• NORMALLY I would be in Italy right now for my new book and, on home vacation, sit on a piazza with neighbours, friends and family; and we would happily chat, drink and eat until late evening.

Mamma Mia, dannazione! What do I miss “being at home in Italy” in summer.

Only the usual homesickness doesn’t really come this time. Why? Because Camden came up with the grandiose idea of following the international trend for streateries, making our borough a trendsetter in London

What am I saying – all over Britain. Streateries wherever you look. From Belsize to Fitzrovia, the neighbourhoods come together and enjoy the day out on the streets and squares, just like on a piazza in the south. Goodbye homesickness.

I hereby declare our borough to be the northern-most province of Italy for this summer.

MARX DE MORAIS,
NW3