We asked photographer JJ Waller to climb into his attic and dust off some of his old pictures of the Dials, and we are going to share them in the next few issues of the Whistler.

How long have you lived on the Dials? 

“I have lived on the Seven Dials manor a long, long time – at least long enough to remember when it was all a bit tattier, mostly houses of multiple occupation, bedsits and even squatters, back in those pre cappuccino, pre Co-op,  pre Deliveroo days when we had fewer estate agents and more butchers, bakers, greengrocers, opticians and banks. A period when you could even get a choice of awful greasy cafe fry ups. We also had, believe it or not, the best fish and chips in Brighton. A chippie where Friday night queues were always lengthy and straggled past the sports shop and launderette down to the Chinese takeaway. Fabulously fried fish, each freshly cooked to order. It was even possible  to eat inside with full waitress service, drink a beer and buy the Argus, too. After the owner retired in the late Eighties it sadly changed hands twice and was never as good again”

Did you prefer the back in the day Dials?

“Overall I’d say its better now, although I probably couldn’t afford to buy a flat here nowadays. The present day Dials has a vibrancy and cafe culture that adds a unique feel to living in this part of the City”

Anything you would change if you could?

“I would like to see the Co-op change it’s plans to expand into two small independent separate units and for the post office not to close. Losing all three would  be a real loss”

Any wishes for the future?

“It would be great if we had some kind of summer community festival, maybe a food festival would fit? The local restaurants and cafes creating a special summer weekend could be a good start” (Funny you should mention that, JJ. As chance would have it, the good folk at Whistler Towers have got a bit of a plan…)

If you have any old pictures or stories of the area we would love to see and hear them.