>Still Frying Tonight

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I found myself in Bethnal Green a couple of days ago. We lived there for many years, and I’ve still got a real fondness for the place. Lots of independent shops, a good street market and tatty pubs full of old men with bent noses. I was delighted to find that the Victoria Fish Bar is still there, unchanged except for the addition of an ugly roller shutter. The folk who ran it were ancient back in 1994, and I was amazed to see the owner tapping angrily on the glass door as I snapped away at his lovely, hand-written menu. He must be 150 years old. I went over and he opened it up a crack, giving a tantalising glimpse of the vinyl and formica landscape inside. Once I’d told him “what the bladdy ‘ell I thought I was bladdy doing” he relaxed a bit and said in Anglo-Italian “Ah yes, we’re of the old style here”. I must go back when they’re open.

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