Simon Pegg bids a fond farewell to North London

Actor, writer, film director and occasional Boogaloo headliner Simon Pegg has bid an emotional farewell to Crouch End after nine years, during which the Spaced co-creator became a familiar sight at several of Highgate's favourite pubs.

In addition to the Boogaloo gig, performed in April as a special memorial tribute, Pegg immortalised The Winchester in critically-acclaimed zombie comedy Shaun of the Dead in 2004 - although the pub scenes were filmed in New Cross, Shaun and Ed's favourite boozer was affectionately named after the Highgate local and many external scenes were filmed in the area.

Despite his love for this part of the word, Pegg this morning said his goodbyes to N6 on Twitter. "Today, after 9 years of living in this lovely North London community, I finally bid adieu to Crouch End," he posted this morning, adding "This isn't just goodbye Crouch End, it's goodbye London" The writer-director confirmed he will not be moving to LA, although he will be working in California in the immediate future.

Gloucester-born Pegg was recently announced as the patron of the Cheltenham Film Festival, saying he was "extremely proud" to be chosen. Since the release of Shaun of the Dead, Pegg's work has taken him to Hollywood in a featured role as Scotty in the 2009 Star Trek reboot.  Paul, his third film with regular co-star Nick Frost was released earlier this year.

Pegg's departure will not leave Crouch End bereft of celebrities - actors James McAvoy and Peter Capaldi, comedian Tim Minchin and guitar virtuoso Bernard Butler all call the area home. We wish Simon all the best for the future.

Image: ewen and donabel