Leading slacker website Deserter has signed with Unbound to publish its first book, Today South London, Tomorrow South London, featuring their (ahem) unique portraits of the lands south of the river.
Readers have the opportunity to support the project at: www.unbound.com/books/deserter/
Founded in 2014 by former media exec Andrew Grumbridge (Channel 4, Virgin Radio, pictured right) and his workshy colleague Vincent Raison (pictured, left), Deserter quickly became essential reading for thousands of south Londoners looking to get more out of life by doing less.
Deserter now brews its own beer, Deserter IPA (created with Southey Brewing, Penge), which is sold across South London, especially at their legendary social nights. A film version of one of their stories is currently in development and their podcast, Deserter Pubcast, was named 7th Most Essential Podcast of 2017 by Esquire. They are still not sure why.
Today South London, Tomorrow South London will incorporate updated material from their blog as well as brand new urban adventures and days out that offer snapshots of the transpontine at a remarkable point in its history - a time when, according to the boys, it just might be where the fun is.
High profile supporters include Jenny Eclair, Professor Green and Jay Rayner. ITV Sport’s Ned Boulting, who is to write the book’s foreword, said: “Anyone with London in their hearts, especially the mystifyingly under-appreciated southeast, should read Deserter on a regular basis… Total genius.”
Andrew Grumbridge said: “I am very excited to be working with Unbound although I have been advised that writing a book will take some effort on our part, which has rather taken the sheen off proceedings.”
Vince Raison added: “With its tales of bunking off early, messing about, skinning up and devising perfect pub crawls, I feel I have been researching this book ever since I retired, aged 28.”
Would-be readers can become a part of boozy literary history by pledging to support the project at www.unbound.com/books/deserter/ and receiving rewards in return, including beer, rolling papers and the dubious honour of having their name included in the book.
Deserter will be appearing at Brixton’s BookJam at the Hootananny on the 5th March, 2018, and are to compere the opening night of the Camberwell Free Film Festival on 15th March at the Joiners Arms, Camberwell.
Picture: Antony Medley
