This tells the stories, in their own words, of the black communities in and around Notting Hill, but specifically the ‘Frontline’ – All Saints Road, home of the famous Mangrove Restaurant and much more.

At 800 pages it’s a mighty piece of work, but don’t let its length put you off. It’s a compulsive read and a beautifully produced volume too.

After a foreword by Gus John – who performed the obligatory libation at the launch – and a few preliminaries, the book is entirely made up of short, well-chosen extracts from what must have been countless hours of interviews. The quotations are themed into 25 chapters, taking us from the immediate postwar period to 1999, but in truth you can open it at any page and immediately get absorbed, eyes widening, jaw dropping and chuckles rising as you read.

Edited ; Ishmahil Blagrove Jnr

Publisher; Rice N Peas

ISBN;