Christmas shopping and events - OpinioN8 update - 30 November 2014

Shops
Let's take advantage of our great local shops for the Christmas shopping especially on 6 December when there's a Christmas market in the town hall square. The Hornsey Historical Society has got a couple of stocking fillers too. It looks like Waitrose (or Waitalot as it's been christened) may be starting work to expand into the old bargain bookshop.

Eating and drinking
New coffee shop Fifty Five is recommended - is it Crouch End's 55th coffee shop someone sarcastically asks? What was Fat Cat Bistro for about five minutes is to be ahealth food café called Citrus and Cocoa and the Time Out awards continue to generate debate (including over the state of the Earl Haig toilets!).

Local politics and activism
There's scepticism about new plans for Hornsey Town Hall, questions about planned changes at Ally Pally and debate about new tenants in the library.

Recreation
A date's been announced for next year's Crouch End Festival and there's a new writers' group in Tottenham.

Transport and utilities
Finsbury Park station is falling apart and the badly-sited parcel depot is still getting complaints.

Offered and recommended/Help needed
Any suggestions for a removal company or handyman? Please add your own favourite local tradespeople and businesses in the Offered and recommended section.