People ask what kind of shops would we like to see in Sydenham High Street. Well, I personally, would like to see a traditional arcade--not the modern form with nothing but fruit machines--but one with videogames! Yes--it's really great for the community--not just for the kids, either. These days computer games are very popular with adults. I would like to be able to challenge other Sydenhamites on our favourite fighting games at the weekends on my way home.
It all started in Roy's Cafe on the corner of Champion Park in about 1992-1994. Untold locals used to meet up to play a hacked version of Street Fighter II Championship Edition. 1994 was probably the best year of my life or thereabouts... Following Roy's Cafe, I discovered the arcade scenes in Chessington, Margate, Streatham and Catford. Come 1995, a major event was held in Earl's Court where the Nintendo Challenger truck entered the arena with the game designers challenging the public at Killer Instinct with prizes on offer. No magazine ever reviewed that most memorable event. I later discovered the arcade scene in Central London, but all this was thanks to my introduction at Roy's Cafe in Lower Sydenham; It was truly an important meeting place for me, my friends and many of the other local kids. There was an older afro-caribbean guy who used to play as well.
My best friend was from Sunnydene Street named Aaron. We were very naughty in those days, and used to go balancing right along the rooftops of Larkbere Road, among other things!
