What DO we want on Northcote Road??? Locked

[tfraser]

This really is unfortunate. I never heard a bad word spoken about All Good Gifts. Bought loads of stuff there over the years - a real community asset. What with two independent book shops, one butcher, a barber, the fishmonger (ok he's still there with a small market stall), health food shop, wine merchants, small supermarket, café(s) and probably many more outlets, the heart is being stripped out of the street.

At the risk of sounding like a smart arse, I predicted this many years ago - that Northcote Road would end up looking like the King's Road (SW3) - full of expensive or bland chain outlets, robbed of real local character and quirkiness. Such is the ultimate price of gentrification in a free market economy, combined with the difficulty of operating a retail outlet in the online shopping age.

I just hope the Webbs Road independents stay that way.

I couldn't agree more, i bought my flat in 2005, loved walking past Tony's cafe (now franca manca) and the Bolingbroke bookshop was a delight. Really hope the Honey shop, Henessys and Antiques market survive. We do need another sports/fashion store selling overpriced sportswear!

[ChrisLR]

Lots of empty shops down the ‘quiet’ end of Northcote Road. What’s happens to Park Road Kitchen - they are taking a very long holiday soon after reducing opening hours. Are they planning to close? Would be gutted if so.

[szerma]

We had brunch at Arlo’s the other day and it was delightful. They seem really busy, and so are Bill’s and Made in Italy. When will businesses wake up to the fact that reasonably priced restaurants selling good food do really well on Northcote Road? And not boutique clothes shops nor yet another overpriced sports shop! (Seriously, how many do we need???? Sweaty Betty has just moved to replace Phase Eight).

[sloaney donkey]

I would like a vape shop

So much better than gaspers

I miss the Peppermint flavour

[legs11]

I had dinner at Arlo's at the weekend and it wasn't good at all. I was so disappointed as I was so pleased to have an independent rather than another chain.

The steak was mediocre which would have been fine in a general restaurant but not in a place that specialises in steak. The sauces were from jars. The sides were poor - greasy chips and caramelised pineapple which wasn't actually caramelised just covered in cinnamon. The house red as undrinkable - I left half a bottle which is unheard of for me.

Back to Roxy's for me if I feel like a steak - much better value and taste!

[juliantenniscoach]

Oh no that's not good at all. I was going to take the DD's for a daddy day care treat. Maybe you could drop them a line to see if they're responsive. I had a similar experience at Bryon's when they opened and spoke to them, and have to say their response was amazing. I've been back since too.

Maybe they had or are having early opening blips? By the way, has anyone tried 'Fixed'? Suitable for a family late tea etc?

[legs11]

Yes I've been to Fixed and really enjoyed it. Great food and good value. Whether it would be good for a family tea depends on the age of your children. My little ones wouldn't like the food but perhaps they're just fussy

[SW11er]

I would give arlo’s a go. We had a good meal there. Kids menu is good value.

Fixed is also good value. If you go at tea time with the kids go on a Sunday when kids eat free!

Both are worth a trip.

[juliantenniscoach]

@SW11er Thanks for the tip.

[ChrisLR]

Park Road Kitchen has announced it’s closed for good. Real shame, people just didn’t use it - the quiet end of Northcote Road is getting ever quieter!

[Confitegg]

Park Road Kitchen has announced it’s closed for good. Real shame, people just didn’t use it - the quiet end of Northcote Road is getting ever quieter!

Shame I like PRK but also maybe they have too many in close proximity, though there are more empty shops, and those that want out, at that end than I can ever remember.

[monaco]

We really liked parkroad kitchen at the beginning and had high hopes it’ll get close to a frenc traiteur with main courses changing regularly. But they kept the same menu for months on end so we lost interest. Might have been the same for other customers. They could have kept the rotisserie concept but added one different main course once a week and different vegetables every three days or so.

[allgoodgifts]

[manureva]

No more banks or Estate agents is the consensus!
I'd love a great sushi place or a "classy" lebanese restaurant!

[juliantenniscoach]

The restaurant 'Fixed' has closed down. I have to admit I never went there so I don't know if it will be missed or not? The former Cluttons site is going to be a financial services company, the nature of which I don't know, and whose name I've forgotten, sorry.