Friday 11 November 1994

Be my bagel tonight

THE INDEPENDENT
November 11, 1994

By Matthew Kalman

Late night Saturday on the Golders Green Road. The pavement is packed with gossiping teenagers, Carmelli's bakery is doing a brisk trade in smoked salmon and cream cheese bagels. Inside Bloom's restaurant there is hardly an empty seat. Every few minutes, a police car cruises by encouraging the most persistent double-parkers to move on.

We are present at a vital weekly social ritual for Jewish teenagers. No drugs, no alcohol; nothing more intoxicating than catching up on the week's news with friends.

Before 11pm, the street was empty. Then the first wave arrives on their way home from the cinema, parties or clubs, staying as late as buses or their parents will …