The South Londoner - April 2024

from 10-19 may THE RIGHT NOTE

11+ SCHOLARSHIPS AND BURSARIES AVAILABLE

11+ FOOTBALL OPEN MORNING

WEDNESDAY 24 APRIL 2024

1000 - 1200

Find out more about football and sport at St Dunstan’s, including our groundbreaking partnership with Chelsea FC Foundation and our scholarship programme. To book, please visit www.stdunstans.org.uk Stanstead Road, London, SE6 4TY

We’ve been producing independent, balanced and community-focused journalism in south London since 1987.

We moved into the old Biscuit Factory in Bermondsey in 1994, and have been there ever since.

We are proud to be a London Living Wage employer.

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

We also publish the south london Weekly and Greenwich and lewisham Weekender every week, as well as the quarterly Bermondsey Biscuit and rotherhithe Docker

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Founded in Peckham in 2018, our mission is to help our local communities thrive and grow by unleashing the incredible power of the UK’s Creative Industries, starting right here in South East London.

the local line-up for your diary

― tIme to sALsA

I Like It Like That is celebrating its tenth anniversary of grooving and salsa dancing with a weekend full of DJs and dance moves.

Over the years, they have welcomed over 70 talented DJs from around the world to play, sharing some fine musical moments. And now they are inviting you south Londoners – and beyond – for a vibrant weekend of sweet-sounding salsa on vinyl.

With seven DJs, over 12 hours and spread across two evenings – and a live conga line – it is sure to be a buzzing atmosphere for music lovers.

Date: Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 May 2024

Tickets: Saturday £20, Sunday £18, weekend ticket £35

Lambeth Town Hall, 1 Brixton Hill, Brixton, SW2 1RW

www.ilikeitlikethat-salsa.com/newevents/2024/05/18/10th-anniversary

the BIg south London FLeA mARket

With queues often reaching down Rye Lane, May’s The Big South London Flea Market is set to be a popular one and a go-to destination for flea market gems.

The event will host over 70 hand-picked traders, bringing 20th-century furniture, salvaged French homeware, vintage clothes, curiosities and collectables, reclaimed industrial pieces, and unexpected oddities.

Head on down and hunt for personal treasures, rummage for bargains, and refresh your living space with unique finds.

Date: Saturday 4 May 2024, 11am to 5pm

Tickets: £1.50 on the door

Copeland Park and Bussey Building, 133 Copeland Road, SE15 3SN

www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-big-south-london-fleamarket-tickets-825407575277?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Acts oF ResIstAnce

Showing at South London Gallery, in collaboration with the V&A for International Women’s Day this year, Acts of Resistance: Photography, feminisms and the art of protest explores feminism and activism from an international and contemporary perspective.

Photography has long been associated with acts of resistance. It is used to document action, share ideas, inspire change, tell stories, gather evidence and fight against injustice.

FestIvAL seAson

Brockwell Park is home to some of The South Londoner’s fave summer festivals – and it’s kicking off with Wide Awake 2024.

Wide Awake is an independent festival for music fans looking to discover something different. They aim to showcase the best up-and-coming talent, alongside some of their favourite bands.

And for 2024 – King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard are set to headline. Their most requested headliner ever… The lineup also boasts Mercury Prize winners Young Fathers, post-punk Squid, DJs Ben UFO and Helena Hauff, Alice Glass, and C.O.F.F.I.N. to name a few, with yet more electronica and experimental pop artists still to be announced.

Secure your tix soon, we bet it’ll be a sell-out.

Dates: Saturday 25 May 2024

Tickets: Pre-2pm entry from £59.50 plus £5.95 booking fee, general admission from £64.50 plus £6.45 booking fee

Brockwell Park, Norwood Road, SE24 9BJ wideawakelondon.co.uk

This group exhibition spans the Main Gallery and the Fire Station, and brings together works by international artists and collectives who are using the camera to challenge and move beyond traditional protest photography.

Looking at different approaches to feminism over the past 10 years, the show highlights shared concerns including intersectionality, transnational solidarity, and the use of social media and digital technology as a tool for change.

Dates: From now until 9 June 2024

Tickets: Free

65 Peckham Road, SE5 8UH

www.southlondongallery.org/exhibitions/acts-ofresistance/

thAt’s hILARIous!

Live Laugh Love Live is a costs-less-than-a-pint comedy variety show, every month in our lovely south London. Enjoy some of the best comedy the city has to offer at Camberwell’s Grove House Tavern for just three quid.

Performers are announced on their Instagram in the run-up to each monthly event, so keep your eyes peeled…

Dates: Thursday 2 May 2024, 8pm to 10pm

Tickets: £3

Grove House Tavern, 26 Camberwell Grove, SE5 8RE

www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/3-stand-up-comedy-incamberwell-every-month-south-london-comedytickets-570554994347?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

 Wide Awake ©Luke Dyson

It’s not just about trying to produce world champions. It’s about the community feel, it’s about bringing kids in. With a boxing club it brings all under one roof.”

Jeff Coombes, who runs Roosters Boxing Club in the church hall on Paradise Street with his business partner Roy, has lived in Bermondsey all his life. Now 53 years old, he’s seen how the area has changed over the years, but one thing that’s stayed the same is the need for activities that can help give young people a sense of direction.

“It’s open to all skill levels,” says Jeff. “People that just want to get fit, no contact or full contact, whatever they choose. Some kids aren’t confident at the start. Boxing’s a good discipline and it gives them confidence in their everyday life as well.” Jeff is excited about one 14-year-old in particular who turned up to a session recently. “He looked a natural boxer,” he says. “His hands and footwork were perfect, and he’s never done it before. He could be the next British champion, and then his life is set. You never know unless you give them the chance.”

The club is about much more than trying to unearth stars of the sport though. “We have kids with autism and ADHD as well. I don’t adjust anything; I treat them exactly the same as I treat any other kids. And really, that’s what they want, they just want to feel normal.”

Jeff, a florist by day who runs the club in his spare time, describes Roosters as a typical ‘spit and sawdust’ gym. There’s a boxing ring, punchbags and a circuit area. Sessions cost £5 for kids and £10 for adults, and with funding from British Land plus contributions from other sources such as Rotherhithe Consolidate and St Olive’s Trust, Jeff and Roy have kept the gym running for the past four years. Kita from Canada Water Connect, the joint venture between British Land

and charity ELBA that helps people access opportunities created by the development, has been working with Roosters to provide funding. A previous grant helped fund half-term sessions during the day, while a recent injection of funds helped to pay for equipment including wall brackets for punch bags.

“Kita’s a godsend really,” says Jeff. “She’s always on the ball and she helps us no end. With costs of running the club, it’s just keeping your head above water. But if it’s something you’re passionate about and you love it, your heart is in it, you don’t mind, do you?”

Sparring partners: local youths learn the ropes at Roosters

Jeff describes Roosters as a typical ‘spit and sawdust’ gym

NORTH GREENWICH

By Eliza Frost

Free family festival

It’s the big half term day out – Brockwell Bounce is a free family festival in Brockwell Park. Bring the whole family for a day of music, entertainment, workshops, arts and crafts, street food, dance classes, funfair rides and much more! There’s no need to book tickets, you can just turn up and enjoy on the day.

For food and drink, you’ll find delicious street options curated by Venn Street Market friends, with vegan and veggie dishes available, too, offering a taste of cuisines from around the world.

Dates: Wednesday 29 May 2024

Tickets: Free Brockwell Park, Norwood Road, SE24 9BJ brockwell-bounce.com

Baboo the Unusual Bee

Grab your dancing shoes and celebrate World Earth Day with Baboo the Unusual Bee. Head to Horniman Museum & Gardens for drag storytelling and friendship flower making.

Join author Lliana Bird, illustrator Aysha Tengiz and drag queen Glitzy Von Jagger for a fun-packed storytime and craft event.

Wriggling arms and twinkling toes will find it hard not to start bopping as your kids are treated to storytelling with Glitzy Von Jagger and Lliana Bird. Following this, children will be invited to decorate a wooden flower with all the colours of the rainbow with award-winning illustrator Aysha Tengiz.

Dates: Sunday 21 April 2024, 12pm to 1pm and 2pm to 3pm

Tickets: Child £10 (with one free adult) Horniman Museum & Gardens, 100 London Road, Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ www.horniman.ac.uk/event/baboo-the-bee-dragstorytelling-and-craft/

Baby yogis

The Moon Bear Yoga Stories invites you and your little one to join a yoga adventure around the world.

Hosted at Peckham Levels, you’ll learn yoga poses, and practise mindfulness and meditation all through a storytelling experience. There will be opportunities to sing, play and craft all in line with the session’s theme. The yoga story changes each week and little ones will be exposed to different materials and activities, such as making mandalas, listening to Tibetan sound bowls or exploring gemstones. With an abundance of learning opportunities for those aged 2-6, it is a chance to exercise mind and body in a calm environment.

Dates: Friday 19 April, Friday 3 May and Friday 10 May 2024, 10:30am to 11:15 am

Tickets: £7.50-£9.50 per session, plus £2 for mat hire Peckham Levels, 95a Rye Lane, Peckham, SE15 4ST peckhamlevels.org/events/baby-yoga-spring

Spring Tales in the Park

Crystal Palace Park has another free programme of events to help you blow off the cobwebs and celebrate the return of the season.

Get in touch with nature as part of Crystal Palace Park Trust’s spring event series. The programme includes live music on the Concert Platform, a chance to explore some easy-toaccess outdoor activities like Pétanque and pond-dipping, but also encourages you to get your hands dirty with gardening and wildlifefocused events.

Perfect to get your little ones out and about –and learn something new.

Dates: Various until Saturday 25 May 2024

Tickets: Free Crystal Palace Park, Thicket Road, SE19 2GA www.crystalpalaceparktrust.org/pages/springtales-2024

BYOB comedy

That’s bring your own baby. Back at the glorious Clapham Picturehouse, BYOB comedy is a chance for new parents to enjoy a little giggle. With a fully licensed bar, coffees for an energy boost and comfy seats, you can sit back and enjoy some comedy. There is also baby changing, buggy parking and more so that baby is happy and you can relax.

Dates: Wednesday 24 April 2024 and Wednesday 22 March 2024, 11:30am

Tickets: Advance £13, on the door £14.50 Clapham Picturehouse, 76 Venn Street, SW4 0AT byobcomedy.com/area/clapham/

 ©Joseph Lynn

 ©Luke Dyson

colour your streets

local couple launch book series for all ages to colour in loved landmarks

What started as a “lovely way” for Emma Barnett and Jeremy Weil’s 5-year-old to engage with his local area has now become a “local love letter”.

Colour Your Streets is a hyper-local colouring book for young and old alike to colour in places they know and love – “and it’s a great way for kids to learn more about where they live”, they say.

Their son being able to recognise the places that meant something to him in person “made a huge difference to his experience of then colouring them in”.

Having lived in the area for the past 10 years, they “know how much people’s areas mean to them”, especially having “also walked our local streets more than ever before because of two maternity leaves and lockdown – we feel so invested in the sights around us”.

Locations to colour include Brixton, Herne Hill, East Dulwich, Battersea, Clapham, Crystal Palace, Peckham, Putney, and so many more. And they are keen to expand outside of London, too, with books for Manchester, Bristol, Liverpool and Brighton, and New York City’s Brooklyn.

Emma says: “I’m thrilled we’re doing Manchester and, although Jeremy grew up in Dulwich from being a baby, he was actually born in NYC so it’s fitting there is Brooklyn and soon to be Manc. Never forget your roots, eh?”

So, how do they choose what makes a picture perfect to colour in? “In the beginning, we would take the photos while walking around the area. We convert these images into line drawings and pull them together into a book for printing here in the UK.”

As they’ve expanded, they’ve had help from others, which they credit in the back of the book. “What’s been fascinating is that we’ve started working with

local community groups to provide the photos, and the enthusiasm is overwhelming,” they say. “People’s love and passion for their area is really strong.”

There are often obvious landmarks to include when looking at an area, but “sometimes it’s landmarks that you wouldn’t expect that mean the most – a bakery, swimming baths or a monument of some sort”, Jeremy explains.

When it comes to Dulwich, it is “quite small but it’s also mighty”, he adds. “Visiting the Picture Gallery, walking past Dulwich College in its splendour and experiencing the buzz of the village itself are all not to be missed.”

Jeremy grew up going to Dulwich Park, “so that for me has so many special memories – first bike ride, roller skate and so many others. It’s a wonderful park.”

For Emma, as a Mancunian, “I am still a tourist in London nearly 20 years on since moving here. My top one in Dulwich is the Christ Church and the square of almshouses. It’s simply beautiful and a little oasis in the middle of a bustling village.”

“That’s what is so special about London and that we are celebrating – this unique network of neighbourhoods forming a remarkable patchwork across the city.”

To collaborate and share images, email: info@colouryourstreets.co.uk www.colouryourstreets.co.uk

Janet Edwards Florist ―

Why are flowers so special for so many occasions? the south londoner hears from Brixton’s Janet Edwards Florist to find out

By Eliza Frost

“I love the colours, the smells. I had this gift in me that I could create things with flowers,” says Janet Edwards of Brixton’s Janet Edwards Florist.

What started as a hobby when Janet worked in local government has now become a loved career. While working full time, she was also attending evening classes and doing work experience on Saturdays.

“I did hand ties and table arrangements at the florist shop, and whatever I made, they put on the shop floor to sell. So that inspired me to think my work is good,” says Janet.

Her own shop “started as a little stall at Elephant and Castle Market, with my beloved Cynthia”. Cynthia works in the shop in Brixton now, all those years later, along with Auntie Joy who helps on Mother’s and

Valentine’s Days, and who has been a “driving force” when things are tough.

Continued learning

“The stall was really good experience. You can only learn so much at college, but the big, wide world is where you really learn,” says Janet.

Even a few years ago, while running the shop, Janet went back to study for a diploma in floristry: “That was tough because I’d have to come back to the shop and finish orders, and there was more written work.

“But I passed my diploma at level two, and that’s my determination because I wanted a higher level. They even took us to see where everything was grown and to the stock exchange, because flowers are sold like the stock market and the prices go up and down every day.”

Perfect pick

Alongside bouquets, Janet Edwards Florist sells a selection of house plants, pots, vases, plant food and soil, too. And when it comes to ordering flowers, there is help available; customers have the option of a payment plan for wedding flowers, and letter flowers for funerals are reduced to £45 per letter.

Janet is on hand to offer advice, as well, and takes into account what the person receiving the flowers wants – from I-miss-you flowers to a single flower to treat yourself, she can help form the perfect bouquet.

It can be difficult, too, “consultations for funerals are very sensitive, having been bereaved myself”.

“I’ll go over and give them a hug or give them a tissue. It’s not easy, sometimes I get emotional because I feel it for them. But we work in special colours that the deceased person liked and try to reflect those colours of the flowers for their final send-off.”

“In floristry, there’s all occasions and all emotions,” says Janet, who remembers a time when she worked with a customer on bereavement flowers, and then was contacted years later to do wedding flowers.

Special flowers

Why do people love to receive flowers? “I think it’s the emotion it gives off. For some people, they’re far away, and they can’t go and see the person. I do get a lot of people, especially from abroad, coming through to say they’ve got family that live nearby, and it’s their birthday or they’ve graduated, or it’s an occasion,” she says. “Flowers cover all aspects, that’s why people buy them.”

Personally, Janet loves tropical flowers and flowers with lovely scents.

Brixton as home

When it came to setting up shop, she noticed there were no flower shops in Brixton at the time. Now, she loves the “vibe of Brixton”.

People visit her shop because they’ve just moved into the area, “more people are coming to Brixton, they come in with an ironing board under their arm”.

She adds: “The area has definitely evolved over the years, I’ve seen changes but there’s lots of positivity. I didn’t even think I’d last this long. So, I have to say a big thank you to everybody who supported us through the years. Especially during Covid, which was a tough time.

6 Arlington Parade, Brixton Hill, SW2 1RH www.janetedwardsflorist.co.uk

Rye Books

―

owner alastair Kenward tells the south londoner about opening up shop in east Dulwich, the importance of a love of reading and choosing a favourite book

By Eliza Frost

The South Londoner: Rye Books has been around since 2011, can you tell us a bit about your story from then to now?

Alastair Kenward: This morning, I was getting dressed and making breakfast on all fours because I’d put some discs out in my back. It’s quite hard to put into words, it hasn’t been easy, but from then ‘til now, the most important thing is the people who have supported the shop. They have helped the shop grow. And recently, the love I’ve been shown due to health issues has been humbling.

And tell us about you and your background…

I’ve always been keen on art, I went to art college, and I’ve done a lot of different things. The most gorgeous thing in my life is my son, then I guess George (the dog).

What inspired you to originally open a bookshop?

I didn’t realise when I was younger what books did for me, how much peace, solace, self-reflection and entertainment they give you and what you can learn. It came back to me later when I really needed it, it was like: “Why should I do what the state has groomed me to be? I can do what other people can do.” I’ve always been passionate about community and culture, we need culture, we need that more than ever.

When people come to Rye Books, what can they expect?

Hopefully, some interesting books you might not have discovered yet! Occasionally George barks at the door, in his defence he doesn’t mean it. Just dogs and doors, I guess. But also smells, I’m big on smells, so I hope it smells nice. Of books and coffee, we serve Old Spike [Roastery] coffee.

How does it feel to be a place that encourages a love of reading? Or being able to chat with other book lovers?

“We need culture, we need that more than ever”

Extremely lucky, when someone says they loved the book they bought and recommended it to all their friends, or a mum or dad that says their kid is now reading again, is pretty amazing really.

Also, I get to meet some fantastic authors and do events with them, each event drawing a different crowd, different interests, customers meet them, too, on our book nights. Blessed really, there’s always something new to learn for myself and everybody.

Dulwich is a spot that encourages local shopping, why do you think this is?

In short, there are so many amazing great independent shops in Dulwich, and we are so lucky to have North Cross Road Market, a great place to shop with friends and grab some food on a Saturday. It’s about

convenience; you can pretty much get anything you need in Dulwich and Peckham combined, and you go back for the brilliant service you get in those shops.

Why is it important for people to shop locally, especially with competition from huge online companies?

Why pay for a bloated billionaire to send themselves to Mars if you can afford otherwise? More so if you live in an area that doesn’t have local shops, a library, a pub or a market as so much of the UK is now like, there’s no community, nowhere for people to meet – especially older people – and crime has been proven to rise. When

we industrialise, what we do is we lose our connections with each other.

That said, people are extremely lucky in Dulwich that there is so much support for independent businesses here because people love their area and believe in local.

There is always some erosion, though, in many ways unstoppable as there are no restrictions on what landlords can charge for shop rents (and residential). We lost Willow recently, on North Cross Road, a shop of 25 years. Also, Dulwich Cafe and Hisar. It needs government / local authority intervention to cap rents to help preserve independent shops and their communities. Hopefully one day they will listen to what we’ve all been saying for years!

What are your favourite things to do in Dulwich?

Food, oh I love eating and to be fair to everybody, there are too many brilliant pubs and restaurants and bars to choose from! We love the parks and trees, George and me. There are some cracking trees around.

I’ve got to ask, what is your favourite book?

An impossible question. In many ways there can’t be, I guess we have favourites at different times in our life.

47 North Cross Road, East Dulwich, SE22 9ET ryebooks.co.uk

Wedding planning south of the

river

founders of south london Wedding Club explain the ‘huge, underground wedding industry’ in south london

South London Wedding Club grew from “an urge to get to know, rebuild the ‘high street’ and support other south London wedding suppliers”, says founder Akilah.

Working with her husband Michael means they can “bounce ideas off each other” when it comes to weddings, but also “the more weddings we coordinated, the more we realised there is a huge wedding industry underground and secret in south London”.

These businesses were passionate about being south Londoners, but not “necessarily shouting loud”, she explains. Akilah always hoped to plan local wedding shows that offered something “unique, comfortable and full of like-minded suppliers”. The complete opposite to the ones she attended as a bride-to-be that were “uncomfortable, stuffy, always the same and boring”.

Those to be wed can explore the stands, take part in vow writing workshops, live question and answer sessions with experts and a group wedding planning session with an award-winning wedding planner, too.

Now they’re on their third show, bringing the online wedding high street to life, and hosting shows that are “full of businesses that champion diversity and inclusion, just like the heart of south London”.

On 28 April 2024, they will open the doors at Stanley Arts Centre and invite couples and local businesses to meet, chat and share ideas: “Imagine a high street, for wedding businesses,” says Akilah.

When it comes to wedding planning tips from Akilah, she understands the “choices are endless”, but says: “To avoid that overwhelming feeling most people talk about, get to a local wedding show like ours. One that understands what it’s like to be a south Londoner or has the best and most supportive connections with their wedding suppliers.”

“Our final tip would be to support local; we understand the venues and are so passionate about our area in general. It would mean you do your part, too, with having a sustainable wedding day by lowering the carbon footprint,” she adds. And a final tip, “enjoy the planning!”

South London Wedding Club Wedding Fair, 28 April 2024

Stanley Arts Centre, 12 South Norwood Hill, SE25 6AB www.southlondonsweddingclub.com

urban village Fete

―

this free festival returns to its thames-side destination at Greenwich Peninsula on 19 may

Urban Village Fete promises “everything you would expect from a traditional summer fete, but with an urban twist” – and it’s returning to Greenwich Peninsula this May.

International DJs Gilles Peterson and Jamz Supernova are headlining the day, which boasts a timetable of workshops, exclusive talks, music to move to and way more.

The Fete is located in London’s only Peninsula neighbourhood. With the river on three sides, it takes over Peninsula Square, winding its way through the Design District and finishing with fanfare in Central Park.

Produced by HemingwayDesign, the jam-packed day offers a chance for every visitor – young, old and in between – to get involved, and truly proves that enjoyment of art and culture should be for everyone.

This year’s line-up includes: ‘Creative Conversations’, a series of discussions with some of London’s compelling minds, hosted by BBC London’s Robert Elms in the Design District and the return of The Incredibly Clever Canine Circus – proving that every dog (and their owner!) can learn new tricks.

The Charity Shop DJ collective brings their democratic dance vibe down with the People’s Party – where the audience chooses the tunes and there’s an unmissable carnival workshop and procession with Kinetika Bloco.

promises everyone a chance to get on the podium with events for all – from showjumping and relay to the egg and spoon race and, the less expected, hurl the pineapple.

The Design District will become the Urban Village Hall offering interactive workshops, including the Doodle Apartment and Wonky Veg Sculpture competition.

Plus there will be an origami model village with A Line’s Fold Your Town, independent traders with everything from baked goods to handmade crafts, free face-painting, a puppet show and enough eats to fill your boots.

Laura Flanagan, Director of Greenwich Peninsula, said: “We love putting on Urban Village Fete for both residents and visitors alike. It is a hallmark in Greenwich Peninsula’s year-round events programme.

“Culture and creativity are in our DNA here. The Fete is a way for us to celebrate that, to show it off and invite everyone to discover Greenwich Peninsula for themselves. This year, with Gilles Peterson and Jamz Supernova heading the staggering line-up of artists, creatives and makers, it’s going to be the best free party London has seen for a long time.”

And we hope that’s a promise. See you on the Peninsula…

This summer’s alternative Olympics, the Allympics,

Date: Sunday 19 May 2024, 11am til late Greenwich Peninsula, SE10 0SQ urbanvillagefete.london

©Nia Rose ©Kris Humphreys Photography

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 FAMILY FUN

May half-term

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.

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



dulwich

Festival:

‘coming together as one’ ―

new director sarah taylor talks about how they have brought events from the festival guide pages to local venues

By Eliza Frost

The South Londoner: How did you feel about being appointed as director of Dulwich Festival?

Sarah Taylor: My background is in community and participative arts as well as events and festivals. I started my career at the Barbican working mostly on projects for schools, families and young people. I founded Pexmas in 2011 with friends, hosting markets and festival-style events as a vehicle to celebrate local artists and makers.

I’ve been a freelance producer, project manager and consultant in the arts and small creative business communities for 15 years. Last year was my first behind-the-scenes at Dulwich Festival on a very small scale and I was so inspired by the care and passion that this small and largely volunteer-led team have for our local community and the arts.

I was honoured to be invited to the directorship and I’m very excited to have this opportunity to work for such a long-standing organisation that means so much to so many people locally.

How did you approach the festival line-up as director this year?

After last year’s bumper 30th anniversary celebrations, and a change in quite a few team and board members, this is a year for learning and reflection at Dulwich Festival HQ!

We are delighted to bring many of the festival’s favourite events and mainstays back again, as well as developing partnerships and introducing a few new events in response to feedback from our friends. This is where I’d like to focus our attention this year; listening to our audiences and understanding what they would like to see the festival deliver over the next 30 years.

What does the festival bring to the community of Dulwich?

Dulwich Festival is a brilliant opportunity to bring our community together and celebrate the wonderful abundance of creativity. There is a wide range of events on offer, with something for everyone spanning across music, dance, performance, walks, talks, literature and

art. Many of our family activities are free, including the Family Fun Day at Kingswood Arts, which will include live music, food and crafts.

Is there an event or a part of the festival you are most excited about?

[At the time of writing,] we’ve just finished putting together the festival guide and so it’s all feeling very real and exciting!

There are so many aspects to be excited about; we have some very big household names heading literature, including Channel 4 presenter Cathy Newman, healthy food blogger Ella Mills and local author Kenny Imafidon.

Big Fish Little Fish, a family “rave” day for parents and children, with DJs, dancing, music and arts, as well as the Live Band Dance Party are both new to the programme this year, and we’re really excited to see how the south London community responds to them.

However, it’s really the diverse and culturally rich offering that I feel so excited about – the festival is an opportunity for everyone to feel nourished by having fun, engaging in interesting and mindful activities and coming together as one.

How will it feel to see the hard work come to fruition in 2024?

We can’t wait! We have such a varied lineup this year; there really is so much among the 60+ events to appeal to so many different audiences. I’m so proud on behalf of this exceptional team of curators and organisers to see it all come off the festival guide pages and into local venues.

10 to 19 May 2024

dulwichfestival.co.uk

Homeware // Cereria Molla 1899 Candles // Furniture // Soft Furnishings // Gifts

Tableware // Serverware // Jewellery // Pashmina’s

Amelia Resin Bowl circa 2024!

Luxury Curated Homewares

DULWICH FESTIVAL

10 th -19 th MAY 2024

10 DAYS OF MUSIC, DANCE, LITERATURE, ART, WALKS, TALKS, PERFORMANCE AND FAIRS!

Over 60 events, including free family fun!

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

Principal

FAIRS KINGSWOOD ARTS FAMILY FUN DAY

ELLA MILLS THE DULWICH PLAYERS

FESTIVAL CEILIDH

ARTISTS’ OPEN HOUSE

CATHY NEWMAN THE HANDLEBARDS

BYRON WALLEN

WILD TEDDY BEAR’S PICNIC

COMPETITIONS

SATHNAM SANGHERA

LAURA B AND HER BAND

MEANTIME CHORUS BIG FISH LITTLE FISH

thAt PeckhAm Boy

By kenny ImAFIdon

Kenny Imafidon lived a double life – a talented student with a side hustle dealing on the Peckham streets – until he found himself accused of a murder he didn’t commit. That Peckham Boy. Growing up, Getting Out and Giving Back is his story and a real-life manifesto to create positive change for those on the fringes of society.

Ticket: £12

Friday 10 May, 7pm to 8pm

MCT, Alleyn’s School, Townley Road, SE22 8SU

FAmILy stReet ARt And sketch WALk

Explore the murals of the Dulwich Outdoor Gallery. Bring your sketchbooks along for an option to stop and draw as you learn how this project came about, who painted these street art masterpieces and how they are linked to classical paintings at Dulwich Picture Gallery.

Tickets: £10, concession: £6

Saturday 11 May, 1pm to 2.30pm

Meet outside East Dulwich Picturehouse, 116a Lordship Lane, SE22 8HD

emPIReWoRLd WIth sAthnAm sAngheRA

Join Sunday Times bestselling author Sathnam Sanghera talking about Empireworld, an account of Britain’s imperial past in all its ambiguity.

Ticket: £12

Saturday 11 May, 3pm to 4pm

The Auditorium, Dulwich College, Dulwich Common, SE21 7LD

hoW to Be the gRoWn-uP By dR mARthA deIRos coLLAdo

Dr Martha Deiros Collado, a child psychologist with over 20 years of experience, talking about How to be the Grown-up, offers an empowering must-have toolkit for all parents tackling the many modern-day challenges of raising children.

Ticket: £12

Saturday 11 May, 5pm to 6pm

The Old Library, Dulwich College, Dulwich Common, SE21 7LD

socIAL RAdIcALs WALk

Duncan Bowie will discuss the lives and politics of some of the radicals and socialists who have lived and been politically active in Dulwich Village: some known, some unknown, some just eccentric. The walk starts from Village Books in Calton Avenue and ends at West Dulwich Station and will last around 90 minutes, ending in coffee and a chat for those who would like to talk more.

Tickets: £7, concession: £4

Sunday 12 May, 10.30am to 12.00pm

Meet at Village Books, 1D Calton Avenue, SE21 7DE

dulwich Festival top picks

10-19 May ―

another packed programme of events returns to se21 and se22 this year, as Dulwich festival brings you everything from music and pub walks to fairs and the artists’ open house

See the full line-up and book tickets

online: dulwichfestival.co.uk

An evenIng WIth eLLA mILLs

Join Ella Mills talking about her latest, bestselling cookbook, Healthy Made Simple, which is full of recipes to make healthy eating easy.

Ticket: £15

16 May 2024, 7pm to 8pm

The Vaughan Williams Auditorium, JAGS, East Dulwich Grove, SE22 8TE

BIg FIsh LIttLe FIsh

The original family ravers Big Fish Little Fish come to Kingswood Arts, where the DJ will bring the banging tunes from acid house onwards. Party together on a dancefloor with bubbles, balloons and foam – topped off by the parachute dance. Enjoy Nifty Natty craft tables and refreshments at the licensed bar, too.

Tickets: £12, concession: £9

Saturday 18 May, 3pm to 4.30pm

Kingswood Arts, Seeley Drive, SE21 8QN

An AFteRnoon WIth cAthy neWmAn

Join Channel 4 news presenter, Cathy Newman, discussing her book, The Ladder, which brings together inspiration and advice from some of the world’s most influential women.

Ticket: £12

Saturday 18 May, 5pm to 6pm

The Great Hall, Alleyn’s School, Townley Road, SE22 8SU

eAst duLWIch PuB hIstoRy WALk

Ever wondered the story behind your favourite boozer? Join Ian McInnes to discover the history of our East Dulwich pubs. Drinks not included!

Tickets: £7, concession: £4

Sunday 19 May, 5pm to 6.30pm

Meet outside The Plough, 381 Lordship Lane, SE22 8JJ

FRee FAmILy-FRIendLy FAIRs

Dulwich Park Fair has been running since 2007 and this year will be at the start of the Dulwich Festival. It is a free outdoor, family-friendly event that includes Vauxhall City Farm, Punch and Judy, the Magician, a Maypole, interactive performances and a dog show –and much more.

Sunday 12 May, 12pm to 5pm

Dulwich Park, College Road, SE21 7BQ

West Dulwich Spring Fair will celebrate the best of the area. There will be an arts and crafts market on Rosendale Road showcasing local artists, and a street food market on Croxted Road, plus other free activities.

Saturday 18 May, 10am to 4pm

Croxted, Park Hall and Rosendale Road

From bouncy castles and a beer tent, handmade children’s clothing and homemade cakes, to designer jewellery and local photography, the Goose Green Fair will bring together the essence of SE22 for another year.

Sunday 19 May, 11am to 5pm

Goose Green, East Dulwich Road SE22 9AU

 Big Fish Little Fish

 Kenny Imafidon

eat

dive into dulwich

Places to put on your radar in se22

snaCK Mons Cheesemonger

A Saturday night charcuterie is nothing without a selection of cheese, and Dulwich is lucky to have a local –Mons Cheesemonger.

As the history goes, “in the 1950s, Hubert Mons trucked food across France. After nearly a decade accruing knowledge about producers and farms, he went into business for himself. He began sourcing artisanal cheeses from his native region – The Auvergne – and sold them at local markets with his wife, Rolande.” And then constructed their first maturing room.

In the 1980s, their two sons – Laurent and Herve – joined the family business. Laurent took over the shop and Herve oversaw cheese ripening, and Mons Cheesemongers opened in the UK in 2006 at Borough Market.

Now, they select traditionally made continental and British cheeses, aged in their cellars in London and on the Cote Roannaise, which you can head to store and pick up in East Dulwich – we’ll take a brie.

153 Lordship Lane, SE22 8HX mons-cheese.co.uk/pages/east-dulwich-shop

Drop Dulwich

DrinK

For the local vino lovers, Drop Dulwich needs to be added to your hot-spot list, it’s a wine shop and a bar – you can spend some time browsing their wine collection, all selected by owner Hayley, then choose to take it home for a night in or, take a seat at one of their tables to enjoy.

They also host regular guest chef and wine tasting events, and, even better, there is also a Drop App so you can get your favourite bottle delivered straight to your door.

1-3, Melbourne Terrace, Melbourne Grove, SE22 8RE dropwine.co.uk/drop-dulwich

Chacarero

London

Having started by serving museum goers at Horniman Museum and Garden, Chacarero London opened up shop on Lordship Lane selling their delicious empanadas a year ago – and there are often queues out the door.

Owner Juan Arnaudo tells The South Londoner: “We feel that we don’t have a clientele, but family and friends. For us to be at the shop is a pleasure, and that is why we work hard to create a friendly atmosphere and to bring freshly baked empanadas every day, along with other Argentine traditional products and amazing wine.”

With a promise to soon be open in the evenings serving picadas (Argentinian tapas) and Latin American cocktails, too, Chacarero is not to be missed.

7 Lordship Lane, SE22 8EW www.chacarerolondon.co.uk

Fashion Conscience

Looking for pressie? Wan to update your wardrobe or your home? Dulwich’s Fashion Conscience is an ecofashion and gifts boutique, and they offer lots of ethical, fairtrade and sustainable clothing and accessories, including vegan bags and shoes.

When it comes to gifts, there are sunnies, homeware, scarves and socks – and much more.

28 Grove Vale, SE22 8EF www.fashion-conscience.com

Bitesize

By Eliza Frost

cRIsPIn At studIo voLtAIRe

Dominic Hamdy, founder of Crispin in Spitalfields, Bistro Freddie in Shoreditch and Bar Crispin in Soho, has opened a new restaurant – Crispin at Studio Voltaire in Clapham.

Retaining the ethos of other sites to the art space, Crispin at Studio Voltaire focuses on small and predominantly independent producers and growers. And when it comes to the menu, Michael Miles is in charge. Expect modern takes on European and British classics, fresh pasta, charcoal-grilled meat and fish, seasonal vegetables, and comforting desserts.

And not forgetting the accompanying tipple, the wine list is curated by the group’s head of wine, Alexandra Price. Alongside an array of accessible, sustainable wines on tap, the bottle list will explore how artisanal winemakers produce wines that speak not only of their terroir but also of the people who dedicate their lives to the craft.

1A Nelsons Row, SW4 7JR studiovoltaire.org/crispin-at-studio-voltaire

cAFÉ BRItALy

An all-day restaurant celebrating Britain’s long love affair with Italian food has opened on Rye Lane in Peckham. Café Britaly is the first hospitality venture for co-owners Richard Crampton-Platt and chef Alex Purdie, who met while working at Italian restaurant Bocca di Lupo.

Claiming only to be “authentically Britalian”, Café Britaly serves nostalgic renditions of beloved Italian dishes viewed from the perspective of the British Isles, alongside British classics updated with Italian ingredients.

Spaghetti carbonara will naturally contain cream, adorned with a greasy spoon-style fried egg, while the ‘Full Britalian’ breakfast will include fennel sausages, fried pizza dough, and beans inspired by the Tuscan dish fagioli all’uccelletto. The fusion sounds equally delicious, as well as maddening for some. What’s your take?

191 Rye Lane, SE15 4TP cafebritaly.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 South Londoner can confirm they are a perfect mouthful.

100 Druid Street, SE1 2HQ thesedaysdrinks.com/

the gReyhound

Located in the heart of Peckham, The Greyhound pub has re-opened its doors to revellers under reimagination of The Cause. Retaining its vintage charm, this south London boozer has had a little TLC.

The ground floor serves up a selection of local craft beers, independent spirits and seasonal cocktails, while

the open-plan kitchen serves a twist on classic pub food.

The Greyhound follows The Cause’s blueprint of creating much-loved spaces with close-knit communities. Expect events such as live gigs, zine fairs, markets and loads more for locals – with a large part of The Greyhound’s focus being on music.

Not forgetting our furry friends, and paying homage to its names, dogs are catered for in every sense, with a full menu of dog beers and treats for your furry friends.

109 Peckham High Street, SE15 5SE www.thegreyhound.uk

kokum

East Dulwich has welcomed KOKUM to its roster, a restaurant and bar offering modern Indian food. It’s the vision of Sanjay Gour and Simeron Lily Patel –co-founders of the Michelin-rated Indian restaurants, Dastaan and Black Salt Sheen – with Manmeet Singh Bali leading the kitchen.

Chef Bali’s menu has the bold flavours of classic Indian cuisine but with a modern twist and unusual ingredients. Highlights include a smoked cashew nut and cheese samosa, chutney paneer tikka and truffle pecorino kulcha – along with favourites butter chicken, pani puri and fluffy naan.

58-60 East Dulwich Road, SE22 9AX kokumlondon.com

Review: Bone DaDDies

editor eliza frost says ‘every ramen bowl should now be topped with fried chicken’

There’s something about south London and eating under train arches. Hearing the roar and chug from the tracks above as you sip a drink, or eat a slice, or – in this case – slurp up some of the best ramen I’ve ever had.

We’re talking about Bone Daddies, with multiple central locations, but just one special spot south of the river – in beer mile Bermondsey – serving up “ramen and Japanese food with a Western twist”.

Walking down the mile and seeing all the breweries, picking out which ones my dining partner and I were going to stop at on the way back. We were already on a journey.

And this journey started with frozen yuzu margaritas after we settled into our bar table at the restaurant under the trainlines. As someone who is a fan of margaritas, and frozen ones especially, this was a no-brainer. It was zingy and tangy, with a slush consistency that offered up a refresh of the palette as well as a tasty tipple. The yuzu spin was hugely welcomed, and we were off to a good start.

As many south Londoners also love, I’m a fan of small plates. Picky bits. Dips and bite-sized snacks. Sharing is caring. That kind of thing. So, to start, we had to concede to that tradition.

There was chashu pork and corn croquettes with the crispiest fry that then melted in your mouth, and also a bao version, served in the fluffy bun with pickled carrots, chillies and spring onion. A delicious stop as we travel through this midweek dinner.

Curry fried chicken was next, topped with red chillies, spring onion and curry mayo. And this sauce, I could’ve drunk it alone. I hear them say that

on Masterchef but I’ve never really understood, until I had Bone Daddies’ curry accompaniment.

But, of course, the main event, the destination, was the ramen. And before tucking in, I did as was necessary and hooked over my neck one of the bibs provided, so that with chopsticks in one hand and spoon in the other, I could get stuck in.

It was a double serving of the Tokyo Cock Cock for this pair – fried chicken, cock scratchings, yuzu, beansprouts, spring onion and noodles. And, if you ask me, every ramen bowl should now be topped with fried chicken.

“With chopsticks in one hand and spoon in the other, I get stuck in”

The depth of flavour to the broth in this bowl is something I’m still mentioning to anyone who cares to ask. It was salty but balanced, with this slow heat that builds up just enough to warm your cockles.

We left oozing heat from the inside, as a good bowl of ramen should, and made our way back down the mile.

27-28 Old Jamaica Business Estate, 24 Old Jamaica Road, Bermondsey, SE16 4AW bonedaddies.com

Is your loved one coping at home?

Camberwell Lodge Care & Nursing Home

Luxury residential | Dementia | Nursing | Respite Care

Our care is the kind we’d all want our loved ones to receive. Camberwell Lodge Care Home provides the highest standards of family-led residential and dementia care. Our state-of-the-art home is luxurious and beautifully furnished, whilst retaining a warm family atmosphere that makes Camberwell Lodge feel extra special.

98 Spacious en-suite bedrooms

• Bistro café and themed pub

• Sociable lounge and dining areas

Daily fine dining and hospitality suite

Roof terrace and landscaped gardens

Hair and pamper salon

• Tailored meaningful activities

To find out more about life at Camberwell Lodge Care & Nursing Home contact Senior Customer Relations Manager Jessica O’Connell at jessica.oconnell@countrycourtcare.com or call 07939 296 992.

020 4579 2199

Picton Street, Camberwell, London, SE5 7QH

www.countrycourtcare.com

Trampoline’s Mentoring Programme Goes Live

Are you passionate about giving back to your community and supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs? Trampoline is thrilled to announce our Mentoring Programme and we need YOU!

Join us in empowering early-stage entrepreneurs on their journey to success. Volunteering as a mentor, you’ll have the opportunity to share your wealth of knowledge, skills, and expertise with budding business owners who are eager to learn and grow.

To learn more and apply, visit: https://trampolinecic.org/mentoring-programme/

Allow your child to thrive at our 1st Place nursery

Looking for the right childcare for your child can be a daunting process.

So, what are the benefits of attending a nursery compared with a childminder or nanny?

A high-quality Nursery setting allows children to thrive and develop skills and knowledge that is needed for them to navigate and problem-solve.

Through a well-planned and structured learning environment designed by early childhood education professionals, nursery offers a stimulating environment to enhance and extend children’s early experiences with the aim of developing each child’s cognitive, social, and emotional development. Offering consistent standard of care, promoting safety and well-being while allows parents to pursue work or other commitments with peace of mind.

Negotiating and interacting with peers and practitioners encourages children to become confident communicators, fostering crucial social skills such as sharing, co-operation, and empathy, while exposure to diverse experiences at nursery enriches their understanding of the world and prepares them for primary school.

For more information visit our website www.1stplace.uk.com

Are you ready?

Voter ID is here!

The Mayor of London and London Assembly Elections take place on Thursday 2 May 2024. You must be registered to vote by Tuesday 16 April and show an accepted form of photo ID if you are voting at a polling station.

To find out what forms of ID are accepted and how to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate, go to: Lambeth.gov.uk/vote

ADVANCED FACIALS

MASSAGE

WAXING & LASER

LASH AND BROW TREATMENTS

NAILS

TANNING

PREGNANCY TREATMENTS & MORE

Register now for a place in Nursery or Reception in September 2024

Open Morning

Thursday 25 April 2024

‘A highly customised approach to every pupil’s academic progress is a significant strength of the school’ - ISI Inspection, Nov 2023

Find out more and apply at www.rosemeadprep.org.uk

Dulwich, London

Online Interior Design Introductory offer

Helping families who are frustrated with the look, feel and flow of their house, to create a beautiful, yet practical home, without all the overwhelm.

I will help you avoid wasting time and making expensive mistakes to create that calming space that you’re proud to show off.

1.

4. Concept showing key Items

5. Clickable shopping list

6. Access to me via WhatsApp The Cost

The price for this would usually be £599 per room, but because I’m launching this new service, I’m offering all this for just £359 per room until 31st May 2024 in return for your feedback.

To take advantage of this offer please email me below and check out my website for more information

studio@dalodudesign.co.uk

www.dalodudesign.co.uk

LOCALLY SOURCED Forest

Bring nature into your home with Dulwich’s Forest: they hand-pick easy-to-care-for plants and will teach you how to look after them at home.

Located on North Cross Road, Forest also offers a free potting service and will match your plant with a suitable pot or planter – and they stock a range of lifestyle and natural spa products to complement their green offering, too.

35 North Cross Road, East Dulwich, SE22 9ET forest.london

We are an independent pottery teaching school offering one-off classes, courses & open access membership studio for beginners, enthusiasts, amateurs and semi-professionals in a friendly and relaxed environment.

RAKU CLASSES STARTING APRIL 2024

Check out our website for a full list of all classes & courses plus dates & times: claykilncraft.com

facebook: Clay Kiln Craft at Do and Play twitter: @ClayKilnCraft instagram: @claykilncraft phone: 07976 290735 web: claykilncraft.com

email: claykilncraftpottery@gmail.com

hybrid Legal cRm, collective intelligence

As businesses learn that we are now living in an unpredictable world, change will happen and as such how quickly you adapt will be critical to your business.

Through the use of CRM platforms and technology applications, a business can understand their customer insights better.

1. Accelerate growth with customer data of relevance. For example, understanding how your lead funnel is working, will determine how and what you spend on your marketing budget.

2. Understand your customer needs. Recording data becomes an invaluable data for leadership team to use.

Hybrid Legal CRM helps to bring value, faster changes and accelerate growth.

• Take a free trial on Hybrid Legal CRM, visit us at https://www.hybridcrm.co.uk/Free-Trial

• You can speak to a member of our product team on 020 7237 3388 or email us at hello@ hybridcrm.co.uk.

How Hybrid Legal CRM can help on growth acceleration through relevance

Our platform is designed for law firms and legal services professionals to stay compliant as well as deliver legal services relevant to both enterprises and individuals.

1. Relevance to your customers are key drivers to your business growth.

2. Build meaningful customer experiences within your business. Hybrid Legal CRM allows you to be relevant and work at speed.

Our intelligent platform helps to do:

1. Create and add legal matters, allowing you to meet regulatory requirements. You will be able to conduct KYC/AML checks including notes, correspondence logs and email management.

2. Streamline your communication platforms, such as emails and deliver quicker paced legal services.

3. Manage your financial accounts and billing, keeping track for business and regulatory purposes.

Relevance with Hybrid Legal CRM:

1. The ability to undertake billable and non-billable tasks.

2. Create tasks, manage important dates through the interactive calendar and build correspondence logs.

3. Manage evidences and build matter file.

Marketing at a glance

Understanding your marketing channel is a critical part of accelerating growth. Using Hybrid Legal CRM intelligent platform, it helps you understand your customer funnel, which helps to harness your marketing strategy.

1. Create marketing strategy using Hybrid Legal CRM.

2. Data capture to ensure information are stored with relevance.

Automations and workflows

Streamline customer touch point using our workflow templates and also email automations, ensuring your clients are updated at each legal process.

Thinking of moving to Hybrid Legal CRM?

We have put together some questions commonly asked by our platform users.

• What is CRM in legal? Referred as “Legal Client Relationship Management”, allows law firms to manage both new and existing clients. The CRM platform helps to manage new leads, financial tracking, and regulatory compliance.

• Do you complete free migration? Yes, we do. Usually, we take around 10 days to complete this for you depending on your data. We will let you know a timeline on the migration.

• Can I integrate external platforms such as accounting software? Yes, our platform lets you connect to any platforms, where there is an API key.

• Are there any free trials to test your product? Yes, we do and there is no requirement to provide any financial details at this point.

Speak to us at Hybrid Legal CRM

Tech ICS are listed by the Law Society as an approved supplier. Please find our details here - https://www. lawgazette.co.uk/legal-services/tech-ics/1109.supplier.

We help to establish a powerful unifying idea to express your business core identity, using our technological products and services. Visit us at www.hybridcrm.co.uk.

A love letter to south London

Jen Ferguson of East Dulwich’s Hops Burns & Black tells The South Londoner about the shop’s 10-year anniversary, a typical south London day, and the one thing you need to try south of the river…

What do you love most about running Hop Burns & Black?

My partner Glenn Williams and I started Hop Burns & Black in 2014 as we’d moved to Peckham the year before and realised what a fantastic place it was to live – we wanted to become more involved in the community.

We’re celebrating our 10th anniversary of the business this year and we can’t imagine having done this anywhere else. It’s great to be able to greet our customers by name, bump into them at the local, wave to them in the street... It’s village life in the middle of a big city.

What does a typical day in south London involve for you?

Work, usually! We’re lucky that we live within walking distance of both of our shops and our warehouse, so we can swing past our East Dulwich Road shop for a restorative coffee, and then head out to wherever we’re based for the day.

Grabbing lunch at our Deptford shop is great, as we can choose from all the many food options in the Market Yard or on the High Street.

After work, if we’re feeling lazy and/or sociable, we might pop to the Gowlett for a pint and pizza, or head further out into Peckham. It’s actually quite rare that we leave the borough, let alone go north of the river – we’ve got so much on our doorstep to choose from.

The slogan on Hop Burns & Black’s t-shirts, tote bags, glasses and mugs is South London Best London, and it really is!

What are your favourite South London eateries?

Two exciting new restaurants have recently opened near us – KOKUM, a few doors up from our East Dulwich Road shop, which does

incredible contemporary Indian cuisine and has received rave reviews from the likes of Grace Dent in the Guardian and Jimi Famurewa in the Evening Standard; and new Malaysian spot Janda Diner on Peckham Rye.

Other places we frequent often include Taca Tacos, Peckham Cellars and Forza Wine, and we love Viet Alley and Eat Vietnam in Deptford.

Where do you shop for clothes and homeware in south London?

We’re trying to buy more recycled fashion these days, so locally we look for bargains at Traid Rye Lane, or online on Depop. I’m also excited to hear that Edy and Bridge are setting up permanently in Nunhead. For homeware, we shop at Forest (I’m obsessed with plants) or

iyouall.

And your favourite south London landmark?

You can’t beat Peckham Rye (the park) in summer. If we have a day off and it’s sunny, we’ll sound the park picnic klaxon and head down there with some beers, snacks and a bottle of natural wine or cider to share with mates.

Have any fellow local businesses been a help or inspiration to your vision for Hop Burns & Black?

South east London is a great place for independent businesses as there’s so much support from the local indie business community. The Kernel Brewery has always been a source

of inspiration – we love their ethos of blazing their own trail, always putting their team first and growing at their own pace.

We also started working with Co-Accounting last year and this little West Norwood company has done incredible things for our business, both as accountants and invaluable business mentors.

What’s the one place, thing or activity south of the river that everyone should try at least once?

Walk along the south east part of the Thames to get a fresh perspective on London, planning your route so that it detours via the Dog & Bell in Deptford, surely London’s greatest pub.

38 East Dulwich Road, SE22 9AX www.hopburnsblack.co.uk

Are you tired of searching for top-quality meat that satisfies your taste buds? Look no further than the Proud Sow! With years of expertise and a passion for perfection, we believe in the art of butchery.

What sets us apart is our commitment to locally sourced products. We work directly with trusted farmers who share our dedication to ethical farming practices and superior animal welfare.

We take pride in creating a personal and welcoming experience for all our customers.

When it comes to your meat, settle for nothing but the best. Trust the Proud Sow to bring you the ultimate culinary adventure. Visit us today!

Proudsow.co.uk

86 Dulwich Village London SE21 7AQ 020 8693 6729

1 Ewhurst Road, Crofton Park London SE4 1AG 020 8690 3320

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