Bermondsey Biscuit & Rotherhithe Docker - summer 2024

Bermondsey’s king of tapas

José’s third Bermondsey street restaurant

review: peachy aperitivos at Bancone on the rooftops with se16’s London honey Company saving the Bermondsey street Festival

about us

We’ve been based in the old Biscuit Factory in Bermondsey since 1994.

Our flagship publication, the southwark news launched in 1987 and is now London’s only independent, paid for newspaper.

We created the Bermondsey Biscuit and rotherhithe docker in 2018 with support from sponsors including Sellar, Grosvenor, British Land, and many other local businesses.

We also publish the south Londoner each month, and the greenwich and Lewisham Weekender every week.

We are proud to be a London Living Wage employer.

We use 100% recovered paper from the Ortviken paper mill in Sweden, a green energy provider who use biofuel instead of oil and provide heat for 10,000 single family homes.

editor Eliza Frost

Writers Michael Holland, Debra Gosling

design Lizzy Tweedale, Dan Martin, Ann Gravesen

marketing Clarry Frewin

media partnerships Anthony Phillips

subscriptions Katie Boyd

Finance Emrah Zeki

managing directors Chris Mullany and Kevin Quinn

Contact us

EMAIL enquiry@bermondseybiscuit.co.uk

PHONE 020 7231 5258

FACEBOOK BermondseyBiscuit

INSTAGRAM @bermondseybiscuit

WEBSITE www.southlondon.co.uk

Printed by Ilif fe Print

Contents

5 WHAT’S ON The start of festival season, pizza making, beachy theatre and more…

8-14 FOOD & DRINK The Biscuit hears from Mash Paddle Brewery about making beer and we take a trip to Bancone, plus new openings in the area

17-24 PEOPLE ‘King of tapas’ José Pizarro talks Spanish cuisine, The London Honey Company explains how it uses ‘the full hive’ and The Biscuit finds out about Original Jigsaw Co’s Bermondsey ‘Easter eggs’

30-34 COMMUNITY Eliza Frost explores the Rotherhithe history of The Mayflower pub, and we hear from the local businesses who saved Bermondsey Street Festival

36-37 MEMORY LANE ‘It will be an exercise in listening and watching and praying’: new Reverend Katie Kelly of St James’ Church in Bermondsey sits down with Michael Holland

39 HISTORY Debra Gosling looks at the craftmanship of Normans’ luxury packaging

a

thank you to our sponsors

We'd like to acknowledge all our sponsors and supporters for helping us bring the Bermondsey Biscuit and Rotherhithe Docker to life.

What’s on in se1 and se16?

Eliza Frost

the BisCuit’s roundup oF events For your diary this summer

summer soLstiCe BeerFest

Buzz on over to Hiver’s celebration of the Summer Solstice as they toast to Bermondsey’s breweries on the longest day of the year.

Hiver is a place where beer meets bees, and at their beerfest, you can expect guided tastings and beer chats aplenty with a curated selection of beers from local Bermondsey breweries. Special guests will also join to talk through their beers and their breweries.

There will be live music, 10 diverse beer lines and beer specials, games of cornhole and beer pong, and Hiver goodies thrown in for fun. Your £15 ticket also includes five tasters of beer in the price. Bee-autiful.

Date: 20 June 2024, 6pm to 10pm

Tickets: £15

Arch 56 Stanworth Street, SE1 3NY hiverbeers.com

pizza-making Workshop

Are you a home pizza chef looking to refine your recipe and skills? Or maybe you’re looking for an alternative activity for big celebrations? Well, you can learn to make pizza like a pro while enjoying some beers at Fourpure Taproom’s Pizza Workshop.

The fun and informative pizza-making afternoon is hosted by The Fat Crust and will cover all the steps needed to make the perfect pizza from scratch – from choosing the right dough recipe to mixing, proofing, stretching, topping and cooking. You’ll eat what you make and take home a gift pack of their specialist ingredients.

Not forgetting the chance to sample a huge selection of Fourpure’s finest beers, and your ticket includes a free beer on entry.

Date: Saturday 18 May 2024, 12pm to 3:00pm

Tickets: £45

Fourpure Brewing Co., Rotherhithe New Road, SE16 3LL

allevents.in/london/adult-pizza-workshopmay-2024/10000767844201677

Fun at the BeaCh

Mark Bell (The Play That Goes Wrong) directs a trip to the beach you’ll never forget in a world premiere musical by Brandon Lambert and Martin Landry: Fun at the Beach Romp-Bomp-a-Lomp!!

It’s a hot, sunny day at the beach and everyone is gearing up for a competition that will change (or end) their lives forever: the legendary Beach Romp-Bompa-Lomp!!

Everyone wants to be King or Queen of the beach, but who will get the crown? And will they all fall in love and live happily ever after?

Set to energetic parodies of iconic retro hits, Grease meets Squid Game in this brand-new romp of laughs, slapstick horror and explosive fun.

Dates: 24 May to 22 June 2024

Tickets: £35 standard, £28 concessions, preview £16, pioneers’ Preview (24 May) £10

Southwark Playhouse Borough, 77-85 Newington Causeway, SE1 6BD southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/productions/fun-at-thebeach-romp-bomp-a-lomp

musiC From the movies

Candlelight Concerts Club creates seriously relaxed evening concerts for busy culture vultures craving atmospheric experiences. Whether you’re a classical music aficionado or a total newbie, everyone is welcome.

Claim your hour of calm and enjoy an evening of music from the movies in an intimate setting, illuminated by candlelight in St Mary Magdalen Church as you’re transported from Bermondsey to Hollywood.

Float down Moon River with your huckleberry friend, hum along to Lara’s Theme from Doctor Zhivago, and take a turn with Tango from Scent of a Woman as you bask in the glow of hundreds of candles.

Date: Saturday 15 June 2024, 8pm

Tickets: £20, £25 including a glass of prosecco St Mary Magdalen Church, 193 Bermondsey Street, SE1 3UW www.bachtobaby.com/candlelight-concertsclub-2024-06-15

Rotherhithe Festival is back for another year. The annual free community festival is dedicated this year to all the hard-working community leaders in Southwark.

The 2024 line-up features live music acts

Bill n Rickey, Robin BiBi and Chris Corcoran, plus free children’s rides, food and drink – a real community festival.

Date: Saturday 3 August 2024, 11:30am to 8pm

Admission: Free

King George’s Field, Rotherhithe, SE16 7BN rotherhithefestival.com

rotherhithe FestivaL

 Candlelight Concerts Club ©BachtoBaby

Box office 020 8463 0100 • blackheathhalls.com •

Alfie Moore

Sat 25 May 7.30pm

Midsummer Music at Garrison Church, Woolwich Sat 15 Jun, 6pm

Sat 25 May 2pm & 4pm Sun 26 May 11am & 2pm

THE ARCH HOUSE

Black

Fri 12 Jul 8pm Wed 19 Jun, 7.30pm

THE ARCH HOUSE

HOME TO LONDON BLACK, LONDON’S ORIGINAL NITRO PORTER. Find us on Druid Street.

BOOKINGS

Tables inside or outside. Mezzanine hire available, 35 max.

ENJOY THE SUPER SESSION: LONDON BLACK FOR FIVE POUNDS.

Thursday 5-7

Friday 5-7

Saturday 1-2

Camille 

A new neighbourhood restaurant at Borough Market, Camille brings imagined jaunts of regional France to Stoney Street. The menu from head chef Elliot Hashtroudi celebrates the magic of seasonal and locally grown produce – his simple approach to cooking captures the rustic energy of a regional French table.

From the owners of Ducksoup, Little Duck and Emilia, Camille offers an intimate bistro-style dining space with a small bar and window counter seating as the backdrop to their a-la-carte menu and daily specials board – you’ll find a weekly changing menu of wines by the glass and bottles from small independent wine-makers, too.

2-3 Stoney Street, SE1 9AA www.camillerestaurant.co.uk

Baccalà eVoo events

Italian seafood and wine restaurant Baccalà has launched Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) and Wine experiences hosted at the Bermondsey Street restaurant.

Sourcing olive oil from artisan producers, founders Moreno and Fabio treat EVOO like wine, detailing the tasting profile of each oil and pairing it with every course to enhance individual flavours.

Now, with their curated tasting sessions, you can explore the heritage of Italian EVOO. Book for a group tasting from 12pm to 4pm, Tuesday through Friday, for any number of tasters from 4-14 – you’ll try five Italian EVOO and be offered an exclusive discount at the Baccalà shop, too.

194 Bermondsey Street, SE1 3TQ www.baccalalondon.co.uk

Sandos are having “a moment”, it seems, and new spot atop The Globe Tavern, TÓU, should be added to any sando hit list – and be sure to make it hot when you order their Iberico Katsu Sando, which is a toasted brioche filled with slow-cooked deep-fried Iberico pork neck with cabbage, onion, raspberry sauce and XO shallot sauce. Is your mouth watering, too?

TÓU also serves up sundaes – think coffee ice cream, Biscoff, mascarpone custard and cocoa. And not forgetting the pet-nats. Curated by Stefano Cazzato (@sc_wineyl), they offer a sparkling offering to tang the tastebuds. We’ll see you at TÓU.

Upstairs at The Globe Tavern, 8 Bedale Street, SE1 9AL www.tou-london.com

Bitesize

Eliza Frost

 Lower Wine Bar

Just opened near Waterloo station, Lower Wine Bar is a neighbourhood wine bar with a working cellar shop for wines to drink in or take away. With an extensive wine menu spanning orange to fortified, it seems a pretty pit stop before jumping on the train – or a reason to head into this SE1 neighbourhood.

They also have a small, weekly changing blackboard menu and soon will offer private dining. The current menu at the intimate spot offers plates such as cornichons, nocerella olives and salted almonds, plus cheeses, tortillas, thingson-toast and charcuterie. Perfect pairing when it comes to sipping on a glass of vino.

19 Lower Marsh, SE1 7RJ www.lowerwine.com

 These days

Your favourite aperitivo bar has launched a food menu, building on its ethos of slow sharing. These Days’ Aperitivo Kitchen brings modern aperitivo to the masses with their curated kitchen offering small plates rooted in modern European cuisine. Serving food Wednesday through Friday, they encourage a “whole menu” approach – you can literally order everything en masse for your table to pick and nibble, and probably go back for more.

Hyper-seasonal, the menu undergoes rolling changes, ensuring a completely new experience every two months. Behind the menu is chef Greg Weaver, with his signature dish of popcorn cockles remaining on the menu full time. Served with an aioli, The Biscuit can confirm they are a perfect mouthful.

100 Druid Street, SE1 2HQ thesedaysdrinks.com

 ©Teo Della Torre

TÓu

REVIEW: Bancone

editor eLiza Frost heads to Borough yards For a peaChy aperitivo and BeanFiLLed ravioLi Like nothing BeFore

The hustle and bustle of Borough Market can easily sweep you up – bouncing from the old (the 17thcentury George pub) to the new (hot spots Camille and TÓU, also featured in this issue of The Biscuit).

But there are places aplenty to dive into and escape the busy market area – including Bancone, the latest SE1 spot for the fresh pasta restaurant and the chain’s third site, which opened its doors last summer.

Upon arriving, we wanted a peachy pick me up, and lucky their house aperitivo was there to offer a helping hand. The Aperitivo Bancone (£11) consists of Campari, verjus, peach, sparkling orange and topped with prosecco. It was a true taste of warmer days.

As we picked over the delicious-sounding menu, finding it hard to narrow it down, we knew their burrata, confit tomato, crouton and basil starter (£11.50) was a definite. The sharpness of confit tomato in contrast with creamy burrata is a combo I would choose on any menu, and Bancone’s didn’t disappoint.

The tomatoes literally popped with flavour and the croutons were soaked in an olive oil so silky, it added a truly decadent depth to kick off our Italian pasti.

Our second starter was lardo on toast with truffled honey (£8). I’d never tried lardo before, it’s the fatty layer attached to the pork rind, which is stored after salting or smoking. In this case, it was sliced and served like a salami. The sweetness of truffle honey paired with this salty lardo sat perfectly on the crunchy bread.

We were lucky to visit Bancone during wild garlic season, a short but tasty period in the produce calendar. So we obviously had to try the borlotti bean ravioli with chicken butter, porcini and wild garlic (£17) – and for a second plate, we chose their well-known spicy pork and nduja ragu with mafalde pasta (£14).

“Can I offer you some parmesan,” asked our waiter holding a huge chunk of the cheese in one hand, grater in the other, before pilling high the salty parm, smothering our pasta dishes. I’m very much a “more cheese, the better” type of paster-eater, and it was the finishing touch needed before we halved these pastas, one delicate and smooth, the other packing a punch of spice and bite of al dente pasta ribbons.

The borlotti bean ravioli was like no pasta I’d tried before; inside a smooth and creamy consistency from the beans, and the parcels sat in a puddle of the chicken butter and the wild garlic sauce splattered on top – the dish was delicious due to its seasonality, and

shows how fresh produce can elevate a dish through nature’s timings.

The spicy pork and nduja ragu had such a deep flavour that you could get lost in for hours, with the delight of a tomato tang and a slow heat.

It was time for something sweet. And now, I’m not one for surprises, generally speaking, but if chocolate is involved, then it’s probably a safe bet. Bancone’s dessert titled “chocolate, mascarpone, lime” (£7) left us wondering what might possibly appear on the table. It was a decadently dark chocolate tart, mascarpone on the side, with the zest of the lime sprinkled over. Each flavour complemented the other for a taste sensation.

Plus, we snapped and shared one of Bancone’s praline cannolo with crystallised hazelnuts (£4.50) to finish, because what’s an Italian feast without this perfect pastry?

Arch 213, Stoney Street, SE1 9AD www.bancone.co.uk

 ©Milly Kenny-Rider & Jade Nina Sarkhel

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inside & out

Our lovely outside terraces are popular in the summer months and perfect for meeting up with friends and family for drinks and/or food. Located short walks away from Bermondsey Street, London Bridge and Tower Bridge.

Indulge in the taste of Italy with each bite, crafted from the freshest ingredients sourced locally and imported from the heart of Italy. Let our warm and welcoming staff treat you like family, ensuring every dining experience is filled with authentic flavours and genuine smiles. Plus enjoy our fully enclosed terrace, the perfect spot to savour the meal and soak in the delightful atmosphere. Amisha Court, 161 Grange Rd, London SE1 3GH 020 7231 7151

Leonardo Mastrofilippo (owner Head Chef) and Messinas Francesco (owner Restaurant manager)

mash paddle Brewery

niCk harkin, Founder oF the enid street Beer spot, expLains hoW a tesCo BreWing kit ignited his passion and disCusses the BreWery’s signature Beers

“The best part about brewing beer is creating something entirely unique, often better than what you can buy off the shelf,” explains Nick Harkin, founder of Mash Paddle Brewery.

Nick’s journey into brewery started in 2012: “I wandered into Surrey Quays Tesco and picked up a ‘Just Add Water’ brew your own beer kit.”

Since then, his brewing collection moved to pans atop the stove before investing in larger equipment. “The difficulty was, I was brewing in a small flat with wooden floors – not ideal when you’re dealing with water and beer everywhere.”

From homebrewing to international hotspot

Opening up Mash Paddle took longer than expected, says Nick, who wrote his MBA on how to apply the ideas behind cloud computing and software as a service to the homebrewing world, which he wanted to use as a blueprint to raise funds and start the brewery.

“But the pandemic hit, and everything shut down,” he explains. “Emerging from the pandemic, the focus was on raising funds, which we accomplished through winning a few business pitching competitions at the City of London University, receiving a couple of small grants, and running two crowdfunding campaigns, and finding a suitable location.

“Finding the right location proved to be the biggest challenge. We wanted to be based along the Bermondsey Beer Mile, and it took some time to secure a suitable unit. We are extremely pleased with our current location.”

Nick says that the Beer Mile is perfect for them. With it being “an internationally known destination”, they experience a lot of foot traffic. He says that “the entire mile functions as a cohesive community”, lending equipment and staff to each other and always keeping an eye out.

Working together on the Beer Mile

When it comes to beers, Mash Paddle has two signatures. Nick says: “Our first, ‘Mashed Out’, is a West Coast Double Dry-Hopped IPA. Although it’s a Westie, we add extra oats and a bit of wheat to give it a creamy body and a wonderful head, which gives it

little notes of NEIPA.

“Our other beer is on the opposite end of the spectrum – ‘Mango Unchained: A Fruity Rebellion’ is a lip-puckering mango and apricot kettle sour. It’s a sour brew crafted for sour lovers, and we actually made this one a few doors down at Bianca Road, highlighting how the Beer Mile community works together.”

You can book a “brew your own” experience at Mash Paddle – with the option to book a private lesson with friends or rent access to the brewery’s equipment if you’re already familiar with the process.

No two brews are ever the same

In the lesson, you’ll brew one of Nick’s recipes – a pale ale, IPA, bitter or stout – and carry out the entire process under instruction.

“While we use the same tried and tested recipe repeatedly, no two brews ever come out exactly the same,” says Nick, “Once the beer has fermented, we can it onsite, ready to be collected around three weeks later.”

Mash Paddle also hosts regular workshops pairing cheese and beer. Cheese and beer, you might ask, well, Nick says beers offer a wide array of pairing options, just like wine.

“From a soft goat cheese paired with a sour to a rich blue cheese with a chocolate stout, there’s so much to explore,” he explains. “This workshop is fantastic for discovering different ways to taste both cheese and beer, offering attendees something they can replicate at home.”

What’s going on?

Thursday to Saturday at Mash Paddle, you’ll find pizza from The Flow, “where Antonio crafts incredible Neapolitan pizzas using a traditional Italian pizza oven”, says Nick.

Wednesdays see a gaming night, where you can play a variety of board games, and each Thursday is a bring your own vinyl evening to play on Mash Paddle’s sound system.

Make use of Mash Paddle’s local’s discount –anyone with an SE1 or SE16 postcode can receive a discount card

92 Enid Street, SE16 3RA www.mashpaddlebrewery.com

Eliza Frost

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tapas is the word

spanish CheF José pizarro is aBout to open his third spot on Bermondsey street; he teLLs the BisCuit aBout Why sharing With Friends and enJoying Food is so important

“I feel my career has been a dream. I never thought I would be in the position to have the things I have, the business I have. It’s been hard work, as nothing is easy in this life, but it’s been incredible,” says José Pizarro.

With soon to be eight restaurants under his belt –Lolo opens on Bermondsey Street this summer – he says it’s a dream “to be able to run the big family that we are now, with more than 200 people under my wings”.

Early years

José says he’s “very lucky” to have grown up on a farm, growing up with “the best food you can get”. He didn’t grow up visiting restaurants, but in a small village – “but that means that I was lucky to have everything that you eat around you, the best ingredients you can get”.

And this means, when it comes to food inspiration, “it comes from my mum, comes from my family, comes from everyday cooking and, of course, from the land”.

He says: “Cooking is all about, like we say, the best you can get from the land. I didn’t cook much, but my mum did and when you’re a kid, you absorb everything, and that is what happened to me.”

José was absorbing everything that was happening around him in terms of flavours and in terms of smells. All of that was his inspiration, too. “And

then, of course, when you’re a chef, you eat out more and try different things and learn from who you are visiting and then also your creativity is your inspiration,” he adds.

Tapas means sharing

Tapas can be a love language, sharing dishes between family or friends, and being able to taste new and varied things. But for José, “it’s what I’ve been doing all my life”.

He explains: “Of course, we don’t just eat tapas at home, it’s not how we normally eat. But it’s a way to eat when you are going out. It’s a way that you can enjoy sharing and talking with people. It’s nice to have everything in the middle because it gives you more opportunities to try different things.”

“And then when you are eating, you try one thing, ‘Oh wow, this is nice.’ You try another one and, in the end, it’s a very nice way of eating and sharing with people. That’s what tapas is about – being with people and enjoying.”

Creating new dishes

How has José’s approach to creating new dishes changed over time? As he adds locations to his repertoire, plus a new book on the horizon, he reminds

us that “nothing is simple, as you can imagine”. Experimenting with creating something new, he says, “just comes to you, really. You are in the kitchen and you see a few ingredients, then you just think what is needed on the menu, or you go to the market and see what is in season”.

He explains: “After so many years, you can think that it’s difficult, but I think it’s easier. I’m writing my seventh book now, and you can think, ‘What am I going to write?’ But you have plenty to write because food and ingredients are completely your creativity, even in simple dishes.”

José couldn’t tell us what exactly he was writing, but we do know it’s out in May next year – and we’re sure there will be a whole table full of new delicious dishes to try for ourselves.

Plate of the moment

Favouring cooking with seasonal produce, and the best you can get, José nods to a particular dish of the moment; at the time of writing, asparagus is on the menu at José locations, white asparagus from Spain and green asparagus from the UK, which “are the best in the world”, he says.

“The white asparagus, we are serving with a lovely cauliflower puree we finish with jamon Iberico. It’s absolutely delicious,” says José. 

Eliza Frost

An ode to Spain

José recently received an award of the Royal Order of Isabella the Catholic, a Spanish civil order of chivalry and honour which he got for his contributions to food and culture, and is the only Spanish chef to ever receive the award.

He says: “It was amazing, but more amazing because it’s about my contribution of Spanish cuisine and culture here in the UK. That recognition for me is very important, it’s what I’ve been trying to do here for the last 25 years.

“And the party was amazing in the Spanish Embassy and, by surprise, the King of Spain gave me the cross. My mum, my family and my friends were there, too, which was even better. That was a very proud moment. It was one of the best moments of my life.”

José explains how there is so much going on in Spain, and so many new things coming in and out. For him, in the beginning, people in the UK didn’t know as much about Spanish food and culture. “But when you want to learn something, it’s quite easy,” he says, “because we want to learn here in the UK. We want to discover. So, bringing Spanish food here was quite easy because people want to try new things.”

Lolo love

And there will be the chance to try even more new things with José’s latest spot on Bermondsey Street, which will open its doors in a few months. Lolo –which is a reference to José’s middle name, Manuel –marks his first all-day dining location. From morning breakfasts to late-night dining, Lolo promises a unique blend of conviviality and culinary delights.

“I’m going to have quite a few more ingredients from here in the UK that I love,” says José. “It’s going to be very simple, which is what I do. It’s my new baby, it’s quite a lovely new concept coming to the table, and I’m so looking forward to it.”

Similar to José’s other locations, “it’s going to be about buying the best and not doing much to it”. However, it will be “a different menu than you normally see in my restaurants”, he explains. “But it’s good, it’s new inspiration and that’s always good. It’s good to keep me on my toes. I don’t like to repeat myself in any of the business. I’m very excited.”

Bermondsey Street

Lolo will be the third of José’s located on Bermondsey Street. He lived nearby before opening his first restaurant on the road, the José Tapas Bar in 2011.

“For me, Bermondsey is very central but it’s not Piccadilly. It’s a really cool area with so much

creativity,” says José. “There are many galleries around, like The White Cube, but so many others and so many creative people. To be around creative people is always good, even if it has nothing to do with food. But creativity makes me very, very happy, to have that learning and art, we need art in our life.”

José says he enjoyed the community of Bermondsey during the time he lived in the area, and it was one of the reasons he first set up shop here. “I still feel the same about the community as the first time I was walking around Bermondsey,” he says.

Homecoming

José has previously said: “My restaurants are like my own house. It’s why I have open kitchens – so that my customers feel like they are guests in my home.”

So why is the feeling of home so important? “You go to restaurants to make yourself feel better, to see your friends, to discover new things, and then when

you’re at home and you’re cooking for your friends, it is the same,” says José. “Whether people are coming to my home or to my restaurant I want them to eat and feel better. It’s what I try to do, make people feel better and have a good time.”

And what does a chef eat when he is off the clock? “When I go home, cooking is not business anymore. But I do love to cook at home,” José explains. “I love to spend time enjoying cooking with my partner or cooking for friends, something unique. When you are feeding people, you are making people happy –normally”, he adds with a chuckle.

Even after working in the restaurant, José says he needs to cook at home, too. He says every cupboard should have beans and says he rustles up something quick, like an omelette or a salad, after work. “A bean salad, with tuna and fresh bread and olive oil. Delicious, and then you’re happy,” he says.

josepizarro.com

Borough Yards

Gallery/Museum Opportunity Available

UNIT 221

In the heart of Borough Yards, we are seeking a suitable operator to take a shell & core unit for the use of a public gallery with 'for sale' artwork and/or use as a museum (within Use Class D1 of the Town a n d Country Planning (U s e Classes) Order 1987).

The unit is set within a refurbished railway arch, which creates a very unique space, however does lack natural light

LOCATION

Located within the Borough Yards development in London Bridge between Borough Market and the River Thames. The unit has an entrance on Clink Street. NB The unit is currently trading as 'Delight'. Nearby occupiers include Flat Iron, Bancone, Akara, Burger & Beyond, Long Boys and Hagen

ACCOMMODATION

The unit provides the following Net Internal Area (NIA):

Ground floor - 3,389 SQF / 314.9 SQM

Mezzanine - 564 SQF / 52.4 SQM

Total - 3,953 SQF / 367.3 SQM

TENURE

The premises are available by way of a new lease, for a term to be agreed between parties.

RENT

We are seeking a rent in excess of £150,000 per annum exclusive.

COSTS

Each party is to be responsible for their own legal and all other professional costs incurred in the transaction.

“When the bee trucks return to Bermondsey, stacked high with glorious, full honey boxes, there is no better feeling. The sight and the scent are something to behold.”

Aileen Geraghty, creative and marketing director at The London Honey Company, tells The Biscuit about the company’s urban beekeeping history, being a family biz, and why Spa Terminus on a Saturday is the place to be(e).

The Biscuit: The London Honey Company started via urban beekeeping – can you tell us more of your story from then to now?

Aileen Geraghty: If you look closely, tucked alongside the lovely bee in our logo is a date, 1999. The date Steve (my husband) took the plunge to leave behind a career as a photojournalist and install honeybees on his roof near Tower Bridge.

With urban beekeeping almost unheard of at the time, this simple act captured the zeitgeist: an appetite for pure natural food to be brought back into the heart of the city, for food to come straight from where it is made without interference and to let a quality ingredient speak for itself. The London Honey Company was born.

It seems incredible to us, as the family business we now are, to be celebrating our 25th year. Steve’s nephew George has been passionate about beekeeping since he was a child, and now manages our main production operation at Honey HQ.

What is slow beekeeping and why is it a way of working you subscribe to?

We travel across the British countryside in search of some of the most obscure nectar sources our country has to offer. We’re continually exploring new locations.

We are migratory bee farmers, which means we move colonies in line with the seasons, carefully considering time frames of budding flora to ensure there is always an abundance of nectar and pollen for

What’s the buzz?

our bee colonies to thrive. Sourcing sustainable environments to situate our hives alongside the careful management and welfare of our bees is of equal importance to us.

What products do you create with your honey?

We are proud to have developed a fully sustainable approach, whereby we use every element of the beehive – from the honey and honeycomb to natural beeswax. The full hive, zero waste.

Alongside our ever-evolving British Honey Collection, we developed an Infused Honey range that’s proven to be extremely popular. Smoked Chipotle Honey is our most recent to launch, it’s delicious. We’ve also developed a super-healthy range of products that includes British Honeybee Pollen and CBD Infused Honey, all entirely natural ingredients.

British Honeycomb is incredibly special, and something we are known for. Although not widely available, this is pure honey in its most natural form. We are possibly one of the largest producers of honeycomb in the UK and it takes skilful beekeeping to produce it. We sell this in full frames to many top restaurants and notable chefs, who often create beautiful creative dishes using it.

We extract, filter and produce the most beautiful golden British Beeswax from the hives, before then producing our British Beeswax Candle range, this is quite special as each seasonal harvest produces not only honey but its own entirely natural beeswax. We also produce a super nourishing multi-purpose Beeswax Balm that’s great for all skincare needs as it’s 100% natural.

Your warehouse and shop are based in Bermondsey, what do you like about being situated in the area?

Bermondsey has been home to our business for so long now, it’s such a huge part of our

it’s se16’s London honey Company – WhiCh produCes sustainaBLe, and deLiCious, honey and uses ‘the FuLL hive’ to Create a host oF other produCts

identity. The local neighbourhood has supported us from the beginning and as we’ve grown over the years, from our original Saturday market to our current new Saturday Shop at Arch 8 at Spa Terminus. Our connections to our food-producing neighbours at Spa Terminus are also important – we are proud to be one of the founders of this independent group and how it has grown and evolved to this day.

Do you have any local recommendations for our readers?

Saturday mornings at Spa Terminus Market are a joy to wander and explore on a sunny morning! We are surrounded by an incredible array of independent food producers here who open their doors to the public every

Saturday morning.

I’d recommend you start with a breakfast coffee and delicious pastry at our friend The Little Bread Pedlar, before shopping for your fresh fruit and veg, specialist ham and cheese, fresh fish and butchery, not forgetting some British Honey and Beeswax Candles, of course.

Visit The London Honey Company on Saturdays (9am-2pm) at Arch 8, Voyager Business Park, Spa Road, SE16 4RP

Sign up to their newsletter for 10% off your first online order www.thelondonhoneycompany.co.uk

©The London Honey Co.

Eliza Frost

spring family fun at the southbank Centre

Join us during May halfterm for an enchanting programme bursting with captivating performances, vibrant experiences and free activities for everyone. From an electrifying hip-hop musical to whimsical tales of adventure, there's something for everyone in this exciting lineup.

Embark on an unforgettable journey with the BAC Beatbox Academy’s award-winning Pied Piper: A Hip-Hop Family Musical. Set in the eve of a mayoral election, this raucous musical re-imagining of the medieval fairy tale follows the kids of Hamelin as they face a music ban and a serious rat problem. Featuring a hugely talented cast of beatboxers, musicians and special guest performances from the local community, this show is a must-see for the whole family.

If the great outdoors is more your thing, embrace the joy of unexpected adventures with Grand Soft Day. Explore the excitement of the wind, rain, frost and much more in this curious and charming new show that celebrates the wonder of the world around us. Combining physical storytelling, live music, and colourful wellies, this highly imaginative and beautiful work celebrates the magic of the everyday – a heartwarming tale that will leave you smiling.

SPRING

We have plenty of unforgettable experiences to keep everyone entertained without breaking the bank. Venture out on an interactive and colourful adventure with the Mish Mash Family Trail across our site. Then, join us for a free outdoor performance at The Mughal Miniatures Dance Party, featuring pop-up pictures and a lively DJ set.

May half-term

Book now for our May half-term Spring Family Fun programme – a vibrant celebration of art, music, and togetherness that promises fun for the whole family.

Find out more

 Pied Piper BAC Photo: Ali Wright

 The Mughal Miniatures Dance Party Photo: Simon Richardson

 A Grand Soft Day Photo: Anita Murphy

Our Summer Specials menu is now available!

Choose from fresh & vibrant ‘Hiyashi Chuka’ (cold ramen salads), spicy Gochugaru

Katsu Hirata buns, limited edition ‘Rice Lager’ craft-brewed in collaboration with Orbit Beers and our ‘HANA’ Yuzu Sake Spritz cocktail

Hakata Ramen+Bar, 177 Bermondsey Street, SE1 3UW // No reservations // Open 7-days // hakata.co.uk

missing piece of the puzzle

Eliza Frost

Brother-sister duo Behind the originaL JigsaW Co disCuss Bermondsey ‘easter eggs’, 150-hour iLLustrations and Why JigsaWs Can Bring FamiLies together

“In today’s distraction-filled digital world, the simple act of gathering round a jigsaw feels even more special and important,” says Rachael Hattam, one half of the brother-sister pair behind Bermondsey’s Original Jigsaw Co.

With sibling James, the two run their jigsaw company from Bermondsey, dispatching orders and creating new illustrations.

It started back in 2020 when they created a jigsaw to summarise “the crazy year we’d all experienced at the height of the pandemic”, explains Rachael. It sold out in less than a month, so they did it again with a jigsaw to commemorate the life of Queen Elizabeth II.

The success they’d experienced allowed them to launch Original Jigsaw Co and create jigsaws year-round.

Rachael says: “We really love that jigsaws are a simple way to slow down from the busyness of life and enjoy passing the time together. We did a lot of puzzles growing up and formed treasured memories with our family, spending slow afternoons gradually piecing bits of sea and sky together, whiling away hours and chatting as we go.”

And now, working together as brother and sister has brought them even closer: “We’ve always been a tight-knit family (our parents also run a business together up in Sheffield), but the highs and lows unique to running a business have definitely strengthened our sibling bond.

“We like to work very collaboratively as well, since our skill sets are so different, which means we spend a lot of time together!”

When it comes to making the jigsaws, Rachael says it’s a very long process. But they take “great pride and pleasure” in the creative development.

“It’s important to us that we spend lots of time mulling it over and trying lots of ideas out,” she explains. They brainstorm, link together a scene, and then move to sketch – for which they create “an enormous mood board of reference imagery for absolutely everything in the jigsaw”.

Rachael then works from this mood board to draw the scene piece by piece, which takes around 150 hours of illustrating and iterating before it’s ready for print.

She says that, although they haven’t released a Bermondsey-specific jigsaw yet, they do have Easter eggs dotted throughout their puzzles. In one, “you can see two people enjoying a beer together outside an arch that looks suspiciously like the Bermondsey Beer mile…”

“Both James and I love Bermondsey – it feels like

home in what is otherwise a huge and overwhelming city. There is such a richness of community here, which makes it easy to put down roots,” Rachael tells The Biscuit.

“Interestingly, the longer we’ve lived here, the more we’ve become aware of connections with the area. Our grandparents are both from south east London, and have historic connections to Drummond Road Baptist church, now City Hope, an amazing church

“We have fond memories of slow afternoons gradually piecing bits of sea and sky together”

community based on the same site.

“And we recently learned that our great aunt used to work in the Peek Freans factory, now the Biscuit Factory, where our new offices are based.”

The Biscuit neighbours!

And finally, what local recs does Rachael have? She says the Arch Climbing Wall is her happy place: “The people are lovely, the wall is in great condition, and the coffee’s pretty good, too! Definitely worth checking out, even if you’re not into bouldering.”

Plus, “our friends at MALT often put on live music events in their super cool arch on Maltby Street” and not forgetting coffee – “NoNo Coffee opposite Bermondsey station is a stop-and-go situation (there’s no seating), but it’s the perfect place to pick up a delicious coffee en route to the river. They also do an epic date slice…”

Stay up to date with the Original Jigsaw Co’s latest releases on Instagram @theoriginaljigsawco or by signing up to ‘The Puzzle Club’ newsletter.

originaljigsaw.co.uk

Local people help inspire new street names

With new streets and public spaces being created across the Canada Water development, Southwark Council are going to need some names. British Land tapped into local knowledge at the ‘Naming What’s New’ workshops recently, where more than 700 people came along to share their thoughts. Insights from these sessions will help inspire place names to be submitted to the council for consideration.

In the first phase of the project, more than 20 Discovery Workshops were held in places across the area ranging from the Finnish Church to Time & Talents Pub Club to Rod Kitson’s art group. British Land asked people of all ages what makes a good or bad place name and what’s great about the neighbourhood. Attendees discussed how they envisioned future generations enjoying the area, and which of the qualities people see in Canada Water today would endure in years to come.

It came across strongly how Canada Water is seen as a hidden gem, and the people here as authentic. People of all ages are proud of the docklands heritage, value how the area is so well connected and also so close to nature, and say it has a calm and peaceful village feel. People said street and place names should be unambiguous, evocative, inclusive and fun, and shouldn’t be political, boring or hard to pronounce. Six big themes emerged from the sessions to inspire names for new streets and spaces: Our Place/ History; Our Community; Our Culture; Our Identity; Our Wellbeing; and Our Secret.

Contact us: canadawater.co.uk team@canadawater.co.uk

Attendees helped put the character of the area into words

In the second phase, British Land collated the insights gathered and presented them back to the local community at two Findings Workshops, to make sure they’d correctly interpreted what they’d heard. These sessions uncovered some locally relevant historical terms, and attendees expressed a keen interest in the natural environment.

Next generation add their voice

Local children joined in the project through two sessions with Year 5 pupils at Redriff Primary School. The students developed their own research methods, engaged their peers in their research, then shared what they’d discovered at the Findings Workshops. The children’s main messages were that young people place a high value on fun, friendship, community, relaxation and self-care.

British Land are now collating the findings from these workshops into a document that will serve as a framework to inform the naming of each new street and public space as they’re created. British Land will create a pool of names and select from that to submit suggestions to Southwark Council, who’ll consult with the emergency services among others before making the final decision.

For updates on the naming project, visit the Canada Water development online or get in touch using the details below.

Pupils from Redriff Primary School joined the research effort

London Bridge Community

top tips for Family Fun in the London Bridge this summer

Get the flip flops and sun cream on (stuff an anorak and umbrella in a bag, don’t forget we’re in England!) and make the short trip over to London Bridge with the kids this summer. You’ll find plenty of easy to get to, affordable, memorable things to keep playful minds with short attention spans busy!

Free and Friendly

Yes, gratis! You might still have to pay for public transport, we’re not advocating fare dodging, but there are some great free things for families in London Bridge, including:

Summer by the river Family Week – 23-25 July, Hay’s Galleria and The Scoop. Free film screenings, craft workshops and live theatre. Don’t miss the Matilda the Musical Singalongs.

Fiya House Hip Hop Weekender at The Scoop – 3-4 August. Free interactive workshops for all the family, pop-up performances from world-renowned dance artists and incredible live DJs. Bring all your energy, ready to celebrate our community spirit!

Cheer on Team GB – Paris 2024 Olympics, live screening at Summer by the river. Get behind our sporting stars and join the screenings in The Scoop. You can also catch Wimbledon and much more through the summer months, 30 May – 1 September.

Bring a picnic and enjoy our parks and gardens – go to atlondonbridge.com and follow our Green Spaces Trail, taking you through riverside parks, community gardens, secret green spaces, and beautiful horticulture as you explore. There are three playgrounds enroute and more coffee stops that you can shake a stick at!

lOcal HerOeS

We’re lucky to have a few superstar family attractions

on our doorstep, some world famous, others among the very best of their type in the country, and all worth checking out this summer:

Unicorn Theatre has three shows for little ones; Baby Show until 9th June (6-18 months), The Princess and the Pea until 19th June (ages 2+), and The Lion Inside 23 Jul – 4 Aug (ages 3+).

HMS Belfast has a new family adventure trail, Life at Sea: Morse Mice! Climb aboard and explore the ship to decipher the Morse Code the Morse Mice are protecting. Free with general admission.

Tower Bridge is celebrating it’s 130th birthday this year, and there’s no excuse for not joining the

party with Southwark residents able to pick up a Community Ticket, with entry just £1 each!

The london Bridge experience is hidden away under the bridge itself for good reason, it’s downright scary, and has plenty of awards to prove it! You can calm the nerves afterwards with a double scoop of ice cream at the neighbouring Creams Café.

Alternatively, if you prefer your sights without the frights, The View from the Shard offers unparalleled 360-degree views for up to 40 miles!

That’s a mere peak at what’s to be found in London Bridge this summer. Take a look at our listings at www.atlondonbridge.com to plan your day out.

~ William Morris

Engage Katherine Blackler to help you to consciously create a calm, welcoming and organised space to live or work in 3 key steps

Declutter your physical space

We’ll tackle the jobs you’ve been hiding from; whether it’s organising one cupboard, one room or the entire house.

Organise & store your belongings

We’ll create systems and processes that work for you and your family. We’ll optimise your space by devising space-saving storage products or display solutions.

Redesign your head space

By focussing mindfully on redesigning your environment, you can gain clarity on what’s important in your life and what you can let go of.

CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

Independent primary school for age 3 to 11 year olds

Open to children of all faiths and none An excellent record at 11+

Small, family feel

Book a tour: admissions@londonchristianschool.com londonchristianschool.com 40 Tabard Street | SE1 4JU

612531 | sortmyspace.co.uk @sortmyspaceuk

Chaka Khan’s

14 – 23 JUNE 2024

MELTDOWN

CHAKA KHAN • NU CIVILISATION ORCHESTRA • EMELI SANDÉ • TODRICK HALL • SPEAKERS CORNER QUARTET & GUILDHALL SESSION ORCHESTRA • BRUCE HORNSBY • INCOGNITO • LADY BLACKBIRD • WAR • MORCHEEBA

L ES AMAZONES D’AFRIQUE • NORMAN JAY WITH MARCIA CARR & CHARLIE DARK • MASTER PEACE • ADONIS AFTERS WITH SHAY MALT, JOSH CAFFÉ & HANNAH HOLLAND • BALIMAYA PROJECT • QUEER BRUK WITH AMORPHOUS, GIRLS CAN’T DJ, JUNGLE KITTY & TO THE LEFT • BIG JOANIE • RAHSAAN PATTERSON • MICA PARIS • JUDI JACKSON • HOUSE GOSPEL CHOIR • TREVOR NELSON • CARDINAL BLACK • ANAIIS • SIPHO. • REUBEN JAMES • PENG FEMME JAM • HARVEY PARKER TRUST FREE EVENTS

HABIBTI NATION • LONDON QUEER SOUNDSYSTEM DAY WITH DEPTFORD NORTHERN SOUL CLUB, BLACK OBSIDIAN SOUND SYSTEM, PANTY SOAKER SOUND SYSTEM, BOOTYLICIOUS, CHAPTER 10, TAKA BOOM & GIDEÖN FT. RUSH DAVIS • NEW MOVEMENTZ UK • MICHAEL MWENSO • BALM SOUND • KARIM KAMAR X ADRIENNE EVERETT • SOUTHBANK CENTRE YOUTH VOICES • FUTURETENSE WITH BIM, JAJA KISSES & TYLER MAX • OUR NAKED TRUTHS • SISTERS IN DUB + KINETIKA BLOCO • QUEER C*NTRY • VIBE VILLAGE

EXPLORE THE FULL LINE-UP

© Jo Metson Scott

Local businesses save Bermondsey Street Festival

London gLassBLoWing and danieL CoBB estate agents have taken over running the FestivaL – promising another year oF Festivities

“This festival embodies the creative energy and resilient spirit of Bermondsey Street, and the surrounding areas, which we take great pride in. It deserves to be cherished and uplifted as an annual milestone we all eagerly anticipate,” says Gena Johns, gallery director at London Glassblowing.

Bermondsey Street Festival will return for another year after Gena and George Cobb, managing director of Daniel Cobb Estate Agents, stepped in to organise the event after they heard the original organiser, Bill Owen, was taking a step back from leading the event.

It will take place on Saturday 21 September 2024, from 11am to 6pm.

Having worked on the street for nearly eight years, Gena says the festival has been an integral part of the gallery’s events calendar.

She adds: “Along with all of the other boutique shops and independent restaurants on the street, I have witnessed first-hand how the festival fosters connection, community and economic vitality.

“The collectors who frequent our gallery flock to attend, absolutely loving the chance to hunt for discounted treasures, watch glassblowers at work in our studio, and get involved in the fun festival antics.”

George remembers how Bermondsey Street Festival began as a small local festival, with a charming village fete feel, but then, over the years, “it’s grown in both size and scale, transforming into one of London’s most exciting street events”.

“It is the time of the year when Bermondsey Street comes to life, and you get to see it at its best. It’s a joyful, wonderfully vibrant, exciting place to be with visitors descending on the street during the day. Daniel Cobb has been part of and a sponsor for many years, and absolutely loved every second of it,” George says.

He explains how, when you’re moving to a new area, the first Introduction to the locality is normally through your estate agent, like Daniel Cobb, “so we felt it was really important we acted as a vehicle to help people properly immerse themselves in the local area” through community events, like Bermondsey Street Festival.

After receiving funding from Southwark Council, they are able to continue the legacy of this local fest.

Eliza Frost

Photo by Abi Pooley

Gena says: “Bermondsey Street Festival is an invaluable event for businesses, makers and entrepreneurs on the street and in the area to showcase their talents – not to mention the beautiful memories it creates simply strolling the stalls.

“The possibility of losing such an iconic Bermondsey tradition would have a huge impact on the community, and the festival means too much to our close-knit street of residents and independent businesses alike.”

George agrees that losing the festival was not an option. He says: “Community events like this are a wonderful vehicle to bring people together and celebrate everything that is so great about the local area.

“the possibility of losing such an iconic Bermondsey tradition would have a huge impact on the community”

“We often choose where we live because we’re attracted to something in that area, whether it’s the community, the people, the amenities, whatever it might be. And we certainly find with Bermondsey, a lot of it is about what the residents and local shops bring to the street that make it so vibrant, and that people love.

“And that’s what the day is, it’s a celebration of everything that’s great about Bermondsey Street.”

Both London Glassblowing and Daniel Cobb hope to further rally support and sponsors to ensure Bermondsey Street Festival continues delighting locals and those from further afield for years to come.

Gena adds: “We’ve been overwhelmed by the words of support from all of the regular stallholders and many businesses that want to lend their expertise to help in any capacity they can to keep it going – this shows real community.”

Planning for the 2024 festival includes the same structure as previous years, “as organiser Bill did an incredible job running it so successfully over a number of years”, says Gena.

You can expect to see more food stalls in the park to create a culinary experience, more artisan and craft stalls, as well as the businesses on the street extending their offerings.

“I’m honoured to play a part in preserving this cherished legacy for our vibrant neighbourhood,” Gena concludes.

If you wish to host a stall or get involved in the festivities, you can get in touch at: contact@ bermondseystreetfestival.org.uk

www.bermondseystreetfestival.org.uk www.londonglassblowing.co.uk www.danielcobb.co.uk

Feeling the burn

gym nation on druid street oFFers over 40 CLasses a Week in a unique LoCation on the LoW Line –oWner andy parson teLLs the BisCuit aBout its strengths

“Start small, stay consistent and take it day by day.

This is a journey and if you can’t enjoy it, you won’t want to stick to it”: Andy Parsons’ main advice for everyone and anyone starting their fitness journey, or who has a new fitness goal, is to stay consistent.

Andy is the owner and main shareholder of Gym Nation, located on SE1’s Druid Street. His journey into the fitness industry started eight years ago when he realised the transformative power it had on his life, both physically and mentally.

During Covid, he hosted free online fitness classes for a small community: “It was a really tough time for people mentally (including myself), as well as negative impacts physically.

“Being able to help people through this brought me so much joy and triggered the start of my fitness community (AP Fitness), which really grew after the lockdowns, and it is from this that Gym Nation was born.”

Gym Nation opened in April 2023 with a vision to create an inclusive and welcoming space, where people felt empowered to pursue their fitness goals.

Andy explains: “Whether it’s your first day in a gym

or you are prepping for a competition, we know gyms can be daunting. We pride ourselves on always having a friendly, welcoming face at our reception desk.”

Creating an inclusive space is “paramount to our mission at Gym Nation because we believe exercise is for everyone”, says Andy.

“We understand that feeling comfortable and confident in these spaces will influence whether you do or do not enter them. By being inclusive, we can empower people to prioritise their health and wellbeing.”

Since opening, Andy says Gym Nation has grown into a thriving community hub, offering fitness classes, state-of-the-art equipment and personalised training options.

“The last couple of years planning Gym Nation and opening our doors has been a dream. I am also very lucky to have two investors (George and Hubert) who are a huge support,” he adds.

If you’re ever feeling uneasy about training in a gym environment, Andy recommends talking to a personal trainer, and your first session with a PT is free at Gym Nation.

‘We know gyms can be daunting, but exercise is for everyone’

Plus, they have over 40 fitness classes a week. Andy says the most popular classes “tend to be our high energy strength classes, HYROX, female only, Pilates, yoga and dance classes”.

Gym Nation also hosts Friday Night Lights twice a month and “this is a fantastic alternative to the typical London ‘boozy Friday night’”, says Andy. It involves a 5-8km run with music, confetti and socialising.

“We love this activity, the atmosphere is amazing, and this is a great example of how fitness can be fun and social,” he adds.

Building the Gym Nation community is a real driving force, says Andy. Gathering feedback from members helps them to provide everything from a member’s preferred energy drink to specialist gym equipment to help them meet their goals.

He explains: “In one feedback session, we were asked to start stocking female sanitary products in the bathrooms. This led to more items being requested such as hair bands and deodorant. These changes may seem small, but they can make a huge difference to our members, so we make sure we are constantly open to feedback.”

Being located under the arches of London Bridge on the Low Line “adds a unique charm to our gym”, says Andy. “The arches’ industrial and white aesthetic provides a spacious and welcoming feel.

“When you first enter the gym, you walk into the reception that has a double-height ceiling and you can see all the way to the far end of two arches and the mezzanines. We like to think this adds a wow factor to our space.”

Gym Nation offers 20% discounts for students, blue light badge holders, universal credit recipients and groups of employees who work for local businesses.

26 Druid Street, SE1 2EY www.gym-nation.co.uk

Eliza Frost

embracing progress: the Bermondsey project receives planning approval from southwark Council

g reystar is thri LL ed to take a signi F i C ant step For Ward in de L ivering the vision For Bermondsey’s histori C Bis C uit FaCtory site, a F ter re C ent Ly re C eiving p L anning approva L F rom s outh Wark Coun C i L

In close collaboration with the community, our proposals have undergone extensive consultations, ensuring they resonate with local needs and preferences. The updated plans not only increase the provision of affordable housing but also integrate safety enhancements and improved public spaces, fostering a sustainable and inclusive environment for community interaction.

With the recent planning approval, we are thrilled to be one step closer to realising this vision. You can read more about our plans on our website or view the full application on the Southwark Council website. This significant milestone marks the commencement of construction on the eagerly anticipated development. Over the next 4 years, The Bermondsey Project will bring the buzz back to Bermondsey, delivering new rental homes, green spaces, offices, shops, and cafes, as well as opening up new connections throughout the area.

Building on the proud history of the site, we look forward to stitching together new and old by weaving the new development into the longestablished Bermondsey community. We’re eagerly anticipating the realisation of our plans and the

positive impact they will have.

By embedding ourselves in the community, we want to support and build on the fantastic local initiatives that make Bermondsey a great place to live and to visit.

Through our community investment programme we will be supporting existing and upcoming local initiatives, like the Blue Bermondsey Market and the Bermondsey Carnival which we will be involved with this summer. We’ll also be running our own events programme, inviting everybody along to join the fun at outdoor film nights, concerts and more - sign up via our website to our mailing list (details

below) so you don’t miss out on upcoming events and development progress.

Bermondsey is truly a place for everybody, and we are excited to see the long-awaited, shared vision for transforming the site into a vibrant, urban centre take shape. Complementing the existing neighbourhood and providing opportunities for everybody in Bermondsey.

Find out more, share your ideas or get in touch by visiting The Bermondsey Project website. https://www.greystar-bermondseyproject.com/ info@greystar-bermondseyproject.com

We want to ensure that benefits and opportunities created by the development are wide reaching and long-term. We are in continuous discussions with the local community to develop our local legacy Strategy, which focuses on four key areas:

• Community Wellbeing

• Education

• Skills Development & Employment

• Business & Enterprise

Our efforts encompass several initiatives. These include the delivery of the eagerly anticipated railway arch connections between north and South Bermondsey, nurturing the growth and prosperity of current businesses and community organisations, and collaborating with local educational institutions, employment providers, charities, and community groups to offer more than 400 onsite jobs, apprenticeships, and training opportunities. We are keen to fill these roles with members of the local community wherever possible, so please sign up to our email distribution list via our Bermondsey Project website (https://www.greystar-bermondseyproject. com/) if you’d like to hear more about opportunities to get involved.

the Mayflower

Eliza Frost

dating BaCk to 1620, this rotherhithe puB has a riCh state-side history. the BisCuit expLores...

We don’t often want people to find out about our favourite, secret spots in London, saving them from the masses to enjoy as we found them – but Rotherhithe’s The Mayflower is a pub with a history that can’t be hidden.

Owner of 13 years, Paul Graham, tells The Biscuit: “The pub was nothing like it is now, it’s really grown, as has Rotherhithe. There’s been a massive increase in people in the area.

“Since lockdown, the Thames Path really came into its own, and lots of people saw The Mayflower walking from London Bridge to Greenwich.”

Paul explains that the history started over 400 years ago in 1620; in July, The Mayflower ship took on board 65 passengers from its London homeport of Rotherhithe on the River Thames.

“Captain Christopher Jones used to part-own the pub,” adds Paul.

So, with Captain Jones at the helm, The Mayflower journeyed onwards to Southampton for supplies and to meet with the Speedwell ship. However, after many delays, false starts and a leak, the Speedwell’s journey with The Mayflower was abandoned.

On 6 September 1620, Captain Jones, along with 102 passengers and approximately 30 crew members, set sail from Plymouth on what William Bradford described as “a prosperous wind”.

After sighting land on 11 November 1620, strong winter seas forced the Rotherhithe captain to anchor at Cape Cod, much further North than the original destination of Virginia.

To establish legal order in their new homeland, the settlers agreed while on board to write and sign “The Mayflower Compact”; the first written framework of

government in what is now the United States.

Captain Jones later returned to London on The Mayflower, arriving at the home port of Rotherhithe on 6 May 1621. He died less than a year later and was buried at St. Mary’s church in Rotherhithe, close to the mooring point of The Mayflower where she lay to rest in the Thames, no longer useful as a ship.

A commemorative plaque to the voyage of The Mayflower now adorns the side of St Mary’s church and a memorial statue, dedicated to the memory of Captain Christopher Jones, sits in the churchyard.

The Mayflower has a Descendants Book, which is available upon request to those who can prove a family connection to the original Pilgrim Fathers from The Mayflower 1620 voyage.

Paul says: “We’ve got well over a thousand signed addresses by people from the states; people get very excited.”

As a nod to the founding fathers, again, he says that they host a Thanksgiving dinner each year, which is always a sellout.

The pub’s day-to-day food menu offers classic British dishes using local and fresh ingredients and is complemented by a range of traditional ales, which change every week, craft beers, local gins and fine wines.

Plus, the Sunday roast “is one of the best in London”, says Paul, adding that it gets booked up weeks in advance.

So, for a sip of history – and the chance to taste

The Mayflower’s Yorkshire puds – head down the Thames Path and travel back in time.

117 Rotherhithe Street, Rotherhithe, SE16 4NF www.mayflowerpub.co.uk

Images courtesy of The Mayflower

reverend katie kelly

the viCar WiLL BeCome the First FemaLe at the aLtar oF st James’s and st anne’s ChurCh in Bermondsey: ‘it WiLL Be an exerCise in Listening and WatChing and praying...’

Katie Wilkins was a leap year baby born in the nun-run St Theresa’s Hospital in Wimbledon.

“I’m just about to turn 13,” she says chuckling heartily, which became the soundtrack to the interview.

Her father was a mechanic in the motor trade who worked hard into an executive position. Mum was a secretary before children came along but found time in the child-rearing to train as a Cordon Bleu chef. “We ate really well,” laughs Katie, recalling coming home from school to duck a l’orange.

Katie’s growing up years were in “leafy” Surrey. “I went to Linton Preparatory School where we wore boaters – really eccentric!”

Katie explained a set-up of sisters and brothersin-laws, living in a big house, who divided up the tasks: “One sister was secretary and dinner lady, the other was the headteacher… I was so bossy they made me head girl – twice! I ran their playground with such an iron rod no one else had to provide discipline, so they made me head dirl again.”

Did the bossiness continue into adult life? “No, but I am a leader.”

Katie enjoyed English, history, drama, French: “I love anything to do with reading.” She studied government and politics at A level and “loved learning how politics work”.

She smiles and shows off scars from rollerskating and rejoices in days spent playing with friends in the woods at the back of their Tadworth home where trees were climbed and bonfires lit.

Oxford University was the next step to study French and Italian. She spent a summer with a family in Italy before the term began, and a year in Rome as part of the studies. “That was phenomenal,” she remembers. “I had a whale of a time!”

Katie says she can pretty much hold a conversation in Italian but not French; “here is my pencil case” is the extent of it these days.

On the French course with Katie was Julian Kelly, her future husband, but, with an embarrassed

laugh, she explains that they never really knew each other “because neither of us were good at going to lectures…” Plus, they moved in different circles. Julian was in the Christian Union and Katie came from a non-Christian upbringing – “I was quite hostile to religion,” she admits.

During Italian studies in Rome, the “whale of a time” led to a low point. She found herself praying and on her return to Oxford asked a Christian friend to take her to church. An inspirational sermon was the catalyst for Katie’s change. “But I thought my journey to finding Jesus would be to go out with the Christian Union rep!”

And it was. She attended church with the rep and his family and decided that this was the time to make huge changes. Aged 21, Katie read the Bible, became a Christian, joined their union and, once the union rep was history, got to know Julian on better terms. “Julian first knew me as ‘The woman who led the Christian Union rep astray’,” Cue another joyous laugh.

This was no easy decision after living a life

Michael Holland

without religion. She had to tell her “cool” friends and her family: “It did not go down well,” she recalls.

Katie stresses how supportive her parents have been since the shock: “They could not bring themselves to come to my baptism into the church… Although they have since come to all our kids’ baptisms!”

Katie’s parents are more comfortable now: “I understood their fears. It was a difficult decision to make, but not for one single second have I regretted making it.”

After graduating, Katie joined the NHS Management Scheme in Barnsley then finished it off in London.

By now, Katie and Julian were married, had moved to Bermondsey and had a daughter, Hannah. “I took a career break in 1996 and went back in 2012.” In that time, three more daughters were born.

The Kellys joined City Hope Church where they were very active. Over time, Katie set up a parenttoddler group on Bonamy Estate, became the Sure Start Chair in Peckham and spent many hours doing community work in Bermondsey through the church: helping domestic abuse victims and working

with women in prison until realising she wanted to do church work full time now the children had grown.

Alas, there was a glass ceiling at City Hope for women, so, to be a leader, Katie had to leave and find another church where she could achieve her “calling” – the Church of England. Julian supported his wife’s ambitions and the couple left amicably.

Training for the priesthood meant returning to university. On graduating she was assigned to St Edward’s Church in Mottingham as a Pioneer Curate – one that would plan and test new ways of delivering the “message”.

It is in the middle of a large housing estate on the edge of Elmstead Woods, so it did not take long for Katie and her small team to devise Together Outside’. They would arrange picnics and services among the trees in fine weather; she had grown up by woods and could relive those halcyon days.

She soon led church services, weddings, christenings and funerals, and organised litterpicking mornings. Katie became part of the community.

She gave an example of a typical day: morning prayer, sitting with a dying person, meeting a

“it’s not easy being in a place where there are people who think you shouldn’t be doing that job, plus thinking that you are being disobedient to what wthe Bible says”

recently bereaved family, emails about hall hire, heating being left on overnight, organising services and writing sermons. “You have to be very good at pivoting from the pastoral to the practical and back again but bringing up a large family was good preparation,” she says.

Now, after three years away, Katie Kelly is returning to her beloved Bermondsey as the new Vicar of St James’s and St Anne’s Church – the first female to take charge there.

“The post was advertised, and I applied and wrote a very long application and was invited to interview,” she says. From a strong field of applicants, she got the job.

“It is a big job, there are two communities with their own characters and their own ideas of what

they want from their vicar… It is daunting because I will have the responsibility of the care of souls in a parish of thousands. Anyone taking on a job that big would have concerns.”

And as the first female vicar: “It's challenging being in places where some people might think I shouldn’t be there because of what the Bible might say; if that does apply to anyone, I hope we can work through it together as I have wrestled with this and believe I have come to a place where I am confident that, actually, there’s another way of reading it.”

Her hopes are that those in the congregation who feel that way will hang on long enough to give her a try.

Katie has already thought of new ideas but will be saving them until she has got to know the people and had a good look at her new parish: “It will be an exercise in listening and watching and praying… The question I will be asking is ‘What are the needs of this community now?’”

Katie has met the Bermondsey team and says that “they’re great, they’ve been there a long time and know the community – they’re faithful folk and have been really welcoming”.

This heartens Katie: “They sensed my enthusiasm for Bermondsey.”

I sensed it, too.

The Reverend Katie Kelly’s special places in Bermondsey are Southwark Park, the river and the Salter Statues, but most of all the Bermondsey people. “I want to serve the community for a long as I can,” she says reverently.

Amen to that.

normansfrom hat boxes to cardboard torpedoes

Who supplied posh department stores with their swanky perfume bags and hat boxes? Who made cigarette boxes? Who made cardboard torpedoes filled with petrol? It was Normans.

Tucked away in sleepy Lynton Road, this unassuming factory stood onsite for the best part of 150 years. Thomas Norman & Sons made all manner of paper-related items. From posh, decorative hat boxes and department store fancy bags, brown paper carrier bags with string handles to tissue paper and brown card tags; it was all made at this factory.

Normans “Falcon Works” at 286 Lynton Road was established in 1860, so it was one of the first factories to take up this road. Not long before this date, it had been a quagmire of marshland and trees. When Normans arrived, the land was newly drained and ready for construction.

There was a time when people saved up for something special: a lady would like a new hat, or a pair of kid leather gloves. It may have been her beau presenting her with a string of pearls or an engagement ring. When purchased, these items would be lovingly packed in boxes, sometimes padded, with tissue paper, or ribbons.

The staff at Normans ensured all these luxury items looked their best. It was an industrious place; in 1912 Thomas patented “The Norman Calculator”, a device to find the time and piece rate for handmade covered boxes. It came in a wooden box and looked like some kind of scary maths experiment!

Normans undertook war work. Local girl Mary

Ripper worked there making torpedoes for the American army. Paper bags were replaced by reinforced, rolled, hard-baked cardboard tubes shaped like torpedoes, which were filled with petrol and used as firebombs over Germany. A kind of violent, large toilet roll holder, if you like.

They were called Air Jettison Tanks and, once filled with petrol, had a grenade fixed to them that exploded on impact. The Yanks actually visited the factory and explained this to the girls, who no doubt were happy to hear this after the area was earlier strafed by German fighter planes.

After the war, Normans returned to making boxes and bags. Bert Ryan in the paper bag department lived at 331 Lynton Road and was the guillotine operator who cut the paper to size before it was stuck together to form the bag. Beforehand he had worked at Dufair’s in Tooley Street, where he lugged freshly slaughtered pigs to be butchered into ham and joints.

Bert lit the fires for the smoking process, so it must have been a pleasant change to work for Normans. His wife Ivy also worked at the factory assembling the paper. Brown paper bags had tough string handles and a sturdy cardboard bottom pasted in to reinforce them. This is something modern shops should take into consideration when packing a customer’s expensive goods, only for the customer to have said goods land on the pavement on the way home…

The company remained a family business throughout its life, with its workers all a part of it.

The staff were treated very well by the company, almost like extended family. There were the legendary Christmas parties and bonuses. Bert and Ivy still got a Christmas bonus every year after their retirement. The company stayed in the family throughout its existence, with Tim, Rob and Nicky being the last family members to run it on its original site as managers.

Sadly, all good things come to an end: the building was showing its age and moved out to Swanley. It ceased trading in 2012 after a brief stint making both plastic and eco-friendly bags. No more “cut, glue, stick, repeat”.

With thanks to the family of Mary Ripper

Debra Gosling

 Normans ©Debra Hough