The “Pueblito Paisa Café” lies in the middle of the Latin village in Seven Sisters, the home to London’s Latin American community, and the only Latin Village of its type in the UK. For the past decade their identity, culture and local businesses have been threatened by planning permissions of private developers to turn this place and surrounding areas in into a commercial hub. This is nothing new happening in London, with other places such as Elephant and Castle’s Shepard’s Bush Market also targeted, calling to question the displacement/reduction of minority ethnic businesses across the capital in replacement of new un-affordable housing and commercial sites.
Growing up in London, my perception and excitement of the city stemmed from these market places, where remnants of your cultural identity remain present. You would find things that reminded you of your cultural upbringing outside of your home: you’re home from home.