PIAST, Polish & Continental Delicatessen

It's the November 1st 2019, and we are still in the European Union! Whether you are a Remainer or a Leaver, you will probably agree that the last three and a half years has not been Britain's finest moment. For me, one of the most shameful aspects of it all, is the way immigrants, specifically those from the EU, have been caught up in the political crossfire. Politicians, aided by the tabloid media have recklessly whipped up an anti immigrant mood, creating untold stress and anxiety for those, including my German husband, who quite legally chose to make the UK their home, and have contributed hugely to the country both economically, culturally, and socially. Where would we be without all the doctors, nurses, careworkers, waiters, plumbers, fruit pickers, and people in all other walks of life? They come here, and certainly don't steal all our jobs, as figures show, employment is at a record high. 
Like much of London, the Triangle is wonderfully diverse, and I've written about many Europeans who call it home, elsewhere on this blog. Agata Kwiatkowska comes from Poland, and is the proud proprietor of Piast, on Hollybush Terrace, which she took over last year, having already worked there for 5 years. Piast was the name of a former royal dynasty if you were wondering. If you've never thought to go in, please do, it's a friendly little shop with a great range of food and drink, not just from Agata's homeland, but also Slovakia, Hungary, Germany, and even Italy. Some will be familiar, some not. Don't worry if you don't understand some of the Polish labels, Agata and her staff are extremely helpful. As well as the rows of jars of sauerkraut, pickled herring, and rye breads, (products not just aimed at homesick Poles), is a wonderful deli counter brimming with charcuterie and prepared dishes, such as Pierogi (ravioli like dumplings), Golabki, their delicious stuffed cabbage leaves, a variation on a dish you will find through much of Central Europe, and home made Polish cakes.
Agata reflects on how the famed local village community on the Triangle, is much like her home town of Tychowo. Maybe she will retire back home, but then again her 18 year old daughter was schooled here. Freedom of Movement is often portrayed as a one way street for people to come here, but it is a freedom we should all cherish, and has given us plenty of opportunities too. Opportunities we seem about to lose. I sincerely hope that this little corner of Poland remains steadfastly on the Triangle. 

Agata Kwiatkowska

PIAST

Hollybush Terrace

3 Westow Street

JOE

28-30 Church Road has already featured twice on this blog; first as part of Bambino's, and then as Boyce de Roca, a cafe which occupied the premises for a couple of years. Then in July 2017, Joe Hirschhorn opened his eponymous bar. With its eclectic decor, it certainly doesn't feel like your average bar, and it has always been Joe's intention to do something unique, rather than following the herd with an identikit watering hole. The collection of Victorian Staffordshire figurines housed in the beautiful display cabinets, is a nod to their charismatic owner's former career as an antique dealer. Days he remembers fondly as a very creative time, when he was based at the Gasworks in Fulham. Furniture design is another of Joe's skills, with the chairs and tables having been designed by him. They're intended to be communally shared, and moved around to suit whatever's going on in the venue. The circular drum-like stools also have a removable lid for customers' coats and bags. Along another wall is a record collection and decks. There's no playlist, and customers are encouraged to choose the music, which makes it feel like you're in your own living room.
Calling this place a bar, wouldn't do it justice, it seems to offer so much more. Joe prefers drinks cafe, rather than pub or cocktail bar, but it's also an intimate little venue for a fascinating array of unusual music, cabaret, poetry, cinema, and DJs. Recent performances have included the award winning Celia Quartet, Kate Gilbert's intriguingly named Lost & Found Cabaret, Viola da Gamba player and teacher at the Royal College of Music, Reiko Ichise, and even something called Brexit - The Gameshow! 
And I haven't even mentioned the food and drink yet. The menu consists of exceptionally good tapas, but it's the drinks that have already become legendary locally, and once on the subject, Joe is clearly animated and extremely knowledgable. When opening the bar, he felt strongly that while London is incredibly innovative when it comes to food, drinks are often run of the mill standard offerings, and he was determined to do things differently. With particular focus on spirits, the drinks cafe is a place where everything except the alcohol is actually made on the premises. So a range of tonics using cinchona, are all steeped for 24 hours in fruits and spices behind the bar. And home made cola is made with coriander, star anise, ginger and orange. The very stylish drinks are served with reusable glass straws, and in winter some are even served hot, which is a revelation.
After learning much from Joe about the history of gin, we went on to local history, and how, when the Crystal Palace arrived on a rural local hillside in the 1850s, the area immediately became the centre of the universe, with the world flocking to the ground breaking building to discover all the very latest in Victorian invention and technology. He feels lucky to be living and working in an area with such a rich legacy, and is hopeful that the Phoenix suburb's time is coming again.

Gin with Andalusian Tonic steeped in hibiscus, rose, orange, apple, and elderberry, with rose petals sprinkled on top

Joe Hirschhorn

JOE

Dalhousie

I've heard a few people asking whether we really need another cafe on the Triangle, but as long as each offers something different, why not? Canadian, Derek Taylor certainly believes that, and spent months of hard work,  in preparation for the opening of his delightful cafe at No.1 Westow Street, formerly the home of Popiel cycles. The name, Dalhousie, in case you were wondering, was the name of the street, Derek lived on, back in Toronto. During a career,  first in finance, and then in hospitality and events planning, Derek maintained a passion for baking cakes, something he inherited, along with all the recipes, from his grandmother. Then, only a year or two ago, luck and love brought him to London, and luckily for us, to Crystal Palace.
As was Derek's intention, the cafe looks and feels very different from other local establishments. The idea is that everything about it makes you feel like it's a treat. It starts of course with the delicious cakes and Union Roasted coffee, but then there's the Digby's English sparkling wine, the chocolates, the flowers, and the elegant interior on two floors. I particularly love the 'zigzag' texture of the counter, inspired by corrugated take-away cup holders! So rather than trying to compete locally, Derek, with the help of his young and friendly team, is contributing something different to the area, which has been an instant hit, and despite his own comparatively recent arrival, he already feels committed to Crystal Palace.

Chocolates by Audrey's Chocolates

Samples of delicious sticky toffee cake

Bread from the Bread Factory

Derek Taylor

Dalhousie
1 Westow Street