I was born in Burnt Oak, Edgware General Hospital. Some pedantic types might sneer and holler that I'm technically from 'Middlesex', however I'd counter-argue that 'technically' they are a bunch of wankers who know nothing. It's 10 mins on the bus from Cricklewood and into Harlesden and 20 mins by train to Camden, is that close enough for you all?
I lived outside London for a few years (not by personal choice). I now live round the corner from *rs*n*l's shithole of a ground - bizarrely enough, as I've supported Tottenham since I was 5. I've lived in New Cross and Camberwell for 3 years, Stratford and Bethnal Green for about 6 months apiece, moved back to the street in Burnt Oak where George Michael grew up between 1997 and 2002.
I'm still proud about coming from Burnt Oak, it's funny looking back to when the 'welcome' sign had 'TWINNED WITH BEIRUT' sprayed under it. There's loads of crime, but I never felt in serious trouble there, maybe that's just bias though. All this stuff about London kids today being worse than ever is crap, back in the 80s there was this overflow of teenagers from the Graham Park Estate who were seriously fucking psychotic.
I know loads of people would hate it, it's not remotely glam, but I still miss it! Especially the markets on Saturday mornings. It's a bit of a 'couldn't give a fuck about the rest of London' place. Also, there are shitloads of really good looking girls up there, I don't know why. I once had a good chat with someone from Selectadisc on the basis that we both grew up in Burnt Oak. You should hear one of these conversations, it's a right laugh. Elvis Patelvis once played live in Burnt Oak too - that was our gig scene.