Francis Bacon stuffed a chicken here, Coleridge fought his addiction and A.E. Housman wrote a Shropshire Lad just around the corner. J.B. Priestley enjoyed a fine view towards Kenwood and of Gladys Cooper enjoying breakfast in her garden. The border between the boroughs passes through one pub , there’s the Quiz of the Week in another and the Swearing on the Horns in a third.

Highgate grew up when the Bishop of London set up a toll gate back in the 13oos and in the centuries since it has attracted the wealthy with its fine views and healthy air.

We meet outside the exit to Highgate Underground Station on Archway Road N6.