Sometimes, new clusters of immigrants coalesce in London, under the radar of the media, until such time as a whimpering hack from the Review section of some unreadable broadsheet notices that an article provides local colour or anthropological observations, depending upon their political bent.
Whilst at Smart Alec’s in Wimbledon, enjoying a late pint (though disappointed by the fact that Winterwarmer, a fine drink, was no longer on tap as its replacement, Waggledance, is less refined), I started to notice that the entire bar was filled with white immigrants from Zimbabwe, attending a birthday do.
There is no evidence for the length of time that this community has been established or how large it is. Moreover, Googling does not provide any documents for this phenomenon. However, over the last few years, Zimbabweans, many of them thrown off their farms, have travelled to London and set up shop in Wimbledon. The numbers are sufficient for the community to have acquired its own name amongst travellers from the southern hemisphere, Zimbledon.
How many other communities are gradually emerging amongst the suburbs, unnoticed and unlooked for? Does anyone know where the Berbers, the Bugandans or the Shona drink? What are their names for London?
Anyone who has to telephone (or visit) businesses in central London, can’t fail to have noticed the same thing.
Time and again, the phone is answered by someone with either a Rhodesian/Zimbabwean or South African accent.
I wonder why?
The phenomenon GCooper notices predates the immigration wave triggered by Mugabe’s loss of his last marbles. Clerical jobs in London have often been filled by intelligent, educated visitors from SA or Zimbabwe travelling the world for a year or two before going home.
I think the reason is to do with visas: Young people from these countries (and Australia & NZ) come here to work for six months or so because they can.
Thanks, I’m glad to hear from Zimbabweans in better mood than in their sad sites. I didn’t know. Google confirms.
Thanks, I’m glad to hear from Zimbabweans in better mood than in their sad sites. I didn’t know. Google confirms.
Similar question. Since Harold, the Fried Chicken King, abandoned our fair city, where is the best place to find Chicagoans in Milwaukee? There is an amazing number of us up here.
The Auckland suburb of Howick, due to large numbers of ethnic chinese who have moved there over the last decade, is called ‘Chowick’.