A song about Sainsbury’s in Muswell Hill.

Ray Davies was born and bred in Muswell Hill. He still lives in the area. I do too and can understand why this quirky part of town is so special to him. Unlike The Beatles or The Stones whose early influences came from across the Atlantic, Ray Davies wrote truly original songs – influenced by England, London and Muswell Hill. I thought that last night when I saw Sunny Afternoon, a musical based around The Kinks and their songs. This is the probably most Muswell Hill of them all. The “Palais” is actually The Atheneaum Ballroom which is now Sainsbury’s. Sometimes when I’m in there, I imagine it’s 1956 and I’m waltzing around what is now the frozen food aisle with a girl from East Finchley. Am I the only Sainsbury’s customer who entertains these thoughts? Probably not. I can think of one other local resident who almost certainly does too.