On our last day in Camden, Nick and I broke for a quick breakfast. We parted at Chalk Farm road, he turning left for Fish and Chips (the last obligatory British meal for this half-British man that he would be eating in a long time) and I right for a local place I had found on foursquare. My Village Cafe, although literally a stone’s throw away from Stables Market was surprisingly devoid of tourists and felt like a relatively local spot. This was a resounding plus, as large crowds are not really my thing (except when I am drunk it’s the weekend, because nothing matters when you’re drunk and it’s the weekend). Overall, I only really have good things to say about this place.
The owner, a Kurdish man living in London, was extremely friendly, and even offered to exhibit my photography work in his restaurant free of charge after seeing me take a few photos, if I were ever to come back to London. Although I might never actually get the opportunity to take him up on it, the offer alone was extremely kind. And as Nick popped round to pick me up, the man offered to put my tea in a take away cup, adding extra hot water. It’s the little things, I tell you. It really stuck in my memory and I thought to myself, if only everybody ran their businesses with such love and attention and clear enthusiasm. A friend once said to me that only assholes get ahead in this world, but I beg to disagree. You get what you put out into this world, and if you treat everyone with respect and kindness (for the most part) it will eventually be returned. Of course, our actions shouldn’t really be based on some anticipated reaction, but I think you are picking up what I’m putting down.
Going to a place where almost everything on the menu was fair game was also pretty awesome. I went with the falafel plate. The falafel itself was slightly dry and crumbly, but still extremely tasty, as was the sauce that came with the salad. If you find yourself in Camden, I would definitely pop by for lunch.
I also have to say that even if you are only travelling for a long weekend, it’s always really nice to have a few moments to yourself. Nick and I had a fabulous two full days, but I also really value being able to experience my destination of travel as the individual human that I am – to have a half an hour to myself and my thoughts. It’s also is a great opportunity to sort of pretend you are living wherever it is you may be. It’s kinda like micro-testing out the waters without your opinion being influenced by anything else. Verdict? Sign me up. I’m ready to move to London. That and, My Village Cafe has been added to the places-where-I-definitely-want-to-be-able-to-say-I’ll-have-the-regular-and-the-guy-will-know-what-I-am-talking-about list.
Photography: Rae Tashman
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