Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Alan Stanton on June 29, 2018 at 9:53

No lease, No licence, BIG sound system. Sounds like just the sort of thing every trader needs ? 
And everyone welcomes?

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Permalink Reply by Con2 on June 29, 2018 at 10:39

Not one single resident objected Alan what do you think about that?

It is on an industrial estate, this is 500k investment and 30 new jobs in an area that is falling further and further behind other areas

They have a licence for this weekend

some of the negativity on this forum is thoroughly depressing any wonder Wood Green remains stuck in the past

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Permalink Reply by Christina Davis on June 29, 2018 at 11:32

Seriously I remember when the Pret A Manger opened on the High Road  last year there was actually an article in the ES where 'local residents' complained about gentrification. Now, of course, it is rammed every day! People are somehow managing to swallow that gentrified food down.

Totally fabulous news that Hawker Union like several other entrepreneurs in the area has seen the potential. Local businesses also voted recently to implement the Business Improvement District all down the High Road - it's all very good news for Wood Green. 

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Permalink Reply by Abi on June 29, 2018 at 15:46

I remember that too - hilarious.

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Permalink Reply by Abi on June 29, 2018 at 15:45

Why don't you go and check it out for yourself Alan? It's Friday after all. Why not have a boogie - the BIG sound system will help with that - and you might even have a bit of fun...

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Permalink Reply by Lisa on June 29, 2018 at 16:25

Is it open today?
The website says opening weekend (30th June / 1st Jul), and says regular openning includes Friday from 5pm, but it's not clear if tonight is open...

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Permalink Reply by Paul Harding on June 29, 2018 at 16:16

it hardly matters if you sit at home on HOL 26 hours a day tho does it

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Permalink Reply by Alan Stanton on June 29, 2018 at 17:58

It would be nice if people read what I wrote. Instead of reading into it something I didn't say.
It wasn't very long and contained nothing at all which suggested opposition to this venture as such.

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Permalink Reply by Paul Harding on June 29, 2018 at 21:17

so you gonna go? or just try pick holes in them on here? 

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Permalink Reply by Alan Stanton on June 29, 2018 at 22:33

I've picked no holes, Paul. I've asked reasonable questions about regulatory rules which apply to all such businesses.

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Permalink Reply by JHauptman on June 29, 2018 at 22:31

Alan you appear to be of an age whereby you've indulged in your share of bread and circuses.

What is often seen on community forums like this is the adoption of the market-driven economy as and when it fits. But I would not be surprised to find those people supporting this venture in their one-line affirmations showing disdain for a market-led economy in other areas of their lives.

The original mention of this business was by its founders and highlighted the regulations and licencing requirements. The same regulations and hurdles that face every other business in London and Haringey. 

There are usually quite well considered arguments for such regulation. Certainly more considered than "it's sunny and I'd like a burger and a dance nearby. I hate taking the tube".

Industrial estates throughout London are being developed. or rents are being raised to levels which are no longer affordable for existing businesses. So the teachers, nurses, bus drivers etc of the industrial world can no longer operate in London. Is this tenable? 

Well, of course it's not. But, certain councils are keen to accommodate 'placemakers' so that their developer friends can ask more for their 2-bed apartments.

It is no coincidence that outfits like Streetfeast are venturing into Wood Green. They are no longer welcome by the inner London councils. The licensing has become restrictive because of their 'externalities'. To you and me, they are the noise, violence, vomit and general antisocial byproducts of the booze and burger culture.

But back to the simple economics, the idea that a fictitious 30 new jobs and £xm of investment is a boon for the area is patently false. The food and beverage industry in the UK is in quite dire straits. With stagnant wages, the idea that it's anything more than a zero-sum game can't be justified.

Whatever money goes into this venture MUST come from another. Ie. Local, business rates paying, licensed, planning permissioned, and fully taxed businesses will naturally be at a disadvantage and lose custom to those that aren't.

So, while good music and food on a lovely summer's evening is an attractive proposition. There is a lot more to consider.

Let's take the Green Rooms gift from Haringey Council to private operators as an example. In the business plan, the operators stated that they would be saving the borough £X000s/worker based on the Job seekers allowance. Utter nonsense given that the government covers these costs. They also assured London Living Wages, which they do not pay. They received a grant and pay a peppercorn rent on a prime site within 200m of a tube station. Placemakers for developers' profits.

Unfortunately, the belief that 'rejuvenation', 'gentrification'. or whatever term you want to use is predicated on food and liquor is still pervasive in Haringey Council.

The only time I have seen push-back against this was when Cllr Goldberg (Regeneration and Economic Development) addressed 100ish entreprenuers  at local bar and stated that " I'm not against late licences, I love the funky things you're doing late at night. We should have a more funky places and do more funky things together".

You can imagine the scene as 100 millenials' internal dialogues simultaneously wheezed "Daaaad!"

It was very nearly the end of Tottenham as the 'next cool place'.

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Permalink Reply by Alan Stanton on June 30, 2018 at 0:38

Thanks, JHauptman for your thoughtful and very wide-ranging comment. The themes you raise are some that I've mentioned or thought about. The broad brush picture you paint is one I recognise and you seem to have a much better grasp of the issues than me. Plus - it appears - some inside knowledge.

But even so, isn't it too early to make any assumptions about one business - "Street Feast"? 

Anyway who can blame businesses for taking a previous "cabinet" councillor seriously? Although I'm unsure how many of his neighbours in Muswell Hill would support a call for more late licenses in or near their own homes.

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