sort of people who will happily dump chicken bones and take-away boxes and shout loudly on the street. Those of you who display your inverted snobbery by bad mouthing the parents of SN and the relatively global-chain free shopping experience (while still choosing to live in the area) don’t know what you’re letting yourselves in for. Nandos will not only change the character of SN it will open the way for all the other chains to come in and soon Church Street will look like evey other shopping area in Britain – bland, ubiquitous, depressing and full of fried chicken joints. If you want Nandos please go to Dalston.
Richard Says:
March 21, 2008 at 1:38 pm
There is already fast chicken joint next to the Spence,been there for years,no one seems to object to that. A source of litter as are all fast food joints. Actually although not a fan of Nandos the food is reasonably priced,not everyone in Stoke Newington can afford to eat in gastro pubs.Also no one objected Kentucky Fried Chicken in the High St.For real cheap good food Kingsland High Rd and environs can’t be beaten both Turkish and Vietnamese.
As for Church St it wasn’t designed for bendy buses or tractor prams.
I grew up in S.N and there was a dearth of places to eat and drink, it is now vastly improved,Sam Shedeens is sadly missed though.
Kris Says:
March 21, 2008 at 1:51 pm
Dear Richard

I think the fried chicken place next to the Spence died and became a Thai fast food place which also died and then transformed to the Tea Rooms which seems to be busy.

“Sam Shedeens”? WTF is “Sam”?

sorry, cheap shot, but I couldn’t resist.

As for Jane, it appears you are inviting the hoards to fuck off down to Dalston while calling us [inverted] snobs in the same breath. What you appear to be missing is that we [the pezzies?] don’t want Nandos either. Or maybe you are referring to other pezzies who aren’t the “yummy mummies”. Sorry, I am confused.
Rhapsody in Stokey Says:
March 23, 2008 at 10:29 am
I stumbled across this blog this morning and was totally depressed by it. Your opinions on everything seem incredibly fixed so I know this comment won’t change your minds one bit, but I wanted you to know that to a devoted Stokey resident who is coming to this conversation fresh, your anger and lack of tolerance for anyone who doesn’t live the way you want them to is dispiriting. It seems anti-Stokey, for lack of a better word. One of the attractions of this place is that it has community spirit and tolerance, a tradition that goes back centuries. I agree with the writer above. You don’t seem primarily interested in preserving the spirit of the street and the range of choice available but in denying people the right to make a choice. This kind of paternalism is a bizarre relic of the welfare state. You have no faith in the resilience of the existing shops to hold their own and no faith in people to make the “right” decisions (according to who?) Let people (yes, even yummy mummies – I’m not sure who you mean but I bet they’re quite capable of rational thought) make up their own minds. And if you don’t like it, then be sure to support independent shops. If you’re looking for fast food, go to Green Lanes for Turkish takeaway – it’s delicious and as fast as Nando’s and comes with a salad!
Kris Says:
March 23, 2008 at 10:50 am
“You don’t seem primarily interested in preserving the spirit of the street and the range of choice available but in denying people the right to make a choice”.

Rhap,

Why mystifies me is you seem to want to have your cake and eat it. You want the “right of the people” to have Nandos, and yet want to “preserve the spirit of the street”. I would have thought the two mutually exclusive.

The point, just in case you’ve been in a coma over the past few years, is that the “preservation of the spirit of the street” is a bit of a lost cause.

The spirit of the street vapourised the day Richard Midda bought the old Vortex and Hackney Council allowed the planning permission for the site to be changed from “Jazz Bar” to “restaurant”

So eat your chicken wings, I’m not stopping you.

NB

And just in case you need reminding, it was Richard Midda who was behind the Broadway Market debacle. I wonder if you think the Broadway Market has, “retained it’s spirit”?

Here, you can tell Tracy Emin to mind her own with regard to Brick Lane too: http://property.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/property/buying_and_selling/article3589417.ece
Ms Baroque Says:
March 23, 2008 at 11:59 am
Wow, this ran and ran! Who knew. Great conversation. Lisa, I too am a local mother who raised three kids here in Stoke Newington – the youngest is now 14.

I remember when, for example, the Stoke Newington Festival was a truly local affair that we used to take the babies to. It felt local, it felt about pride in Stoke Newington, and it was fun for the kids. Now look! NO ONE can say the current festival is like that.

I remember when the best babywear shop in Church St – Encore – was secondhand and exchange, where us “unyummy” mummies used to go to outfit our kids for a fraction. Everyone went there – it was a meeting place and a source of information, a real hub (not a Hub; I like Hub but I can’t afford it and its clothes are too small for me anyway, and I’m not that huge).

I remember when you could push your babies down Church St without being driven off the pavement by people five times more affluent and pretentious, when baby buggies used to be smaller than small cars… of course there was pretension even then, but it wasn’t as bad as it is now because I think there was maybe less money… or what was it? We moved here because it was cheap! I remember when that crescent opposite the park was a huge squat – it put its flavour over the whole neighbourhood, its denizens worked in all the restaurants and were nannies and just were a big part of the local texture., I heard there was even a school in there. They were a VERY valuable antidote to the social pretension that was creeping even then.

These new people have moved here because it’s trendy, and they seem awfully young to be able to afford the current prices, and I think that’s the difference. They seem conservative to me, conventional and bland and showy-offy.

Richard, I think you are right: it used to be VERY different here. Once there was nowhere to eat, even I can almost remember that. But then there was a point when it was great, it felt like people could do interesting things, it was funky and real, and then it tipped over that point. And now it has tipped over THAT point, because Kris is right: Nando’s will change everything.

To whover it was who talked about trusting in the ability of small shops to “hold their own” I call to mind the example of Neal St, WC2. I remember that when it was full of old guys with barrows. Neals Yard was a ropey little health-food place, Food for Thought was there because it was cheap, and what shops did open there were small indies. Over the course of the eighties the neighbourhood got more and more commercial, the shops (Red or Dead, eg) got more trendy, and then one day – like a harbinger – Our Price opened. The first chain store.

And now look at it up there. Shockin.

The worry is that, with the Fresh & Wild Yummy Mummy syndrome on the one hand and the Nando’s odiousness and threat of more chains on the other hand, the essential character of Church St will be squeezed out of all existence.

Kris, it may be that this change happened not when Midda moved in – it was already on the cards, wasn’t it – but when the old family-owned lumberyard was forced out and Fresh & Wild took its premises over.

Yes, Broadway Market has gone the same way. Shame, shame. Though I was happy down there when L’Eau a la Bouche opened – owned by the man who used to manage Church St’s The Cooler, which went bust, but that is another story.

By the way, the Ark, which is a little gift shop down the High St near the bagel place, has in its window a canvas shopping bag reminiscent of Anya Hindmarch’s “this is not a plastic bag” fashion thing. Written on it in swirly writing, in red sequins, is the phrase “Yummy mummy.” Another sign that they day has been had, I think.
MaryT Says:
March 26, 2008 at 1:25 pm
Having lived in the area for 25 years – before it became disturbingly known as Stokey – I have no problem with Nando’s moving in. Not because I would use it, because I wouldn’t and I try not to use supermarkets or global chains either, but because I am very aware that however “nice” Stoke Newington church street is, it is too expensive for most of the community who live here. And by community I do not just mean the yummy parents, but also other people, who unlike the above bloggers, would not be able to afford a loaf of bread for £1.40p! People on lower wages cannot afford to shop from Stoke Newington church street.
I speak as a person on quite a good wage but who finds it crazy to pay the extortionate prices on the street, indeed I generally shop on the high street because it’s cheaper.

As I said, I am generally against multinationals, however I recognize that the “villagey” Stoke Newington is only affordable for a minority of local residents. If you are unemployed or low waged there is no chance that you can shop on this idyllic village, and that is not particularly inclusive if you ask me.

Enjoy.
MaryT
Kris Says:
March 26, 2008 at 11:11 pm
Dear Mary

Years ago, I worked with an older lady who lived in Hertfordshire. She was surprised when I told her I lived in Stoke Newington and she said that she grew up on Yoakley Road. She made me laugh when she said: “It weren’t up to much then”. She also told me that her father couldn’t give their house away when he wanted to sell. She was amazed when I told her how much people were paying now to live there.

I too remember riding the 73 up to Church Street for the first time about 13 years ago and thinking: “what a dump”.

It was a dump. But it had the Vortex and the High Street had Due South and I liked the vibe of the place. Quite frankly, I moved here because it was lesbian central and I wanted to have the chance of actually getting a girlfriend.

It has changed. It’s not just Nandos, it’s the fact that the Vortex is gone and replaced by a bloody Nandos and Due South is gone, finally to be replaced by a Tesco Metro. Just what the world (or precisely, Stoke Newington) needs, more fast food and another convenience store. Woohoo. And God knows where the girls have gone.

Do people think do my weekly shop in Fresh & Wild etc? Yep, that’s me: a jackass with a cappuchino, a blackberry and a pram running people off the pavement!

Why is it if I tell you I’m not I am an “inverted snob”?!

Perhaps I should just fuck off to Chiswick – oh wait. I’m already here.
Downsey Says:
March 27, 2008 at 1:52 pm
Nandos is deece.
Jolie Says:
March 27, 2008 at 6:27 pm
can email here or here to express your opinions.

If they used free range chickens I wouldn’t have a problem but they don’t. We don’t need another peri peri chicken cafe
Jolie Says:
March 27, 2008 at 9:00 pm
sorry here is the email address… swop dots and ats for the usual…

Keri Perkins. kerip.at.nandos.dot.co.dot .uk
Sal Says:
March 28, 2008 at 9:55 am
What a horrible thead. I’m shocked by the bile and hatred and the grotesque cliches and steryotyping which are as bad as any. Who are these ‘yummy mummies’ you are referring to? I have lived in stoke newington since ‘91 and have recently become a mother. I have discovered a new and very supportive community on my journey into motherhood. All the mums I know locally come from various back grounds and ended up here for all sorts of reasons. People do still move here because compared to many parts of the rest of london its still relatively cheap believe it or not. I’ve seen it change in good and bad ways. I still love living here. I do believe we should try support the local independent shops and object to the chains – nandos is not a good addition to the street in my opinion. I am not a fan of Fresh and Wild but I do I am afraid shop there when its more convienient than going to Mother Earth. But I support the market too – of which we should be very proud. Rather than slagging off the incomers (what a dull cliche!) why don’t you look to see what we still have ‘growing communities’ the local shops the community initiatives that are still strong and thriving and support them.
daniela Says:
April 2, 2008 at 1:13 am
Hi everyone….

Only this morning I got the terrible news and was looking for the email address of the anti nando’s campaign because I DON’T WANT A NANDO IN CHURCH STREET, NOR A STARSUCKS OR TESCO OR ANY OTHER CHAIN (bloody whole food is more than enough) and accidentally got into this “this is stoke newington”

I think Sal is right and rather then arguing on who is what and why and how, we should try to do something to stop Nando’s and the rest of them from opening their hell’s gates into our amazing community? Or at least try… which is better than just watch them saying they are too powerful….

Do you have any info? Is there a committee already at work? I will conduct a proper research tomorrow…. and I hope you will all do the same unless you like Nando’s and in that case well, we should all get what we deserve

If the buying stops, the killing can too
Kris Says:
April 2, 2008 at 7:19 am
Stop Nandos?

Think, “shutting the gate after the horse has bolted”.

The “committee” to which your refer might have been the Hackney Labour planning sub-committee who, despite thousands of signatures on a petition and countless letters, voted for a change of use from a jazz bar to a restaurant. That was a couple of years ago.
daniela Says:
April 4, 2008 at 10:31 am
I was there when they closed the jazz cafe…. I campaigned and signed the petition and hoped that something could be done…. of course I was wrong. Although I am a dreamer I am not naive… I know how the business work….. There is not a chance to prevent Nando’s from opening I know…. but we can try to arise awareness on what Nando’s and the rest of them are…. believe me most people don’t know…. you may say they don’t care…. some don’t but most people simply ignore the consequences of chain development….. now what about boycotting them? We don’t have much power but at least the freedom not to go there and convince people to do the same and if it doesn’t work…. again we should all get what we deserve….
Suzanne Says:
April 6, 2008 at 8:14 pm
I was born and grew up in Stoke Newington and still live there, just a stone’s throw from Church Street. I have seen it change drastically during my life (I’m 55). Yes, it’s nice to see the street thriving but who does it cater for? Not the people it used to..but the people who have moved in and made it their ‘Stokey’…the yuppies and “yummy mummies”.

Not everyone lives in houses which cost 1/2 million pound…which a lot of the properties do around the area. Many, like me, are still working class and don’t have the money to spend in restaurants with exorbitant prices as most are in Church Street and the surrounding streets. As for our children and grandchildren, they also would like to eat out as well as the new inhabitants’ young Henrys and Jemimas. Our Janets and Johns would like to eat out too but unfortunately don’t have parents with the money to allow them to do so or don’t earn enough to pay the ridiculous prices for the overpriced food. Why should our children/grandchildren have to travel to another district just to eat out at less expensive eateries?

Stoke Newington prides itself on being multi-cultural with no race prejudice but prejudice is rife when it come to the new breed of “Stokeys” and the original inhabitants.

Well done to Nando’s for wanting to come into the area. I doubt any petitions bounding around will be fruitful and long, they rein in Stoke Newington.

As for the ridiculous example being bounded around as to what to complain to the council about to try and stop Nando’s from opening…that it would be opposite a school and the children would be in danger of people coming out of Nando’s drunk and harming them in some way or getting in their cars and drinking under the influence and causing an accident involving a child, that is nonsense! The proposed Nano’s will be at number 139-141 Church Street…there is pub at number 132, even nearer than Nano’s will be, almost next door to the school! I see none of the yuppy users of the pub have tried to have it closed down to keep their children safe..it’s still there!

The original inhabitants of Stoke Newington..and there are many…have a right to eat out as well as the people who have invaded the area!

It’s a wonder a petition has never been set up to have Wetherspoons in the Rochester Castle closed down..or is that far enough away from “millionaire’s row” Church Street?

As for not wanting a “chain” restaurant on Church Street..does this mean there will be yet another petition to close down Rasa? Rasa, in case people do not already know, is a chain..ok it’s not as large as Nando’s…but it IS a chain nonetheless and a very popular restaurant with the old inhabitants of Stoke Newington and the new.

What on earth are these people who want to stop Nando’s moving in really afraid of?
Kris Says:
April 6, 2008 at 9:31 pm
“The original inhabitants of Stoke Newington..and there are many…have a right to eat out as well as the people who have invaded the area!”

Oh fucking hell…

In case you hadn’t noticed, Stoke Newington is wall to wall restaurants, of all descriptions.

Nevertheless, thank you for writing in: I’m looking forward to the rise of the proletariat at nandos for £10 a plate.

Woohoo!

ps And their chips (fries) suck.
Power to the People « This Is Stoke Newington Says:
April 9, 2008 at 5:52 pm
[...] Sorry. Posted in Ambition, Councils, Hackney, Hackney Bloggers, Idiots, London, Property developers. [...]
Tony Rich Says:
April 13, 2008 at 11:39 am
http://WWW.BOYCOTTNANDOS.ORG.UK

If you want to stop talking about it and want to actively help to do something about it. Then write to me at boycottnandosn16@live.com and volunteer.

You’ll be joining over 700 involved local residents and local businesses from the whole spectrum of Stoke Newington (yes thats right we have everyone involved from all ages, races and class).
If anything it will help you move away from the computer and out into trying to do something for your local community.

Tony (Boycott Nandos Campaign Secretary)
Dean Says:
June 15, 2008 at 10:29 am
Dear,

Kris are you an insecure snob or just a bourgeoisie toffee-nosed wannabee, its hard to tell. Your obviously a person who moved into the area 5 minutes ago and wants to claim soveriegnty on the street.

Some of us are actually born and brought up in the area and have seen you and like trying to act like you invented stokey- quite amusing if you think about.

Whats even more amusing is that you now want to dictate who should open up next on the street. Do me a favour and do your homework properly. There are already a few chains already on Church Street, so go and campaign against them – Mr HIGH and Mighty.

I speak for those of us that have actually lived in or around Church Street for past TWENTY YEARS and on ther behalf I say to you Johnny come latelys get a life, as STOKEY was here before you came and it will be here after you go. This is not about Nandos at all, its about you and your kind trying lay claim to Church Street. Stokey’s appeal is based on it’s inclusiveness not is exclusiveness. – LORD KRIS i think not.

PS. the only reason you moved to Stokey, was your middle class wannabee self could not afford Upper Street.
ojs Says:
June 26, 2008 at 11:46 am
dear all..

this has been the best read i have had in ages..

sweeping statements and uninformed opinions are rife..

for those of you who dont welcome change can i suggest you move to camberwick green or the outer hebrades where i am sure you will be safe from the chain gang..

surely the proof will be in the eating.. if nando’s is not liked and the customers fail to come it fail and close down..

personally i hope it will force some of the run down indipendents into upping their game..

and now it’s open is anyone surprised at what a beautifully quirky interior it is and not at all the KFC fit out i’m sure a lot of you presumed..

is anyone concerned about the real problems in london..
Kris Says:
June 26, 2008 at 6:17 pm
lol