There's lots of low level grumbling on the site at the moment, about places and things that in my view are charming in part because of their imperfections. I don't think many of us would swap what we've got for the everystreet of Costa/Pizza Express/Slug&Lettuce/Starbucks/McDonalds, but that doesn't really come across.

It would be nice if people could post their positive experiences, as well as their complaints. Not just on this site, but all over the internet.

I'm just on a bit of a downer reading people complaining all the time.

Rant over.

Be excellent to each other.

i haven't lived many places in my short life so far, but stroud green road (or just off it) is by far my favourite.
the only bit i don't like is nando's, it seems horribly out of place. though i've never actually been in there so correct me if it is in fact deserving of praise.
i heart n4!

I love the fact that you can always get a seat in Miso.

My niece, her boyfriend and his Auntie came down from Liverpool for the weekend and on Saturday night we walked down SGR and had a pizza in Pappagone. Nothing remarkable about that you might think...

But the Auntie thought it was fantastic - she kept saying how much she enjoyed it here. She said the area had a real community feel, alive with loads of places to eat and drink and how it felt like being on holiday!

So many people come to London and have a good old moan about the crime, tube, polloution, rudeness of people etc so it was good to hear for once. So maybe we just don't appreciate what we've got... Or maybe Liverpool really is that bad?

Some of my work friends who live on the 'east' side of London, came over for dinner the other day - they thought SGR had a great atmosphere and were jealous of all the pubs/restaurants on our doorstep.

Things I love about living here:

A fantastic selection of cheap & tasty (and veggie-friendly) food - Jai Krishna, Cat's, La Porchetta, Good for Food, the Italian cafe, Petek's...

The best transport links in Zone 2.

BMF in the Park.

Free yoga (sometimes) at Yoga Junction.

Parkland Walk.

When you run into the local chemist lady in the park and she says hello.

That Woody's is open 24/7.

Ice skating in an empty rink at Ally Pally at 11am (okay, that may be stretching it).

That there are always people around, even in the middle of the night.

Went to Petek for the first time a couple of weeks ago, and thought it was ace. Also the Front Room cafe is great and what about the Fullback Ewok garden? never seen one of them anywhere else...

P.S. Has anyone been to the cafe by the play area in FP itself? Reviews?

It is not everywhere you get a Grade II listed pub like the Dairy

rainbow_carnage - Woody's isn't just open 24/7 ... it has a 24/7 license to sell alcohol!

I know this is meant to be a thread-o-positivity but the cafe in Finsbury Park is pretty horrible I reckon. Terrible coffee anyway and it always stinks of fat frying.

I'll balance that with a good thing: Jack's off license has got Brooklyn Lager which is bloody brilliant.

Following on from dominic, I always thought the service was dreadful, although it could have been teething problems since it hasn't been open that long.

However, the playground up there is the best for miles around so we are looking forward to visiting a bit more when the weather improves!

@ donnaw - don't get dominic started on tiny little dogs...

small dogs = only dogs my dog isn't scared of. On a good day.

I want a dog.

Sigh.

Yes please.

Yup. I've got two of the beasties.

@ katiejane - he lived in France for a bit so he might do! They pick things up easy when they're younger. he doesn't understand "viens ici", although, he doesn't understand it in English either.

@ lucy - har har! Just so we're clear though, are you talking about andy or the dog??

Now there's a magnificent beast. What's he (I'm guessing it's a he) called?

It's the shape of the face. I think males tend to have a sharper, stronger looking jawline. I base my assumptions purely on my two.

You are our pet, Tosscat. We really shouldn't feed you.

@Katiejane - either! Unless food's involved. (sorry for late post, been in France last few days!)