My multicultural, all-inclusive locale is no longer so (not that it in truth was anyway). It is chock-full of delicatessens, tanning bars, estate agents, chain cafes, shitshacks, plus tourists saying how fantastic it is.

I wanted to buy some smoked paprika and medium hot chilli powder this afternoon, except the Indian food shops have A) departed or B) Carry only a limited range of spices.

I shall have to go to Drummond Street to buy them.

that they have their very own London forum?

I lived in Hackney for 2 years. I haven't been back since I left to go back to North London about 2 years ago. I got a phonecall from an old friend of mine tonight bemoaning how Hackney has become a dual identity area with loads of trendies moving in.

a lot of hackney is in fact in north london: namely the bits in n1, n4 and n16

but there are a load of trendies moving in: the population of hackney's gone up by 20% in the last 10 years

1" of snow and the city is fucked.

Only 20%? TBH it feels like much, a great deal more...I feel claustophobic and am looking forward to moving away.

I know, but it's even now counted as East London.

only 20%

who by?

Most folks I know view Hackney as being East London, though Tottenham next door is recognised as North London. I assume Hackney should be North-East London. To be stringently accurate I'm in North-West London now.