What makes me unhappy? Nobody sells grenadine around here!
Goldsmiths’ graduate Tristan Scutt lives and works in Deptford. Best-known these days as “Little Nan’s grandson” (he’s the owner of Little Nan’s cocktail bar in Deptford, created in homage to his grandmother – which, you may remember, caused a right old stir when we published a review), Tristan is also a well-established south London promoter. Under his belt are events including Deptford Army’s DIP IT IN Deptford, the Stockwell Festival and regular burlesque, comedy and music events at SW8’s Cavendish Arms, among many, many more. He lives “on the crossroads to Deptford, Lewisham, New Cross and Brockley” and says: “Deptford Market is just down Tanners Hill and Hilly Fields is five minutes away. I could not wish for a better location.”
When were you happiest?
Right now! 2013 has panned out pretty well. I’m usually superstitious but it seems that 13 is the lucky year. (Fingers crossed, though!)
Where would you like to live in south London?
What, apart from where I do now? Maybe next door… they have a huge balcony that looks into my flat.
What is your favourite south London sound or smell?
Coming home from a night out in town and walking past Doorstep Bakery in Brockley. Fresh bread at 1am makes you dream of breakfast!
Who is your favourite south Londoner?
Anne B for sure! This silent south London hero has co-run Deptford’s Bunker Club for over 20 years with her partner Dave. Can you name anyone who has run a successful London venue for this long?
Where do you hang out?
Little Nan’s, obviously. When we close at 11pm I usually go two doors down to Bunker Club. It’s open most weekends till 3am – plus it’s £2.50 doubles and bottles every night. When I’m not there, the Cavendish – there’s a great comedy night and late bar on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays – and you need to try the Disco Fries if you’re feeling greedy!
What is your earliest south
London memory?
My great aunt used to love Deptford Market on a Saturday. I remember, age five, being pushed around in the hustle ‘n’ bustle of the market madness. I hated it! But 25 years on I am usually the one pushing people out of the way to grab that next bargain.
What makes you unhappy?
Nobody sells grenadine around here! It’s the main ingredient in the Lady Pat Butcher cocktail at Little Nan’s. Yesterday a shopkeeper even told me I was making it up. Please can someone sell grenadine!
What simple thing would improve your quality of life?
Shops selling grenadine! And off licences bringing back six-for-a-fiver cans of Strongbow.
What is your most unappealing habit?
Touching breakables in shops just because there is a sign to tell you not to touch, and then accidently breaking things. Sorry to Alan at Abstracticus in Deptford – I didn’t mean to.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Liver and bacon with onion gravy and mash at Bianca’s Café, right, on Deptford High Street. They cook it almost as well as my nan used to.
Who or what do you dislike and why?
The increase number of betting shops on Deptford High Street. It’s getting out of hand. They’re open pub hours and you walk past at 9.30pm and they’re heaving.
Your favourite south London building or landmark?
Wellbeloved Butchers, left, at the bottom of Tanners Hill. Okay, it’s landmark-like, but every time I walk past this shop I think about what it was like 100 years ago and I see the love that still goes into that place. It must be one of the oldest butcher shops in London, and it hasn’t changed much.
What’s your best south London experience?
I love rummaging around junk shops and antique shops so living where I do is ideal for finding crazy bargains at Deptford Market a Wednesday or Friday. Aladdin’s Cave antique yard on Lewisham Way is a real experience too, and my favourite antique shop is Abstracticus, on Deptford Broadway.
Tell us a secret…
My middle names are Jeremy Charles. How posh is that?!
What is your greatest life achievement?
To be able to name a bar after my nan – Little Nan JoJo!
Describe yourself as an animal…
A Lion! King of the Jungle!
Tristan also hosts the 80s/90s/00s DIP IT IN Deptford night at Bunker Club, next to Little Nan’s, every second Saturday of the month, £3 entry, and regular promotions at the Cavendish Arms, 128 Hartington Road, SW8, tel: 020 7498 7464 @CavendishArms
