the Willesden Shopper

February 2018

How do we choose where to go when we eat out?

We don’t really need the research from the NPD Group to tell us that location is one of the top three reasons why we choose where we eat (37 per cent of total visits). And it is no surprise that price is significant (24 per cent). But I think it is interesting that the fastest growing factor is habit: 24 per cent of people say they eat where they do because they always or usually go to that place. In some sectors (e.g. coffee shops) the percentage going back to the same places is much higher – so those loyalty cards from coffee shops seem to be working.

But ‘habit’ does not always equal ‘loyalty’ and, of course, new technologies are making sure no restaurant or café can be complacent by relying on customer habits. Apps can offer convenience, discounts and vouchers, advance ordering for pick up options or even freebies to entice consumers away from their usual outlets. The way things are going in other sectors suggests eateries in Willesden need to keep up-to-date with new marketing techniques, including apps, to retain their customers.

On the other hand, traditional activities have their place in where we go too….

Welcome to the Wassailers

Ever been wassailing? It’s a lot of fun.

A traditional Wassail involves singing to trees – in particular apple trees in an orchard – to awake the trees, scare away evil spirits and encourage a good harvest.

In Willesden, we are a little short of apple orchards so the Willesden Green Wassail visits shops - to awaken the workers and owners, scare away evil spirits and encourage a fruitful year of trading. It’s also a good excuse for a bit of partying.

Full report and photos of Willesden Green Wassail 2018 inside

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Litter and fly-tipping It is a source of much personal pride that a photo I took helped to convict local fly tippers. It is a source of much personal shame that this single instance is my only success in over 25 years of trying to catch them.

Although it is not the job of local residents to monitor or report fly-tipping, we can all make a contribution to clearing up the mess just by using the ‘Cleaner Brent’ app, available for mobile phones. The app identifies your location, lets you upload photos, asks for a description and then sends it all off by email – and you get an immediate email confirmation of receipt. In my personal experience, the mess has always been cleared within 24 hours. The only time it took longer was when I reported a dead fox on the roundabout – it got moved in a couple of days but that is the only time I had to chase them.

Search for “Cleaner Brent” in the App Store – it is free. There are a few other local anti-litter initiatives so we will keep you updated on any progress.

Willesden is a great place to shop, eat and have fun

The Willesden Shopper wants to help to improve the shopping experience in and around the High Road – encouraging the best retailers, drawing in more residents and visitors to shop here and attracting more of the best traders to keep our shopping centre vibrant, sustainable and green.

Meet the experts in Willesden Green

People come to Willesden from miles around to access the shops and restaurants that provide expertise and individual service.

Experts like Franklyn C. King at Nubian Funeral Directors (18D High Road, NW10

2QD).

Part of the nationwide Dignity Group, which dates its heritage back to 1812, Nubian Funeral Directors specialise in African-Caribbean funerals and repatriation to all parts of Africa and the Caribbean. Franklyn says: “People come from all over because they know that we will understand their needs and provide support with compassion”.

This branch has been open for nearly two years and has a growing reputation.

Kadiri’s Restaurant was founded in Willesden over forty years ago and is still a family-run business. With so much experience and their commitment to quality cuisine it is not surprising that they have expanded into event catering, operating from their state-of-the-art kitchen nearby. By working in partnership, they are able to offer a complete solution for their event including stage décor, floristry, production and entertainment.

Kadiri’s signature dish is the Biryani. My favourite is their Paneer Biryani – a fantastic meal. They have every right to call themselves the “London King of Biryani”.

26 High Road, NW10 2QD http://www.kadiris.com

The Wine Market (48 High Road, NW10 2QA) has only been in Willesden for four years but it looks special and provides a specialist service

The Wine Market specialises in fine wines, champagnes and spirits as well as ales and craft beers that you can’t find in supermarkets.

They have a great range that deserves checking out – it is nice to find somewhere with such variety.

Google reviews of Malcolm and Sons Butchers show that once they have a customer, they don’t lose them. Even when customers move out of the area, they keep coming back to shop at Malcolm and Sons.

“The secret to getting the best meat” says Kevin, “Is to know your butcher. Show your butcher some love. Tell your butcher what dish you are preparing and let them help you choose the right cut”.

222 High Road NW10 2NX

The Willesden Green Wassail 2018 started off near the tube station, beginning with some entertainment before the first Wassail outside the Daisy Chain Florist.

Next stop was the relatively recent addition to the Willesden offer to consumers: Beer & Burger – where they sportingly came out to thank the Wassailers in person.

And at Buy Wise we tried to recruit our youngest ever Wassailer.

Next up was Khan Halal Butchers where Wassailers were glad there was a substantial awning because the light drizzle turned to serious hailstones.

Things got a bit tight outside the Witch Café where Wassailers had to keep in tight to the pavement to avoid the buses while Wassailing.

And finally, we got to wassail at an apple tree – outside the excellent Café in Willesden Green Library

Goodbye to the Wassail until 2019

The Wassail 2018 was a great success. It was supported by traders, residents and lots of charities and community groups.

Wassailers were entertained on their way around Willesden by poets and singers, a choir, drummers and storytellers.

If you are a business that needs wassailing in 2019, you can find the Willesden Green Wassail on facebook or email us and we will pass on your details.

Staying safe

Willesden Green is a relatively low crime area when compared to other places only 3-4 miles away. But of course, saying that doesn’t help the victims of the crimes and we all need to make sure we stay safe.

You can look at crime statistics online: http://www.ukcrimestats.com/Neighbourhood/Metropolitan_Police_Service/Willesden_Green

Terrorist offences have happened in central London – but we should all be vigilant. The Brent Community Area Watch carries out Counter Terrorism Awareness Seminars to engage, encourage and enable residents and businesses to work with the police and the Council to detect and deter terrorist activity. The Chair of the group is Tony Antoniou from Hairways (pictured). If you are a local resident or a business, you can contact them by email to find out more: brentcommunityareawatch@hotmail.co.uk

What is new in 2018?

We should congratulate the Willesden Green Town Team (WGTT). They bid for some funding from Aviva and have been awarded £1000 – we can expect more trees to be appearing in the High Road. The plan is to purchase corten steel pots and plant amelanchier trees (pollution resistant) underplanted with (pollution resistant) grasses and low shrubs. This tree provides flowers in spring and also bird edible berries. Corten steel is tough enough to survive being driven into by a car (or lorry). That makes me breathe easier just thinking about it.

If any residents want to become more involved with supporting local businesses, please contact Elayne through the WGTT facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WillesdenGreenTown/

ABi Associates CIC will be working with WGTT, residents, retailers and Grace Nelson (Willesden Green Town Centre Manager) to identify ways to bring more people to shop in Willesden High Road - and what can be done to make sure they keep coming back.

Let us know what you think would encourage people to shop in Willesden - info@abi.co.uk

What would make you do more of your shopping in Willesden? We want to know - info@abi.co.uk

If any traders want to take part in our resident feedback initiatives, please contact info@abi.co.uk

Many thanks to those who have already contributed by telling us what they think about Willesden – we value every response and will do our best to incorporate their ideas into our plans as well as passing on those ideas to Brent Council.

Published by the Willesden Green Town Partnership: Willesden Green Town Team, Brent

Council, ABi Associates CIC, The Grange, London NW10 1QB www.abi.co.uk 020

8830 8456 info@abi.co.uk