Constituency vitae: David Lammy on Tottenham

David Lammy | 3rd February 2020 | Comment, Magazine

The north London constituency is not without its problems, admits David Lammy, but it remains a destination second to none…

Tottenham is the most diverse place in the country, where people from all backgrounds come together. There’s always lots of exciting things going on, which is why it’s the constituency that produced Skepta, Wretch 32 and Adele. These acts are indicative of our amazing music scene, which is embodied by fantastic arts centres like the Bernie Grant Arts Centre, which produces wonderful plays, theatre and film.

The vibrancy of our community lives on our streets and in our wonderful markets, like Holcombe Road Market. Adding to that atmosphere is a new arrival and one of the biggest egos in football, José Mourinho. That’s why it’s a huge privilege of mine to be representing my home for the seventh time – a place where all sorts of people either pass through or call home. If I was going to promote a specific upcoming event, I’d say that when Spurs win the Premier League next season and the victory parade bus travels down Tottenham High Road, that’ll be pretty special.

When I get a day off, there’s nothing better than taking my kids for a traditional Turkish breakfast in Green Lanes before heading to Lordship Rec and the Model Traffic Area. We bike down to the canal before grabbing a drink at Styx, a fascinating café-theatre-bar in a converted warehouse by Tottenham Hale and taking in a show by Haringey Shed.

Brilliant local restaurants include San Marco Italian, The Banc Restaurant …

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