Famous nicked cottagers over the years include Sir John Gielgud (fined a tenner for “persistent opportuning”), that bloke from 80s band Five Star, and MP Ron Davies.īut most memorably South End Green is the only public toilet still in use known to have been visited by iconic 1960s playwright Joe Orton. The word “cottage” – gay men’s slang for a place to pick up – was in use soon after, as so many toilets resembled cute cottages (there are several on the Heath, if you’re interested, sir, and one on Pond Square in Highgate too).
