The Slice Tower Hamlet Autumn/Winter 2023

ISSUE 05 AUTUMN/WINTER 2023

GOING OUT

SHOPPING

HERITAGE

CULTURE

TOWER HAMLETS

THE FACES, PLACES + TV SERIES T H E S L I C E M A G A Z I N E .C O. U K

WHAT’S ON THIS CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR

GRIME SPECIAL

Applications for the next cohort of Community Journalism Fellows are now open for February 2024.

Social Streets’ Community Journalism Fellowship is a funded six-month programme that provides early-career jounalists with training in community journalism and the opportunity to gain industry experience on one of The Slice’s online newspapers.

Priority is given to people living in Tower Hamlets and borderlands.

Learn about: • Sourcing stories • Intervewing skils • Copywriting • News reporting • Long-form writing • Photography • Search optimisation • Social media • Pitching • Local democracy

Apply here Apply here

School of Community Journalism 470-480 Roman Road London E3 5LU 07483 123557 admin@socialstreets.co

CONTENTS ISSUE 05 AUTUMN/WINTER 2023

The support of your crew

from the editor

T

his issue has been hard to put together. While we were working on it, someone close to me became very ill and needed constant support.

It meant I had to take personal leave when the deadlines for the designer and printers were looming. Luckily, friends, neighbours, family and the small team of two at The Slice rallied to help. My personal network of support came together in a time of adversity to create this issue.

It struck me that this spirit of comradeship, this willingness to come together and help people in adversity, is the spirit that marked the evolution of grime music in Bow, the topic we celebrate in this issue to coincide with BBC’s Grime Kids, a new TV series based on DJ Target’s book of the same name.

Grime was born from a generation of young people living around Roman Road in the 1990s and early noughties who faced their own adversity and came together as a community to create a movement of music that

provided a voice for the invisible and unheard.

Distinctively, the grime music scene was made up of crews; collectives of young musicians, videographers, photographers, MCs and radio DJs who supported each other in unity to create music about life on East End housing estates.

Dizzee Rascal, Tinchy Strider and Wiley, among others, all sprung from our neighbourhood and have inspired the likes of Dave, Kano, and Stormzy, helping to create a uniquely Black and British sound that has defined UK rap as being separate from US rap.

At a time when I am grateful for the support of my crew, I can see how crucial a sense of brotherhood was in creating one of the most significant musical developments in the UK. Whether or not grime is your choice of tune, it shows what can be achieved as a community.

CONTENTS

ABOUT US The Slice is an independent news and culture magazine for Tower Hamlets published by Social Streets C.I.C, a social enterprise building a new model of local journalism.

We are powered by our members who contribute to our content. We also provide opportunities in the creative and media industries to local people including trainee schemes.

Our online platforms include Roman Road LDN, Whitechapel LDN, Bethnal Green LDN and Poplar LDN. Want to be part of your local community? Email us at hello@theslicemagazine. co.uk.

MASTHEAD Editor-in-Chief Tabitha Stapely Commercial Assistant Ellie MacInnes Designed by Katie Wilde @Detailsbylil

Tabitha Stapely Editor-in-Chief

Published by Social Streets C.I.C.

COVER IMAGE SH OT BY SIMON WHE AT LE Y

CONTACT US

Inside this issue

TheSliceMagazine.co.uk Social Streets C.I.C 470-480 Roman Road London E3 5LU 020 3972 4988 or 07483 123557 hello@theslicemagazine.co.uk

FOLLOW US

04 / WHAT’S ON 07 / ISLE OF DOGS’ REVOLUTION 14 / BBC’S GRIME KIDS 18 / SIMON WHEATLEY DOCUMENTING GRIME 24 / SEWING FOR MENTAL HEALTH 28 / BETHNAL GREEN FIRE STATION THE SL ICE  03

What’s On

16 NOV - 09 DEC

UNTIL 17TH FEB

CULTUS by Zach Blas AREBYTE GALLERY

Zach Blas’ immersive and multimedia exhibition explores the beliefs and fantasies inherent to Silicon Valley. Located in the southern San Francisco Bay Area of California, Silicon Valley is notorious for being the home of several major technology startups, including Apple, Google and Facebook. CULTUS promises to investigate society’s unflinching faith in the power of technology and artificial intelligence.

Visit Arebyte.com for more info.

Paper Boats: The Pakistani Bengali Story RICH MIX ‘Paper Boats’ refers to the deep connection that exists between the Pakistani community and the sea, due to their work as fishermen.

‘Paper Boats’ also refers to the fragility of legal status that many Pakistanis experience, due to issues surrounding documentation and citizenship. This ground-breaking exhibition showcases work by nine artists, all exploring the rich culture and daily challenges of life in Pakistan. Visit Richmix.org.uk for more info.

Festive Run

QUEEN ELIZABETH OLYMPIC PARK

16 DEC

Bach to Baby Christmas concert ST JOHN OF JERUSALEM

Bach to Baby is an acclaimed concert series, delivering classical music performances to be enjoyed by all the family. This December, outstanding brass, string and woodwind musicians

21 DEC

09 DEC

The Cocoa Butter Club Christmas Show SHOREDITCH TOWN HALL

The award-winning and multi-talented Black and POC cabaret collective, The Cocoa Butter Club, is bringing a night of song, dance, drag and burlesque to Shoreditch Town Hall. Set to a festive soundtrack of RnB and Old Skool jams, The Cocoa Butter Club will deliver a night of decadent cabaret alongside some jaw-dropping circus acts and stunning vocal performances.

Visit Shoreditchtownhall.com for more info.

Family Ceilidh Christmas Special ROUND CHAPEL

will gather on stage for a festive concert in the beautiful location of St. John of Jerusalem Church.

With every adult entry, two children enter free of charge. Visit Bachtobaby. com for more info.

The folk dance band Cut A Shine is hosting a family ceilidh this Christmas in the Round Chapel. All ages and abilities are welcome to join the celebration, which is sure to get you in the festive spirit as you rediscover the folk culture of the British Isles. A fully stocked bar as well as a delicious lunch awaits you. Visit Roundchapel.org for more info.

23 DEC

WO RD S I M O G EN GA R F I N KE L P HOTO S S U PP LIE D BY VE N UE S CO NT RIBUTO RS

Wear your best festive costume for RunThrough’s Santa Run this December, taking place through the inspiring grounds of North Park in Stratford’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. The flat and fast course offers the perfect location for those eager to achieve a new personal record, as well as those who just want to enjoy a light-hearted run with friends. Visit Runthrough.co.uk for more info.

Jack and the Beanstalk

Potted Panto

STRATFORD EAST

TOWER HAMLETS

WILTON’S MUSIC HALL

This year Stratford East is showcasing Jack and the Beanstalk, following the adventures of Jack as he attempts to defeat his ultimate enemy, Giant Belch, who rules Splatford from the sky.

Perfect for the Christmas season, the show promises an evening of live music, extravagant costumes and hilarious characters.

Visit Stratfordeast.com for more info.

The Olivier Award nominated Potted Panto, featuring seven classic pantomimes in an electric 80 minutes, is coming to Wilton’s Music Hall this Christmas. The Potted Panto is the West End’s longest running panto for good reason, with timeless characters such as Aladdin,

Cinderella and Dick Whittington all sharing the stage. Will Cinderella get to the ball in time?

Visit Wiltons.org.uk for more info.

29 NOV - 30 DEC

18 NOV 06 JAN

02 DEC, 03 DEC

08 DEC

Wonka!

GENESIS CINEMA Mile End’s Genesis Cinema is screening Wonka, starring Oscar-nominated actor Timothée Chalamet. The highly anticipated film follows the early days of the eccentric chocolatier, Willy Wonka, and his journey to meeting the Oompa-Loompas. Throughout December, Genesis will be selling mulled wine and mince pies to enjoy alongside your favourite Christmas films.

Visit Genesiscinema.co.uk for more info.

A Christmas Carol HOXTON HALL

A Christmas Carol is a classic festive tale. However, this rendition of the centuries-old favourite is told with a twist: only two actors will take on over 30 characters. Despite its innovation, director Ryan Philpott has ensured that the show stays faithful to Dickens’ literary masterpiece. Book tickets now so you don’t miss this haunting and heartwarming Christmas story.

Visit Hoxtonhall.co.uk for more info.

31 DEC

New Year’s Eve Spectacular Comedy Gala

BACKYARD COMEDY CLUB

Cirque Du Soul X NYE

31 DEC

TROXY

This New Year’s Eve, Cirque Du Soul is returning to Troxy to host an unrivalled night of extravagance. As the 21st-century Moulin Rouge, Cirque Du Soul know best how to put on a party, combining burlesque and bass in a rhythmic explosion. Following a successful summer of non-stop festivals, electronic DJ and producer Sammy Virji will be performing at Troxy, and is sure to deliver an unforgettable end to 2023. Visit Troxy.co.uk for more info.

Hosted by John Meagher, talented comedians Inder Manocha, Markus Birdman and Diane Spencer are teaming up to deliver a night of unrivalled revelry in this timeless Bethnal Green space. Say goodbye to the woes of 2023, and welcome in 2024 with an evening of laughs, music and dancing.

Visit Backyardcomedyclub. co.uk for more info.  THE SL ICE  05

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CHRISTMAS MAKERS MARKETS NOVEMBER 25 & 26

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Ecology Pavilion E3 5RP - Free Entry

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BOW ARTS X CHILA BURMAN PRESENT

BRING

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· Annamaria Antonazzo · Juanjo Barreda · Tom Berry · · Chloe Booth · Adam Boyd · Malina Busch · Eric Fong · · Kevin Franklin · Andrew Friend & Sitraka Rakotoniaina (VVFA) · Green (Yong Woon Park) · Sarah Hodder · · Yang-En Hume · Woo Jin Joo · Miyuki Kasahara · LUAP · · Jiacun Li · Tabitha Powles · Liaqat Rasul · Harry Reed · · Luke Anthony Rooney · Katherine Rose · · Sasan Sahafi · Liam Scully · Sila Sen · Joyce Treasure ·

19 October - 17 December 2023 Our annual showcase of artwork created exclusively

by Bow Arts Studio Holders and Artist Educators, guest curated by Chila Burman.

NUNNERY GALLERY, 181 BOW ROAD, E3 2SJ TUESDAY - SUNDAY, 10AM - 4PM, FREE ENTRY @BOWARTS | BOWARTS.ORG T HE S L ICE  0 6

LIGHT

Bow Open 2023

POPLAR

ISLE OF DOGS The 10-day revolution in 1970 when the Isle of Dogs declared itself an independent state with two Prime Ministers bringing world attention to ‘the Island’.

W O RD S JA SD E V B A HK A R

was in sympathy with the island’s new Citizen Council and wrote that the ‘proletariat working class are being neglected.’

Some may have viewed the islanders as proletariat brothers in arms and others saw them as a ‘jolly joke’.

Some local women complained that Johns had made them a ‘laughing stock



W

alking down Westferry Road in the Isle of Dogs, known locally as “the island” since the 19th century, it is hard to imagine that this was once a site of revolution. But on 1 March 1970, Ted Johns, a Labour Councillor, and hundreds of supporters marched down this road and barricaded it.

As the blocks were erected cutting the island off from the rest of London, freedom songs were sung, and they announced that the Isle of Dogs was an independent state.

Johns and his supporters were demonstrating against Tower Hamlets Council’s neglect of the Isle of Dogs over a period of years. When interviewed about this at the time, Johns explained: ‘Senate Leaders on the Island have decided that in view of the fact the authorities have ignored the problems of the island for many years, they would... run the island [instead].’

‘Tenant leaders over the years have been writing letters, sending deputations, receiving visitors from outside, telling us what’s going to be done, but it never is done,’ said Johns.

What they did not plan for was for this act of civil disobedience to capture the attention of both the national and international media.

The nation’s interest was so great that on 2 March 1970, Johns was smuggled into Broadcasting House to be interviewed for BBC Radio 4.

Johns used this opportunity to explain that he was no extremist, but the people of the Isle of Dogs had realised their power and they would wield it to get what they needed.

‘But what we are telling the authorities, as we’re telling everybody, in fact, is that this is our island ... and we can take it over at any time.’

The people of Britain were not alone in their fascination with President Johns. The protest had also been featured in Pravda, a Soviet newspaper. Reporter Uri Gorestov

‘If they go on as they are now there will be a distinct division in the island, it may lead to a punch–up and bloodshed and that is something we don’t want.’

The tension on the island was indeed rising, but the risk the Citizen Council had taken had paid off. The Council acknowledged that the island’s isolation was a problem and put forward a plan to address the islander’s concerns and promised to get to work in a matter of months.

On 10 March, the Citizens Council welcomed Tower Hamlets Council’s plans for improvements and with this, just ten days after the barricades first went up, the independence of the Isle of Dogs came to an end.

Although independence was shortlived, the island’s defiance paved the way for other protests including an

Kings of the island

of the country’ and another described Johns as ‘a complete idiot.’

John’s fellow Labour councillor.

Bill Willson, who was opposed to independence, described the situation as ‘poppycock.’

On 9 March, an official Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI) was issued and two Prime Ministers were elected, John Westfallen and Ray Paget.

Yet only eight hours after this proclamation some residents were signing anti-independence petitions and calling for outside intervention.

Bob Searle, who spoke on behalf of Ian Mikardo, the Member of Parliament for Poplar, had concerns about the UDI: ‘I think that many of the older people who really don’t understand the situation are genuinely frightened that the borough council will not supply the facilities to which they’re accustomed.’

assault on the Greater London Council headquarters, during which goats and other animals were set loose in the corridors of County Hall. A similar assault on parliament was defeated close to the House of Commons, where Johns and his colleagues were arrested, though never charged.

On the day independence was declared on the island, the power of the common person was felt and as promised by the authorities the Isle of Dogs saw an influx of investment and the dawn of the Canary Wharf development. The development brought with it many benefits; unfortunately, these were not enjoyed by most locals, most of whom were rehomed to Beckton where they had to rebuild their lives. Originally published on Poplarlondon.co.uk

THE SL ICE  07

Famous GRIME and their roots in Roman Road, #BowE3

Figures

Defining urban Britain in the noughties, grime music was honed and crafted by the likes of Wiley and Dizzee Rascal in the tower blocks of Bow and on the street corners of Roman Road.

Grime music, the genre which took the British charts by storm is deeply connected to Roman Road and the surrounding area.

The sound that arguably defined urban Britain in the noughties was honed and crafted by the likes of Wiley and Dizzee Rascal on the street corners and in the tower blocks of Bow and the Roman.

Roman Road’s Rhythm Division, the now infamous record shop run by Risky Roadz, was a hub of activity for the artists and the scene of countless freestyle battles and mic-offs. Our guide lists some of the famous grime figures who have graced Bow’s Roman Road, but there are many more.

T HE S L ICE  0 8

WOR DS TOM M CG H I E & P OLLY NA SH

WILEY A controversial character, Wiley pioneered ‘Eskibeat’ (the jagged, electronic backing that characterises the genre), and shot to fame in 2001 with the single Champagne Dance, as part of the Pay As U Go crew. He spent a lot of time during his youth and early days as an artist in the Roman’s bustling marketplace.

Wiley refers to the street as the ‘nurturer’ of grime, because of the amount of young grime artists who would hang out there and take part in the infamous freestyle matches. His first music video, Wot Do U Call It? was shot on the Mile End park side of the Roman.

DIZZEE RASCAL When a fresh-faced 18-year-old Dizzee Rascal released his debut album Boy in Da Corner in 2001, he became a global star.

Fast forward two decades and the rapper is showing that he hasn’t forgotten where he came from with E3 AF, released in October 2020. The album refers to his heritage and his beginnings in the Roman and the surrounding neighbourhoods. Often seen at legendary record shop Rhythm Division.

GRIME GRAN If your grandson invited a crew of grime artists over for tea, how would you respond? Have a nice chat over a cuppa? That’s precisely what Grime Gran did, who has earned her moniker through

conversations with stars such as Giggs, Lethal Bizzle and Skepta, filmed and put online by her grandson, Risky Roadz. The YouTube videos were an instant hit with grime fans, making her the undisputed ‘Nan of Grime’ in the process. In 2019, she landed a TV series deal with E4 which saw her catching up with all her favourite buddies in the grime scene including Top Boy’s Ashley Walters.

PH OTOG R A P H S: R I SK Y ROA DZ, H A R K 1 H A R A N

SKEPTA Skepta is one of grime’s biggest exports and has had a huge impact on British music since his breakout album, Greatest Hits in 2007. He made his screen debut in the film Anti-Social in 2015. The following year his album Konnichiwa won the Mercury Prize. Off that acclaimed album was the huge single That’s Not Me, which was filmed along the Roman. The music video has been viewed over 21 million times.

DJ TARGET DJ Target grew up on Devons Road, just a fiveminute walk from Bow’s iconic three flats where some of Rinse FM's most well-known grime sets were first broadcast. An original member of Roll Deep grime crew, it was in DJ Target’s bedroom that Wiley and Dizzee Rascal first met each other, an encounter that Target recalls in his nonfiction book, Grime Kids.

An insider’s account of the rise of grime in Bow. Target has experienced both underground and mainstream success and now hosts regular shows on BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra.

LADY SHOCKER

TINCHY STRYDER

The ‘first lady’ of the Wolf Pack crew, a formidable clash opponent, and with a long living solo career, Lady Shocker is one of grimes few female artists. ‘I was born and raised in it,’ she says. ‘I know nearly every MC in the game and that’s because I went to every youth centre, every club.’

Shocker grew up around the Roman and Kano’s DJ, Bionics, lived a couple of doors down from her. She still clashes to this day.

Tinchy Stryder burst onto East London’s grime scene when he was 14 years old, appearing on pirate radio alongside Dizzee Rascal and Wiley.

Growing up in Bow, the trio knew each other before they shot to global fame, forming Roll Deep crew in 2002. By 2009 Tinchy was the UK’s biggest-selling male artist with his album Catch 22 spawning two Number 1 hits – Number 1 and Never Leave You.

RISKY ROADZ A man who would rather play a supporting role than occupy the spotlight, Rooney ‘Risky Roadz’ Keefe, was instrumental in bringing grime to the ears of the wider public.

As owner of Rhythm Division, he is regarded as ‘the guvnor’ by many artists, who were able sell early cassettes and LPs at his record store. His role as DJ on Rinse FM also secured airwave play for up and coming artists like Tinchy Stryder and JME.

DJ SLIMZEE DJ Slimzee is the cofounder of East London underground radio station, Rinse FM. When first founded, Rise FM was hosted as a pirate station in Slimzee’s flat. In 2005, the Council banned Slimzee from being on the roof of any building in Tower Hamlets more than four storeys high in an attempt to stop him broadcasting.

Nowadays, the radio station is more legitimate and still dominates London’s airwaves and is household name on the grime scene. He still lives in Bow today.

RUFF SQUAD

ROMAN ROAD

Ruff Sqwad emerged in 2001 from the estates of Bow, a loose collective of DJs and MCs including Tinchy Stryder, MC Slix and Rapid. The grime innovators never signed a record deal and pocketed 100% of the profits from 20 self-released singles between 2003 and 2006.

Ruff Sqwad’s independence from major record labels meant that they were little known in the mainstream.

In 2004, Ruff Sqwad released Functions on the Low, one of the most popular grime instrumentals that Stormzy later used on his 2015 hit Shut Up. Today, Ruff Sqwad records change hands for triple figures.

ROLL DEEP

FLOWDAN Growing up in the shadow of Bow’s three flats, Flowdan coined the crew name, Roll Deep, a homage to the popular bashment phrase, ‘rolling deep’. Close friends with Wiley, the crew’s de facto leader, Flowdan has cemented his raw MC style on some of the biggest tracks of the past decade - Skeng, Jah Wah, Say Nothin and put out on labels including Eskibeats and Hyperdub. He was also featured in the 2020 BBC Documentary, ‘The Story of Grime’.

A forerunner to grime, Roll Deep first came together in the mid-1990s. The crew rose to prominence after the disbandment of UK garage crew, Pay As U Go Cartel. The group has two UK No.1 singles, Good Times and Green Light, and released five studio albums between 2001 and 2012.

MERCSTON Part of crews including Wolfpack and The Movement, Mercston grew up on the Roman and released debut album Top Tier in 2019. His music video Summertime was filmed outside what was All Star Barbers, 607 Roman Road. Originally published on Romanroadlondon.com

THE SL ICE  09

RHYTHM THE (140 BPM) HEART OF GRIME

 Young Ghetts at Rhythm Division

Before grime went global it needed a home, and that home was Rhythm Division in Bow, From Wiley to Skepta, everyone went there.

T HE S L ICE  1 0

MORE THAN A RECORD SHOP

‘It was one of the grime scene hubs,’ says Roony Keefe, aka Risky Roadz, who documented much of the grime scene during its early years, and continues to this day. ‘I think without Rhythm the scene would be very different now. It was more than just a record shop, it was where everyone congregated and spoke about ideas and what they was gonna do. It was way more than just a shop. The place is special.’

Keefe bought records from Rhythm Division when he was at school, and during college, he got a Saturday job there. It was then that he and Sparky, the shop manager, started the Risky Roadz project, to put a face to the voices lighting up the pirate airways.

‘There was pirate radio, so you heard

voices but didn’t know what everyone looked like. Rhythm Division was like the window to seeing the people. That’s what gave me the idea initially to start filming.’

Watch any Risky Roadz video and odds are you’ll see Rhythm Division in the background at some point. We met at Zealand Road Coffee Shop, which succeeded Rhythm Division, and as we spoke he remembered glimpses of how the space used to be. He remembers iron grating on the door, a little step on the left as you walked in that was covered with flyers, stickers on the walls. A PlayStation, music, turntables.

All the major players in grime passed through Rhythm Division. On any given day Wiley, Skepta, or Dizzee Rascal would drop by to drop off new material and listen to the latest

WO RD S F R ED ERI C K O B R IE N

A

sk anyone in the grime scene about Rhythm Division and odds are you’ll get an outpouring of beloved memories. During the mid-noughties the bright blue record shop on Roman Road was the spiritual home of grime, a base for MCs, DJs, producers, and filmmakers to hone their craft as they prepared to take on the world.

There are plenty of details that can be listed about Rhythm Division. It was located at 391 Roman Road (now Zealand Road Coffee Shop), it was bright blue inside and out, its walls were covered with white label vinyls, and it closed in 2010. But to really understand what it was and what it meant, you need to hear from the people who lived it.

P HOTO G R A PH S: R IS K Y ROA DZ

Everyone.

M

ROMAN ROAD

mixtapes. DJ Target, a member of the Roll Deep grime crew since 2002, remembers the buzz around Rhythm Division during grime’s early years. ‘’Big Mark’ was the owner – a super cool guy, really laid-back and chilled.

He had Sparky, Winston, Hermit and Daniel Ward working there at the time and I got along with all four which meant I had no problem getting my hands on the latest releases and promo copies. There was a real buzz about the shop, with DJs and producers passing through to drop off new material.

Especially on Sundays it was always packed.’

A common theme when talking to people about Rhythm Division is that it was more than a record shop. It was a community hub, a youth centre, a place for creatives to come together and share in a common passion.

That sense of support is what sticks out for Lady Shocker, who was an original member of Mucky Wolfpack and now a leading voice in the Girls of Grime movement. ‘The best thing about it was that even if they didn’t know you, you could take your stuff

DI

there and they would sell it,’ she says.

‘They would put it up for sale. Your mix, your vinyls, whatever. They were really supporting the underground scene.’

It was the default place to go. ‘If there was nothing to do you would just walk down to Rhythm Division and you would literally see MCs rolling in there, doing sets in there.

‘For a little while Rhythm Division was the heart of grime. Everyone went there. Everyone.’

Villain, a Bow-based artist who also made his start in Mucky Wolf Pack, remembers fifteen youths running the length of Roman Road to watch filming sessions for Risky Roads 2. ‘The whole of the grime scene was based at Rhythm Division,’ he says. ‘You had record shops all over but people came from across London to go there.

‘You could always see your MCs, Wiley, Dizzee, Skepta, anyone who was anyone passed through Rhythm Division. That was heaven.’

Wiley himself, the self-proclaimed godfather of grime, says the culture around Rhythm Division was essential to the development of the genre’s breakout artists. ‘Roman Road was so lively because it had that street market culture, every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday – it was the nurturer, it all has something to do with the Dizzees and Wileys coming through.’

Rhythm Division closed in 2010, and though it is sorely missed its legacy lives on. It has found a spiritual successor of sorts in the form of Cafe East just down the road. MCs go there now, though usually for brunch rather than mixtapes.

‘Rhythm Division was like the HMV for that era of music,’ says Mustafa Has, co-owner of Cafe East. White label vinyls bought from Rhythm Division hang from the walls of his cafe. New and old favourites are played through the speakers throughout the day. ‘We have tried to relive that cool, urban, musical vibe.’

Had it been an option Has would have loved to set up the cafe at 391 Roman Road. ‘That would have made it even more special.’

Rhythm Division also modelled a creative, community-oriented approach to the high street. ‘It was also an inspiration as a business to go in there and see what these guys were doing,’ Has says. ‘They had their logo, the model. There was a lot of creative inspiration I got from there.’

PIRATE MENTALITY

On 16 November 2016, Risky Roadz, Frisco, Mercston, President T, Jamakabi, Elf Kid, Chip, Devlin, Discarda, Tinchy Stryder, Sir Spyro, Ghetts, Nasty Jack, Mak 10, Sharky Major, Armour, Fuda Guy, Novelist, Safone, Teddy Music, Deadly, Skepta, 50 Large, and more gathered for one final Rhythm Division set at what is now Zealand Road Cafe.

It was part of the Channel 4 documentary Pirate Mentality, and Risky Roadz thought it was the right place to go. Coffee tables were pushed aside and grime went home one last time. ‘Without Rhythm Division I wouldn’t be doing the filming and the

“I think without Rhythm the scene would be very different now...The place is special ” - Roony Keefe videos, and be involved in the grime scene,’ says Keefe, ‘so that was my thank you in a way.’

If this article tried to gather all the love for Rhythm Division it would have to be released as a series of books. It means that much to that many people.

Before grime went global it needed a home, and that home was Rhythm Division.

Some of those who passed through its hallowed hall have gone on to conquer the charts – the Skeptas, the Wileys, the Tinchy Stryders. Others now juggle their creative work around jobs and families. Whatever they went on to do, there’s a universal sense of having shared in something special.

The beauty of a place like Rhythm Division is that it was never about the place at all; it was about the people.

VISION

Originally published on Romanroadlondon.com

T HE SL ICE  11

HOW CHISENHALE PRIMARY SCHOOL IS BUILDING A COMMUNITY BEYOND THE SCHOOL GATES

T HE S L ICE  1 2

With over 30 different languages spoken in Chisenhale pupils’ family homes, the school is a microcosm of our diverse East End. It employs a speech and language therapist to support students from all communities, alongside three trained emotional literacy support assistants to ensure no child is left behind.

This year, Chisenhale is celebrating 10 years of weekly ESOL (English for speakers of other languages) classes for parents, who are heavily involved in the school community.

As Headteacher Gemma Anidi says: ‘Our strength is our parent body, we have a very active parent-teacher association (PTA) who organise Eid celebrations and international food sales.’

Such a wide variety of cultural influences means that summer and winter fairs feature everything from samosas and curries from Southeast Asia and Eritrea to Norwegian waffles and miso soup.

Last year, pint-sized protestors holding placards above their heads and children standing on temporary planters were seen outside Chisenhale, defending their beloved play space which was threatened with removal.

The solidarity and determination shown by the students was a remarkable display of unadulterated enthusiasm on our East End streets that even caught the attention of BBC News.

Though the play space was eventually disassembled, the spirit of Chisenhale’s young campaigners is remembered by everyone who lives in the area. Teachers say that the debates sparked by the play space were invaluable in teaching students the importance of listening to contrasting views.

The courage shown by the students is indicative of an educational environment where individuality is encouraged.

This year, Chisenhale was recognised by UNICEF for the second time as a Gold Rights Respecting School for the confident nature of the students and their respect for staff and peers.

In 2022, the school achieved a bronze Tower Hamlets Oracy Award for creating opportunities for children to express themselves and gain confidence in public speaking. The school’s muchloved performing arts teacher, affectionately known as ‘Pop’, supports pupils to develop their spoken language skills in a variety of contexts.

W O RD S P O LLY N A S H

A

gainst the fast pace of modern inner city life, the proverb: it takes a village to raise a child might seem outdated and clichéd at times.

Though the East End is not a village per se, its tight-knit community can sometimes make it feel that way.

And in the backstreets of Bow - a short walk from the Roman and a stone’s throw from the Hertford Union Canal - you will find a place where this saying feels rather apt.

Chisenhale Primary School, located on the corner of Chisenhale Road and Zealand Road, channels the East End spirit. It instils in pupils the importance of campaigning for their rights and for the rights of others while looking out for all members of the community.

With less than 350 pupils, the school is more like an extended family than a school. With no class larger than 22, children are valued and listened to, and there’s always time for questions (no matter how silly).

Unscathed by the nation’s teacher retention crisis, Chisenhale has one teacher for every 16 students, ensuring there is always a friendly face for pupils to turn to.

Inclusivity and stability are at the heart of Chisenhale’s ethos, led by staff who know the importance of creating a supportive environment where children can flourish.

Several local teachers attended Chisenhale themselves and Cathy Parker, the longest-serving staff member, has been working there for 45 years as a lunchtime supervisor and playworker at ‘Night Owls’ after-school club.

Parker says: ‘I first started at Chisenhale when my daughters came here. I've fallen in love with the school and stayed - I've never thought about leaving - ever!'

PH OTO G RA P HY C HI S E N HA LE SC HOO L

Championing the spirit of the East End, Chisenhale’s duty of care reaches far beyond the classroom, going the extra mile for pupils, staff and parents.

PARTNER CONTENT

‘IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO US THAT THE CHILDREN HAVE A CONNECTION BOTH WITH THEIR LOCAL AREA AND NATURE.’ - GEMMA ANIDI, HEADTEACHER. Whether it be in verse at the whole school poetry slam, on the djembe drums, or on stage at Year Six’s performance of Fantastic Mr Fox, occasions for expression are abundant and every child is encouraged to try new creative pursuits.

The school’s location means that children can practically hop, skip and jump over the Hertford Union Canal to Victoria Park, providing a large expanse of green space enjoyed by few other inner-city schools.

Vicky Park features heavily in students’ experience of life at Chisenhale, with nursery and reception children visiting the park to observe nature’s seasonal changes.

As Anidi says: ‘It is very important to us that the children have a connection both with their local area and nature. It supports their wellbeing, and we want them to feel proud of being from Bow, and all the opportunities it offers.’

Knowing that good life habits start from a young age, Chisenhale was recognised this year with a Silver Healthy School Award for its work reducing sedentary behaviour and promoting active learning, making it to the airwaves on BBC Radio 4’s Inside Health programme.

But when you strip it back, past the academics and the accolades, and you ask a teacher why

they do their profession, it usually comes back to the word care.

At Chisenhale, they know that it is never too early to provide mental health support and that a helping hand can go a long way.

From headteacher, Gemma Anidi at the school’s helm, to the familiar faces at the school gates, genuine care and empathy flow through Chisenhale’s hallways, where the wellbeing of staff and students is the number one priority.

Chisenhale also works with the School Counselling Partnership to offer drop-in counselling services and longer-term therapy sessions to pupils, parents and staff.

The extension of care to parents and staff highlights Chisenhale’s willingness to go the extra mile for every individual, building a community beyond the school gates in which students feel proud to belong. THE SL ICE  13

Airing this November, a new BBC TV series written by Rocks screenwriter, Theresa Ikoko, celebrates the stories of brotherhood behind Bow’s grime revolution.

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G

rowing up in East London in the wake of Bow’s grime revolution, screenwriter Theresa Ikoko confesses she wasn’t that in touch with the 140 bpm grime beats heard on the airwaves of the East End in the early noughties.

Now, Ikoko - the award-winning writer of Hackney’s coming-ofage drama Rocks - has written the screenplay for BBC Three’s Grime Kids and knows just about enough about dubplates and FM dials to set up her own pirate radio station.

The series, which will be released in mid-November, was inspired by the non-fiction book of the same name written by DJ Target, grime pioneer and member of the influential collective, Roll Deep.

Target’s first-person book tells an insider’s account of the evolution of grime, which catapulted the likes of Wiley and Dizzee Rascal from Bow’s Crossways Estate aka the three flats to the international stage.

The series is a fictional version of events set in grime’s spiritual home in the noughties. An ode to East London, It features scenes of Roman Road and its

T HE S L ICE  1 4

infamous former record shop, Rhythm Divison, that locals will recognise immediately.

Grime Kids stars Shanu Hazzan (EastEnders, The Gentlemen), Juwon Adedokun (We Love Moses, Damilola, Our Loved Boy), Gabriel Robinson (Casualty, Silent Witness), Tienne Simon (Silent Witness) and Yus Jamal Crookes, who is making his debut TV appearance.

Ikoko worked closely with DJ Target and fellow grime innovator, Geeneus, to understand the genres’ musical technicalities. Cameos from grime artists, D double E and Shystie, nod to the genre’s endurance in East London today.

But the series’ main focus is the stories of friendship and community behind the music, with the first episode seeing the five protagonists thrown out of their first-ever East London club night, setting the scene for their coming-of-age summer.

As Ikoko says: ‘I wanted to take [the series] in a slightly different direction and tell a story about friends, brotherhood and community, which is what I fell in love with when I spoke

to people who grew up in the area at that time.’

The youngest of nine, Ikoko was raised moving around several Hackney council estates by her single mother who came to East London from Nigeria a few years before she was born.

As a writer, Ikoko says she feels indebted to the path paved by the pirate radio MCs and grime artists from minority backgrounds who had to fight for their right to be listened to.

‘There is something immensely brave about the passions and risks that some of them would take to be heard,’ says Ikoko: ‘A lot of them were first-generation immigrants so they were really doing things for the first time.’

Geeneus, who co-founded Rinse FM is even rumoured to have dangled off rooftops and down lift shafts in Bow just to get his pirate radio station on the airwaves.

‘If you threatened to dangle me out the window to read my script, I would tell you to pack it in!’ laughs Ikoko.

‘I’m just really in awe of how brave and resilient and defiant they were

P HOTO G RA P HY B B C / M A M MOT H SC R EE N/ HA N I N A P IN N I CK & D ES W ILLI E

BBC’s Gr

ROMAN ROAD

and how much joy they threaded into the fabric of being young and British,’ she adds.

The series is suffused with a sense of youthful joy that runs through Ikoko’s previous work. In the first episode, the sun beams down on the Roman, and critics might say that such a positive portrayal obscures the darker realities of growing up on an East London council estate in the early 2000s.

But for Ikoko: ‘This is just the story of five boys … And for so many stories, particularly black stories, there is this idea that we have one story per theme, one story per area, or one story per estate. But we’re not a homogenous group, and we don’t have homogenous experiences.’

Researching the legislation governing British youth culture in the 90s, Ikoko discovered a deep sense of

fear of giving people a voice and an audience that would listen to that voice: ‘And I think it’s quite obvious that those fears were embedded in racism and different prejudices,’ she says.

Grime Kids celebrates the young East Londoners who dared to say ‘I deserve to be heard’; the grime artists who have since become the bedrock of Black and British music, fashion, community and culture.

Yet the tale is also a universal one of what it means to be a kid and grow up.

In Ikoko’s words: ‘The focus is on telling the stories that fill my heart and I hope that people enjoy them and see themselves in them and be loved by them.’

Grime Kids will air on BBC Three and iPlayer mid-November.

 Screen writer Theresa Ikoko

Originally published on Romanroadlondon.com

ime Kids

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MEMBERS’ D COMMUNITY GROUPS ROMAN ROAD BOW NEIGHBOURHOOD FORUM A community-led Forum to develop a Neighbourhood Plan for Bow, meeting since 2016. We are always looking for Forum members and volunteers to help us improve and implement neighbourhood plann.

FACEBOOK @ ROMAN ROAD BOW NEIGHBOURHOOD FORUM ROMAN ROAD TRUST Working to improve the Roman Road area for the benefit of residents, businesses, and regular visitors. Also transforming The Common Room into a brand new community building for Roman Road volunteers needed!

BOW, GLOBE TOWN AND MILE AREA. ROMANROADTRUST.CO.UK REAL TALK Two linguists from Queen Mary University in partnership with the Mile End Community Project, working to source local slang and language from Tower Hamlets residents to add to a range of merchandise, raising money for the community along the way.

TWITTER @ REALTALKEAST FRIENDS OF LIMEHOUSE A non-profit organisation focused on improving the local environment starting with air quality. Our aim is to provide a vision for sustainable development of the area reducing air pollution, uniting and empowering local communities and mitigating climate change.

FRIENDSOFLIMEHOUSE.COM

ENVIRONMENT GROUPS FRIENDS OF MILE END PARK An independent group for those who care about our park so everyone can enjoy it. We organise monthly litter picks in the park on the second Sunday of the month and seasonal activities such as bulb planting.

Get in touch for more information.

FOMEP.ORG.UK EAST LONDON GARDEN SOCIETY Here to promote, protect, enhance and inform like-minded gardeners on the wider prospects of gardening in a better environment. We need others to be involved in whatever way they feel able.

ELGS.ORG.UK

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CRANBROOK COMMUNITY FOOD GARDEN Built in 2009 by residents from Cranbrook Estate and surrounding areas, we offer weekly activities on organic gardening, food growing and composting with the help of an experienced volunteer team.

FACEBOOK @ CRANBROOK COMMUNITY FOOD GARDEN CANAL CLUB COMMUNITY GARDEN We are a wildlife and food-growing community space at Waterloo Gardens in E2 built by boat dwellers and the local people. We hold events and gardening workshops and provide gardening tips and seed sharing. Volunteers welcome.

TWITTER @CANAL_COMMUNITY FRIENDS OF BETHNAL GREEN GARDENS A voluntary group of people working with the local park authorities and other stakeholders to act as a ‘critical friend’ to protect the park’s biodiversity, air quality and local history.

FACEBOOK @ FRIENDS OF BETHNAL GREEN GARDENS XR TOWER HAMLETS The Big One on the 21 to 24 of April 2023 is our chance to come together as one great movement of movements and tip the balance of power. Join us in demanding a fair society and a citizen-led democracy to end the fossil fuel era.

FACEBOOK @ EXTINCTION REBELLION TOWER HAMLETS SAVE OUR SAFER STREETS An informal, growing group of residents in Bethnal Green who do not agree with the Mayor of Tower Hamlets’ plan to remove the “liveable streets” in the borough.

Focusing on bringing together widespread support for keeping the schemes, once their removal has been avoided.

HEARTBG.UK

FOOD & DRINK

for Christmas and beyond, it’s the perfect place to let your hair down.

EASTLONDONLIQUORCOMPANY. COM MEXICAN SEOUL Mexican Seoul is a restaurant on Bow Wharf that blends the sweet and savoury flavours of Korean BBQ with the fiery zest of Mexican cuisine. It has captivated food lovers across London’s street food markets and UK festivals and picked up an impressive collection of awards.

MEXICANSEOUL.CO.UK E3 VEGAN The first vegan fine dining supper club in the UK now taking bookings for our sevencourse supper club and private Christmas parties. Our fabulous café on Roman Road is open for lunches, brunches and Sunday roasts too.

E3VEGAN.COM JUNGLE ELECTRIC Fully vegan independent coffee shop serving amazing coffee, teas, cakes, smoothies, and food We hold live music and other live events, please follow us on Instagram for events info, @Jungle.Electric.

We are also available for private hire.

JUNGLEELECTRIC.CO.UK ONA’S BENTO SUSHI BAR An authentic, cosy Japanese restaurant at 486 Roman Road. Order freshly-made sushi from high quality fish to wagashi desserts or distinctive Japanese beverages.

For something warming, choose a delicious hot donbury, ramen or udon soup.

INSTA @ ONA_BENTO_SUSHI TUCK SHOP A consciously curated grocer, butcher, bottle shop & cafe rolled into one. Join us on Casings Way in Fish Island for coffee and fresh-made sandwiches at lunch, a wine or beer in the evening, before grabbing the best local produce for dinner.

TUCK-SHOP.CO.UK

LEISURE & WELLBEING

BARGE EAST At Sweetwater Mooring on the River Lee since 2018, multi-award-winning Barge East use their riverside gardens, terrace and giant greenhouse for guests to relax, plus a kitchen garden to grow 45+ different varieties of plants and vegetables for their sustainable restaurant BARGEEAST.COM

INNER LONDON FOOTBALL LEAGUE The ILFL bridges gaps between different generations, areas, localities, nationalities, religions and backgrounds. The ILFL unites us all under the umbrella of football and does not see colour or creed.

ILFL.ORG

EAST LONDON LIQUOR COMPANY Tucked away canal-side in Bow Wharf, we serve tasty drinks from booze made behind the bar. Now accepting bookings and tours

MILE END BROWNIES We are a unit of Girlguiding UK at 54 Ernest Street, E1 4LS, for girls aged 7-10. We teach girls that they can achieve anything they

CLASSIFIED

DIRECTORY set their minds to. There’s something for every girl at Brownies, and plenty of moments she’ll never forget.

GIRLGUIDING.ORG.UK

cards and gifts including books, jewellery, candles, stationery, homewares, art prints, frames & balloons. Open six days a week.

SNAP-STORE.COM

GREENSPACE COACHING For 15 years, I’ve been offering life and executive coaching in Victoria Park tapping into the beneficial impact nature has on our wellbeing as well as delivering coaching and mindfulness programmes for professional development in person and online. Why not book an initial free conversation?

GREENSPACECOACHING.COM

MAKE:GOOD An architecture and design studio involving people in shaping neighbourhood change. Using workshops, events, exhibition, talks, podcasts and more our focus is on finding curious and meaningful ways that people can engage with thinking about their areas.

MAKE-GOOD.COM

WAPPING HOCKEY CLUB Founded in 1989 and based in East London, Wapping Hockey Club is one of the UK’s largest field hockey clubs and is committed to making sports accessible. We offer free weekly sessions for beginners of all ages and for juniors, as well as training and competitive play at all levels.

WAPPINGHOCKEY.CLUB SHAWM KREITZMAN Carry On #trending is a series of films exploring the social issues of our time.

Shawm Kreitzman introduces a free film screening, held at the Victoria Park Baptist ILLUSIONOFDEPTH.3D@GMAIL.COM MICHELLE TAYLOR Ready to change career direction? Expert Career and Transformation coach Michelle Taylor can help you to find your next career move, prepare for a promotion or to transition to another career sector. Book for an informal chat: CALENDLY.COM/MICHELLETAYLORCOACH

SHOPS & SERVICES SNAP STORE SNAP is a colourful, independent store at 465 Roman Road, in the heart of East London. We sell contemporary greeting

SCHOOL OF COMMUNITY JOURNALISM Our evening course gives students comprehensive training in local journalism. You’ll be taught the principles of constructive journalism, pioneered

by Social Streets, the news and media social enterprise that publishes The Slice publication in Tower Hamlets.

SOCIALSTREETS.CO/SCHOOL

VENUES THE TRAMPERY A purpose-led enterprise dedicated to making business a positive force in society.

Providing workspace,venues and training in pursuit of their mission. visit them at Old Street, Tottenham, Republic, The Gantry, Poplar Works and Fish Island Village.

THETRAMPERY.COM HACKNEY EMPIRE Every year, Hackney Empire welcomes up to 200,000 people through their doors to enjoy everything art & culture has to offer, as well as providing free opportunities for thousands of young people and community members to take part in.

HACKNEYEMPIRE.CO.UK REPUBLIC Our state-of-the-art Education Campus near East India Station is a co-learning

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environment, open to all. We are home to education providers, businesses, gyms, cafes and work areas, and run a range of vibrant events to support education, wellness and community.

REPUBLIC.LONDON RICH MIX An arts centre, cinema and charity on Bethnal Green Road. Their programme covers everything from blockbusters and independent film to music and spoken word, welcoming the communities of the world in East London to create, share and enjoy culture.

RICHMIX.ORG.UK BLOC A new cinema and arts lab at Queen Mary based on Mile End Road. BLOC is a 60 seater accessible cinema, a white box gallery space, a black box motion capture and a production studio and a postproduction suite.

QMUL.AC.UK/BLOC OXFORD HOUSE Established in 1884, Oxford House is an arts and community centre in Bethnal Green in a Grade II building. We run daily creative classes for all ages and backgrounds, a great café, and have affordable office and hire spaces on Derbyshire Street, E2 6HG. OXFORDHOUSE.ORG.UK

?

The Slice is a magazine specifically for the London borough of Tower Hamlets.

GET IN TOUCH WITH OUR PARTNERSHIP TEAM TO BECOME A MEMBER AND DISCUSS PROMOTING YOUR BUSINESS TO A LOCAL AUDIENCE.

THE SL ICE  17

SIMON

DOCUMENTING GRIME FROM THE INSIDE

SIMON WHEATLEY IS AN ACCLAIMED PHOTOGRAPHER IN BOW WHO SPENT TWELVE YEARS DOCUMENTING GRIME CULTURE. HIS BOOK DON’T CALL ME URBAN! THE TIME OF GRIME SPANS THE YEARS BETWEEN 1998-2010.

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WHEATLY

ROMAN ROAD

W OR DS TO M MCG H IE P H OTOG R A P H S S IMO N W H E ATL EY

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ROMAN ROAD P H OTOG R A P H S P R EV I OUS PAG E ROMA N ROA D L A DY SHOC K E R BELOW L IT T L E SHIT A N D FR IE N DS BOT TOM LEF T B IG T IME R Z

 Brotherhood

fter Wheatley left university he inherited an Olympus SLR camera from his father, feeding his passion for photography. After a decade of working for various publications, he found himself working for Magnum, the elite photography agency.

The glamour of this world of professional photography, though exciting, was a hollow experience for Wheatley. It was around this time he began to take pictures of the kids of East London’s council estates who were getting involved in grime.

Wheatley originally came to Bow through a journalistic interest in the underground movement. The poverty-stricken underclass from which grime arose was a reaction to the mainstream that had long ignored their faction of society. As he documented the subculture, he began to feel an affinity to the area and it eventually became his home.

‘These were the kids who you’d see wandering Roman Road, they might be in a crew with another rapper but you could tell they were on the fringes of society.

Wheatley’s knack for slipping into otherwise inaccessible places has created remarkable photographs. Originally published on Romanroadlondon.com

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

The next generation

ABOVE WO LF PAC K VIDEO SHOOT LEF T S AMMY & R HIAN N ON BELOW CLAPPER & DELUS IO N

T HE SL ICE  21

TOWER HAMLETS

High Street ON THE

DISCOVER THE BEST INDEPENDENT SHOPS AND EATERIES NEAR YOU.

QUARANTACINQUE 45 ROMAN RD, BETHNAL GREEN E2 0HU

02

JERK & JOLLOF 464 ROMAN RD, BOW E3 5LU

Just outside the no8 bus stop at the western end of Roman Road near Bethnal Green tube you may have noticed commuters ordering their coffee from a hatch in the wall.

This cosy cafe at the Bethnal Green end of Roman Road is as Italian as they come. Quarantacinque serves coffee using Caffé Molinari, from an espresso alla Romana to a London flat white. Francesco, the cafe owner, brings an continental flare to the café scene in Bethnal Green, serving traditional Italian cornetti and focaccia sourced from Italian specialist wholesalers based in London. On Thursdays, throughout the year you can even try a spritz from their cocktail menu, at one of their Aperetivo evenings. For lunch you can grab a coffee and a sandwich for well under £10. Read the full review by Emilia Randall in Bethnalgreenlondon.co.uk.

From the people that brought Caribbean Heart street food to the Isle of Dogs, Jerk and Jollof Nigerian-Caribbean is the recently opened restaurant in Bow recommended by Grime MC Big Narstie. Its bright yellow exterior is unmissable on the middle stretch of the Roman, a statement of AfroCaribbean heritage located in the birthplace of grime.

Owner and Bow native, Chuks, fuses his popular Caribbean fare with a taste of his home country of Nigeria. From Jamaican jerk chicken, curry goat and Nigerian Jollof rice, all dishes are marinated and cooked to achieve a distinctive island smokiness. If it’s a no-frills Nigerian Caribbean feast you’re after, then why not try something new and head down to Jerk and Jollof. Read the full review by Polly Nash in Romanroadlondon.com

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MEHMET EFENDI 71 WHITECHAPEL HIGH ST, E1 7PL

Since opening earlier this year near Aldgate East Station, Mehmet Efendi 1953 dessert shop has become a go to for anyone in need of some Baklava. When you step inside, you might think that you had been transported to Istanbul as you’re met with a luxurious display of cakes, künefe and an assortment of crunchy, sweet baklava. Mehmet Efendi 1953 is a great place to grab a show stopping dessert for a special occasion or for a small sweet treat and some Turkish tea with friends and family. It is open from 8 am to midnight every day, and a small box of Baklava costs around £9. Fancy something sweet? Then indulge yourself in the rich flavours of this new Turkish dessert spot Read the full review by Felix Naylor Marlow in Whitechapellondon.co.uk T HE S L ICE  2 2

CAFE LA CHI 1 PENNYFIELDS E14 8HP

With its elegant style, the secret to Cafe La Chi is being all about family and community. La Chi catches the eye with its minimalist contemporary design and open baking area where you can watch the store owner bake while sipping your coffee. With freshly baked cakes different every day, part of the joy of La Chi is finding what new sweet treats are on offer when you visit. The owner, who is originally from Morocco but came to the East End as a child describes La Chi as a “cake shop with coffee” - an extension of the home bakery business that she has been running for years.

This is the perfect spot if you’re looking to support the local community and satisfy your sweet tooth. Read the full review by Robert Postings in Poplarlondon.co.uk 

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01

Taste

TOWER HAMLETS

PUMPKIN CURRY Serves 2 Preparation time: 20 mins

Serves 2 Preparation time:20 mins

ING REDIENTS: • 1 Pumpkin chopped to 1.5cm pieces • Half a tin of coconut milk

ING REDIENTS: • 1 onion

• Tsp turmeric

• 1 clove of garlic

• 1 large chopped onion

• Jerk seasoning

• 2 crushed cloves of garlic

• 1 tsp Tomato puree

• Sprinkle of rosemary

• Chesnut Mushrooms

• Coconut oil

One of grime music’s defining qualities is its account of everyday life on the housing estates of the East End including many calorific references from fastfood joints, local boozers, and Caribbean comfort food to chicken and chips. On “Dollar Sign” – a song that is widely regarded as one of the first grime songs ever – MC Stush sings: “suck out / like when you yam bone marrow”. There is even a reference to Roman Road’s eponymous Café East as Young Adz spits “I’m in Café East, talkin’ bricks with the Turks” on "Cartier Rings" in 2020. These days even Caribbean food, renowned for its curry goat and jerk chicken, can be enjoyed in a vegan form so we celebrate cari-vegan cuisine with this Pumpkin Curry and Jerk Mushroom recipe kindly supplied by Vital Foodz on Old Ford Road. We’ve tasted this West African, South Asian and Carribean fusion food bowl and it’s delicious. Serve with spiced bulgar wheat.

JERK-SAUTEED MUSHROOMS

• Tsp Curry powder

M ETHOD : • Wash and chop mushrooms evenly

M ETHOD: • Slice and dice onions and garlic and roast with coconut oil in a frying pan until cooked • Add chopped pumpkin, coconut milk and season with a turmeric, curry powder and rosemary to taste.

• Let the flavours soak and simmer until pumpkin is soft and a warm orange colour

• Heat coconut oil in frying pan and cook garlic and onions, then once softerened, dd tomato puree • Slowly add mushrooms and let it sweat • Season with jerk season to taste and let the flavours soak and marinate for 20 mins. mins.

• Serve with jollof bulgar, jerksauteed mushrooms and fried plantain.

• Garnish with spring onion and coriander

move

Yoga Barre Pilates Dance HIIT TRX

A friendly local studio on Roman Road offering a variety of classes to bring movement and wellbeing into our community.

We have classes for all levels, pre and post natal with a diverse team of experienced instructors.

See our website for full schedule or ask us anything at hello@movestudiolondon.com

First moves?

Try 10 days of unlimited classes for £30

www.movestudiolondon.com Dane Place · E3 5EJ @movestudiolondon

WHITECHAPEL

became the highlight of her week and her confidence grew.

My body was She started using shaking, and public transport. ‘Just listening to my music, when I got minding my own to the place, business’ on the train ‘felt good’.’

I was just Begum recalls how standing when she didn’t come in for a session and a outside volunteer called her. waiting for Instead of asking ‘Why aren’t you here’, they someone to asked ‘Are you ok?’

Sew and Support has get me’. helped Begum open up to her family. ‘My sister understands me even ust over a more now, that’s the year ago, most important thing.’

Shabana Begum also finds the Begum, sewing therapeutic.

39, was She likes the control fighting anxiety and she has over a project depression. She had from start to finish. recently gone through At the end she can a divorce and had an say ‘I was able to do it operation, which she because I didn’t give says triggered her up’, and that feels good. depression and anxiety.

Begum’s proudest The stigma around moment came after mental health in her four months on the community meant that programme. She she felt unable to reach overheard a member out for help. of staff talking about People didn’t talk how they couldn’t find about their mental a prom dress for their health when she was daughter. She jumped A year and a half ago, Shabana Begum’s growing up in Stepney. in and said ‘I don’t mind The attitude was ‘Why anxiety was so bad she couldn’t leave the taking that.’ Two weeks should it affect you? later, she had designed You’re able to eat, house. Now she is making it her mission to and made a bespoke you’re able to walk. But prom dress. get people to talk about mental health. what they don’t realise, Now Begum is a if you’re not mentally volunteer at Sew and fit then physically you Support. She sees a lot won’t be.

Centre, and aims to teach people new of her old self in the ‘I felt that I was drowning in skills in a supportive environment. new people who join. ‘One of the clients depression. I had no one to talk to,’ It was a difficult start. Her mind told me that it’s really difficult for her to Begum says. So she reached out to would go blank and she would forget get out of the house. I listened to them her GP and the two of them started to go. She tells me that she used to only first and then shared my story.’ She chatting weekly. leave the house to drop off and pick up told them ‘You know what, I was in the Her GP asked her what got her out of her son from school. same position as you.’ bed in the morning. She mentioned that ‘One day, I said you know what, She wants people to know that her dream had always been to enter I’m going give it a try’. Too nervous talking about mental health is not the world of fashion. Begum’s GP had to get the bus, she booked a cab. ‘My an embarrassing thing. ‘Don’t be heard about the Working Well Trust body was shaking, and when I got to embarrassed about talking about what and their Sew and Support programme the place, I was just standing outside you’re going through. If you don’t and referred her. waiting for someone to get me’. speak up, you’re going end up in a far The Working Well Trust has helped Begum thought that it might be like worse situation.’ people struggling with mental health school but it couldn’t have been more For more information visit challenges return to work for over different. ‘I really liked the atmosphere. Workingwelltrust.org. 30 years. Sew and Support is a I thought, this feels like home’, she says. programme they run at the Shadwell Sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays Originally published on Whitechapellondon.co.uk  ’This feels like home’.

J

‘This is my happy place’:

Shabana Begum

T HE S L ICE  2 4

W O R D S & PH OTO G RP HS F E LI X N AY LO R MA R LOW

REFLECTS ON HOW SEWING HELPED HER TALK ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH

To celebrate 15 years of coaching in green spaces, Karen Liebenguth — founder of Parcival, is offering three new clients a complimentary life or executive coaching session in Victoria Park or online.

hello@parcival.co.uk parcival.co.uk

Christmas market SATURDAY 2ND DECEMBER 10 AM - 4 PM

BY THE ROYAL FOUNDATION OF ST KATHARINE

CURATED BY BESPOKE JEWELLERY HANDMADE GARMENTS SPECIALIST TEA LUXURY SKINCARE & MUCH MORE

SPECIAL PERFORMANCES FROM 3PM: THAMES CHILDREN'S & COMMUNITY CHOIR

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We believe that your home interior should be as individual as you. That’s why our dedicated team offers a full onsite measuring and estimating service for all the floor coverings and window dressings that we supply and expertly install.

Whether you need blinds, shutters, curtains, carpets, laminates, vinyls or woods our highly skilled craftsmen train for many years to provide the service your space deserves.

abbottsinteriors.co.uk | 020 89804158 | 470-480 Roman Road | London | E3 5LU

@WJMeadeEstateAgents

Being informed and being prepared is the ammunition you need to not only survive, but thrive in the lettings industry. Here at W J Meade that is exactly what we do. We study the legislation; we keep up to date with the news; we make sure we are informed.

That way, we can advise our client's and protect them.

Our Lettings Managers; Georgia and Haris are well known in the area, and are always at hand should you wish to talk

about the letting or the management of your property . We have also dealt with a number of ‘management takeovers’ this

year where other agents have failed their client’s and they have then turned

to us to take over the rental management. Our full lettings, property management and accounts team are now operating from our flagship W J

Meade branch (Mile End), meaning there is alway s someone to be able to assist in any matters.

Pictured to the right (at the top) are our most recent rental and management properties in t he Tower Hamlets area. If you have a property that you are thinking of letting, then please feel free to pop into the office or give us a call to discuss further.

Best wishes, Billy Maddin Operations Manager

020 8981 3331

MORGAN STREET E3

legislation, but also you from the maximise your yield, capitalising on the buoyant market.

STRAHAN ROAD E3 SENRAB STREET E1

rolled out, ofte n putting people off from renting their property out. However, by

working with us, we can not only protect

LYAL ROAD E3

OLD BETHNAL GREEN ROAD E2

This year we have seen significant growth in our Lettings and Property Management division, and have acquired a number of new clients who their rentals, but used to self-manage

have now realised they need a professional managing agent to protect their investme nt. The lettings industry constantly faces new legislation being

MYRDLE STREET E1

RESIDENTIAL SALES • RESIDENTIAL LETTINGS • PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

THE LETTINGS & PROPERTY MANAGEMENT TEAM “I have just transferred the letting of my flat to Meade's as my previous agent let me down very badly. W J Meade have been absolutely fantastic!

Within the space of a week, they have sorted everything out with the greatest of skill and professionalism; nothing was too much trouble. I have complete confidence in them going forward. I couldn't recommend them highly enough and wish I had found them years ago.” - Mary (Landlord) source; TrustPilot

bow@wjmeade.net

BEHIND THE

Red Doors W OR DS F R EDER I CK O’ BR I EN P H OTOS TOM K EELI NG

of BETHNAL GREEN FIRE STATION THEY SAY A BUSY STATION IS A HAPPY STATION, AND IF THEY’RE RIGHT BETHNAL GREEN FIRE STATION ON ROMAN ROAD IS A VERY HAPPY STATION INDEED. T HE S L ICE  2 8

BETHNAL GREEN  Behind locked doors

 Night shift

T

he crew used to be based at what is now the London Buddhist Centre, which opened in 1889.

The concrete Bauhaus number you see on the Roman today was built in the late 60s, and has sent crews to many major incidents in London over the past half century – the King’s Cross fire, 7/7, and Grenfell among them.

David Carnegie, one of the station’s four Watch Managers when we visited, shows us around.. He is proud to work at Bethnal Green Fire Station.

Everyone is. Some firefighters travel past ten, twelve tube station stops to get to Bethnal Green.

There are two engines at the station – one of which is a specially equipped fire rescue unit.

The backs of the trucks are like endless swiss army knives. Inflatable boats, jaws of life, Tirfor winches, jacks, compressed air cylinders, popup decontamination showers, you name it.

It’s all business on the ground floor and garage, but the station gets homey upstairs. Inside the walls are covered with photos and certificates and trophies. In the lounge there’s a 100 movie scratch poster. They’ve got through about half.

The dining table is the hub of the station. ‘Fire service culture is around that table,’ he says.

‘There are disagreements of course, but what family doesn’t have those?’ Talking in terms of family is natural. Jordan too is proud to be part of it. ‘It was an honour to be given Bethnal Green.’

The station gets three calls in while we’re shown around, and it’s all systems go. Down the poles, into the engine, and off to the rescue.

Most calls aren’t as serious as you might think, but the dangers of the job are never far away.

In July of 2004 Billy Faust and Adam Meere

“Fire service culture is around the table. There are disagreements of course, but which family doesn’t have those.”

died tackling a Bethnal Green blaze.

A memorial in their memory can be found in Bethnal Green’s Museum Gardens, just round the corner from Bethnal Green Fire Station.

The work never ends at Bethnal Green Fire Station, and the risks can never completely disappear, but it does seem a happy place. From fire calls to community visits they are there for all of us 24/7, 365 days a year.

Originally published on Bethnalgreenlondon.co.uk

THE SL ICE  29

ROMAN ROAD

L

ocal entrepreneur Mustafa Has reflects on his childhood in Bow, his relations to the local grime scene and how hardwork and creativity are essential to strengthening community.

Do you have that one friend who seems to know everyone? You’re out for a walk, and, without fail, they bump into several people they know?

For Bow, that person is Mustafa Has. Known locally as Mus, people are drawn into Has’ natural amiability, a trait that has aided his status as something of a growing local celeb. That, and his expanding empire of East End eateries including Café East on Roman Road and Chipping Wharf, on Old Ford Road.

The middle child of five, yet oldest boy, Has explains the feelings of responsibility he bore while growing up as a young teen after his family’s arrival to the East End in 1999. Has, who was 11, and his family knew no English, speaking Turkish or their adopted language, German.

German because his family were part of the Gastarbeiter movement, a scheme encouraged by the then-West German government in the latter half of the 20th century to welcome migrant workers. With a change to the newly unified Germany’s immigration policies in the 90s, the family were not granted citizenship and so made their way to London, and settled in the East End. His family’s initial status as immigrants, without the right to remain, had a profound impact on Has’ outlook on life. ‘You’re a bit delayed, so you try and fix that, and having that pressure matured me up as an individual a lot quicker.’

‘All that I was after was stability, rather than freedom to do whatever I wanted.’

Freedom was hanging around the estates by Bromley-by-Bow and Old Ford with friends, but when the pull of that faded, stability came from the opportunities afforded by Bow’s youth

This is Home:

and support my dad.

So, when I turned 18, I helped run the family business.’ Alongside studying graphic design at Central Saint Martins, he worked at his dad’s business, Offee and Toffee, a small off-license outside Bethnal Green tube station. Putting his skills into practice in a sector with which he was familiar, he says he changed the name of the cafe, and designed the interior.

But while his touch for design and food has caught the East End’s eyes and tastebuds, it is his relationship with the community that is fundamental to his success. People like interacting with him, his banter is infectious.

But he doesn’t take their love and loyalty for granted, and speaks of his luck in having a relationship with people in the area. He needs the support of his hard-won but loyal fans, and, they are more than happy to offer it.

As you can imagine, relaxation isn’t in Has’ vocabulary. ‘Relax? Yeh, I don’t.

What is that thing?’ he jests. ‘There’s still grafting to do.’

While he currently lives in Romford with his wife and three-year-old daughter, he says he has plans to move to the East End. But for now, any extra cash he earns goes into his business and a gift or two for his family. If he wants to treat himself, he heads to Zee & Co. ‘I love a bit of Stone Island!’

Weeks into opening Chipping Wharf, he speaks about setting up more eateries along Roman Road.

‘There’s a lot more work to do around here, to give more to the area, and to help develop the area. It’s the route that I want to be going down, to be recognised and to be respected and to give back to my community as well.’

From over here, he is hitting his objectives: he is helping the area, with the sensitivities of someone from the area; he is recognised and respected; and, he is giving back.

Like the countless immigrants who came and set up shop here, Has embodies the 21st-century version.

T HE S L ICE  3 0

Originally published on Romanroadlondon.com

W O R D S V IC TO R I A M I LLE R

clubs in the 2000s.

This was a time when politicians and the media didn’t casually fling around phrases such as ‘budget cuts’, or ‘slimmed down services’, and words like ‘austerity’. Funding for youth centres was greater and afforded opportunities that Bow’s youth, including Has, was hungry for.

Has particularly cites the Bromleyby-Bow Centre (BBBC) as a crucial influence in where he is today: ‘The BBBC is where the seeds for creativity were planted in me.’

Has talks of the BBBC’s youth activities including music workshops and creative design classes. Just as the Bow School for Boys’ bells would ring out the day, Has would take himself down to the BBBC. Has now realises how lucky this was.

He was in the right place, at the right time, with the right set of people.

Creativity flourished in Bow, as witnessed by Bow’s place as the mecca of grime music. People who he still counts as friends and good contacts, such as Dizzee Rascal and Tinchy Stryder, now frequent Café East, helping to place it on the map.

By 2006, his family had been granted a right to remain and moved to a flat on the Cranbrook Estate. But elder son responsibilities were never far from the forefront of his mind.

‘I felt like I needed to help my family

P HOTO G R A PH: S I MO N WH EAT LE Y

MUSTAFA HAS: A TURK IN BOW

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