Tel Aviv meets Boulogne
The enchanting double life of NW11
OLDERS GREEN IS the bustling c u l t u r a l a n d religious hub of the Jewish community, with an array of kosher delis, butchers, bakers, grocers and restaurants. A cappuccino culture also thrives. Temple Fortune, meanwhile, has maintained both its haimishe atmosphere and its separate character as a village. In some ways it seems that time has stood still in this little corner of North West London.
Joseph’s bookshop carries the most amazing selection and you’ll find all manner of Judaica and books at Aisenthal. If you want to have your mezuzot checked, compile a wedding list, or buy a Shabbat lamp, Aisenthal can oblige. The grocery stores are reminiscent of Israeli mini-supermarkets or makolets. And every so often a French market pops up.
As a couple from Ilford who travel in on a Friday morning to queue for challah at Daniel’s explain: “There is nothing where we live that compares to this. It’s worth the journey.”