SOUTH LONDonER
AND DANNY
CURATE THIS YEAR’S CELEBRATION OF SE15
ALIZÉE NDIAYE
BAILEY
about us
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
We use 100% recovered paper from the Ortviken papermill in Sweden, a green energy provider who use biofuel instead of oil and provide heat for 10,000 single family homes. www.southlondon.co.uk
Editor Eliza Frost
Design Lizzy Tweedale, Dan Martin, Ann Gravesen
Marketing Clarry Frewin, Katie Boyd.
Media Partnerships Anthony Phillips
Finance Emrah Zeki
Managing Directors Chris Mullany and Kevin Quinn
Email hello@cm-media.co.uk
PhonE 020 7231 5258
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contents
5 HOME SECRETARY Enjoy Bermondsey Street festival, free film screenings, live band karaoke and more…
8 FAMILY Our top picks for your littles ones
9 COMMUNITY Crystal Palace’s Paxton Centre celebrates eight years of bringing people together
13-14 WHAT’S ON Peckham festival returns curated by Alizée Ndiaye and Danny Bailey
17-20 LOCAL FACES We talk crafting with Tiana and Darcie, and local music label and record store Dash the Henge open a second spot serving cheese toasties
22-27 FOOD & DRINK The Flygerians on the release of their new cookbook, a review of vegan bistro naïfs, plus new openings in your ‘hood
30 A LOVE LETTER TO SOUTH LONDON The founder of Forza Wine shares his favourite spots this side of the river
32 LOCALLY SOURCED Illustrated by Weezy has the perfect print for those ‘stomping’ around
BRASSWORKS FESTIVAL
• Carnival procession through Woolwich
• FREE family day in the Woolwich Works Courtyard
• Finale show in the Fireworks Factory featuring Steam Down & Theon Cross
FROM THE ROYAL BOROUGH OF GREENWICH, FOR EVERYONE.
homE
sEcrETary:
what’s on
LamBeth Fringe
Formerly The Clapham Fringe, for 2024 – with a new name – The Lambeth Fringe has revealed plans for a multi-venue expansion in exciting locations across the borough.
The team behind The Bread and Roses Theatre has been showcasing local talent in Lambeth since 2015, and always ensures something for everyone at this growing festival. It is a great opportunity to catch performances from established artists, as well as emerging acts entering the scene.
Stephen Catling brings ‘Beehavioural Problems: Something Something Autism’, Black Diamond presents ‘Stealing The Show’, Fanciful Flock Theatre presents 'The London Mothers' and Lou Sanders shows ‘No Kissing in the Bingo Hall’ – plus lots more shows, too.
dates: 19 September to 20 October 2024
tickets: Prices vary Locations vary lambethfringe.com
Floating Sea Palace is a major new exhibition by LapSee at Studio Voltaire and the first-ever institutional exhibition of the artist’s work in the UK. The commission develops from Lap-See Lam's presentation for the Nordic Pavilion at the 60th Biennale di Venezia 2024.
The exhibition will continue a cycle of works inspired by the real setting of the ‘Sea Palace’, a three-storey floating Chinese restaurant in the shape of a dragon. For Lam, the ‘Sea Palace’ provides knotty and often dissonant source material to address the translation –and mistranslation – of cultural heritage. The artist’s new series of works explores separation, displacement and collective memory across oceans.
dates: 18 September to 15 December 2024
tickets: Free Studio Voltaire, 1A Nelsons Row, SW4 7JR studiovoltaire.org/whats-on/lap-see-lamfloating-sea-palace
LiVe Band karaoke
Celebrating its 15th anniversary of offering free entertainment to SE15 neighbourhoods, the Peckham & Nunhead Free Film Festival is back from 30 August to 8 September 2024.
That means 10 days of totally free blockbusters, rarely-seen gems, inspiring documentaries and familyfriendly entertainment in a variety of indoor and outdoor venues.
There’s no charge to attend the screenings, entry is on a first come first served basis. For outdoor screenings, the organisers advise dressing for the weather and bringing something to sit on. Let the good movies roll.
dates: 30 August to 8 September 2024
tickets: Free Locations vary freefilmfestivals.org/filmfestival/peckhamnunhead
For plans that make it out of the group chat – try live karaoke at Nunhead’s The Ivy House. It’s like if X Factor met your favourite SE15 pub…
You’ll be able to perform with a five-piece band that can play almost 400 tunes across a range of genres –from Lizzo to AC/DC. They’ve got the stage, lyrics, live band and a harmonising host, all that’s needed is for you to step up to the mic.
Signups start from 7pm, with the band taking to the stage at 8pm. Tonight Matthew, you're going to be a star.
dates: First Friday of the month (6 September, 4 October, 1 November, 6 December)
tickets: £7-£10
40 Stuart Road, SE15 3BE www.designmynight.com/london/whats-on/ karaoke/live-band-karaoke
Immerse yourself in the heart of Bermondsey as the historic street welcomes Bermondsey Street Festival for another year of flavours, sounds and local artistry. From craft stalls and culinary delights to live music and family fun, the Bermondsey Street Festival offers a day of discovery and delight for all ages.
On the street you’ll find celebrations for WatchHouse’s 10th anniversary extravaganza, José Pizarro carving jamon and London Glassblowing live in their studio.
Tanner Street Park will host the music stage, and Leathermarket Gardens will welcome traditions of maypole celebrations, wellness workshops and the much-loved dog show.
date: 21 September 2024
tickets: Free Bermondsey Street, SE1 3UD bermondseystreetfestival.com
the sex LiVes oF PuPPets
Following a sellout run in January, puppet masters Blind Summit Theatre return to Southwark Playhouse with The Sex Lives of Puppets, the show that pulls back the covers on puppet sex in contemporary Britain.
Beware, it can be filthy, funny, shocking – but sometimes tender. This collaboration between puppets and the National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles creates a safe space to get down and dirty and talk about sex. Not so much the “birds and bees”, more the “nuts and bolts”.
dates: 4 to 28 September 2024
tickets: £25, concession 320 77-85 Newington Causeway, SE1 6BD southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/productions/thesex-lives-of-puppets
Stephen Catling, Beehavioural Problems
The Comfort Woman
©Charlina Lucas
Bermondsey street FestiVaL
Peckham & nunhead Free
LaP-see Lam exhiBition
Box office 020 8463 0100 • blackheathhalls.com •
Lady Nade sings Nina Simone Sat 19 Oct, 7.30pm
Shaparak Khorsandi Scatterbrain Sun 27 Oct 8pm Kathryn Tickell & The Darkening Sat 5 Oct, 7.30pm Andy Parsons Bafflingly Optimistic Sat 19 Oct, 8pm
FRIDAY 13.09.24 3-9PM CASTLE SQ, 40 ELEPHANT RD, SE17 1EU
SHOWS TO SEE THIS AUTUMN AT THE UNICORN THEATRE
Take an insider’s look at two very different shows exploring extraordinary worlds
Toto Kerblammo! from director Tim Crouch will use headphones with binaural sound technology to immerse the audience in a story about listening, friendship and finding hope in the darkest of places.
Anna Hibiscus’ Song is a stage adaptation of Atinuke’s beloved book and celebrates the culture and music of Africa in a joyous interactive show.
We spoke to Tim Crouch about his new play, Toto Kerblammo! and how sound will shape the show.
Tim Crouch’s immersive new play follows Effy as she navigates her teenage years with the help of her beloved dog Toto Kerblammo. The dog is Effy’s greatest friend and counsellor and helps her to see the brightness in her life as well as the darkness, ultimately guiding her on a journey of discovery.
“I’m kind of more interested in what happens inside people’s heads than what happens outside people’s heads.”
Using binaural audio technology, the audience will wear headphones that make ‘the voice inside your head’ seem to whisper directly in your ear or move all around the auditorium. The entire show is a mediated soundscape, seamlessly transitioning between pre-recorded scenes and live performances by the actors.
‘One of the most important writers and theatre makers in the UK’ (The Stage), Tim Crouch brings his signature blend of thought-provoking and experimental theatre to the Unicorn.
6 Oct – 3 Nov
For ages 9+
Tickets from £12.50
talks about creating the joyful world of Anna Hibiscus’ Song
It is not often that you read a children’s storybook with a little girl at the centre of it. Reading the story book to my grandson, it struck me as a beautiful celebration of the culture and heritage of a modern African family.
COMING
“The story is a beautiful way to see a world through the eyes of a child.”
It is also a positive way of framing Africa and just felt to me right to bring it to life on stage.
Anna Hibiscus’ Song production is an African theatrical style showcasing theatre at its best. Like most of Africa’s performance forms, it combines story, dance, song, music, and use of traditional musical instruments. There is a strong element of co-performance. The audiences participate in certain moments by clapping hands, joining the singing, shouting directions to the performer, laughing, and talking with the performers.
9 – 13 Oct
For ages 3-7
Tickets from £14.50
Director Mojisola Kareem-Elufowoju
Family events
By Eliza Frost
Raving and behaving
Miss going out out occasionally now you’ve had little ones? Well, Emily Rawson (BBC 1Xtra DJ) and friends do. That’s why they created Fly-Kid. It’s a daytime party from Supa Dupa Fly where you can bring your kids to and introduce them to the tunes you grew up on.
Held at Pop Brixton, expect everything from Missy Elliot to Madonna, Drake to Dua Lipa and loads more. Kids will be entertained with face painting, street dance lessons, hip-hop props, dress-up and games – time to hit the dancefloor.
date: 11 August 2024, 11am to 3pm
tickets: From £5
49 Brixton Station Road, SW9 8PQ www.popbrixton.org/whatson/fly-kid-family-ravekt7r9-tkbtd-xmplr
Paint a pot
For those with crafty fingers, head to Battersea’s Pottery Café and get involved in the creating process.
Booking is recommended before you attend, where you’ll be able to pick a piece of pottery to decorate.
Options include mugs, plates and bowls of various sizes, plus egg cups, spoon rests, vases, soap dishes, storage jars, jugs, tiles and caricatures – and loads more.
You can also enjoy the delights of the café at the front of the store – offering coffee and treats – before you go back to the studio to relax and get arty.
Open times and prices vary 153 Northcote Road, SW11 6QB pottery-cafe.com/battersea-pottery-cafe
Mini masterpieces
Entering Boxville
Join designer Sam Wilde and director Ian Nicholson at Polka Theatre for their next cardboard adventure. Using their trademark sustainable cardboard puppet style, they invite you to explore Boxville – a land made entirely from sustainable cardboard.
Spark your child’s imagination through playful painting at Dulwich Picture Gallery’s mini masterpiece sessions for under 5s. Each session begins with a journey through the gallery to discover the different people, places and animals in the paintings, followed by an artmaking activity.
The themes change each month to keep your little creatives engaged and open them up to new ways of playing, too.
dates: Last Thursday of every month
tickets: £15 Gallery Road, SE21 7AD www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk/whats-on/family-events/2024/june/ under-5s-explore-mini-masterpieces
Work with the Boxville engineers to craft-a-long with the story and build your own way through the tasks and trials of Boxville, earning everything you need to become a fully-fledged cardboard engineer.
You will meet paper dragons, corrugated crabs and cardboard space robots in this interactive cardboard adventure aimed at those aged 4-8 and their grownups. Plus, you can take your cardboard creations home at the end of the show.
date: 29 September 2024
tickets: From £12
240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1SB polkatheatre.com/event/boxville
Hit the right note
Crib Notes is a friendly, non-audition choir created especially for parents and carers with young children. No singing experience is required, all sessions are designed for you to bring your little one along with you.
The sessions are flexible so you can come as you are and look after yourself and your little one as you need throughout, and still learn the songs. Practice resources are provided so you can listen and sing along at home, too.
With regular socials and a WhatsApp group to connect members outside of rehearsals, the aim is to bring people together. A performance at the end also brings all clubs together from across south London. Join a taster session at clubs in Balham, Beckenham and Crystal Palace to meet other local parents, and enhance your wellbeing through music (pop, world and folk music – no nursery rhymes).
Dates and locations vary across south London cribnotes.co.uk
Paxton centre celebrates 8 years
―
The South Londoner hears from founder Beth Mander about the Crystal Palace community creative hub
By Eliza Frost
Everything that happens at the Paxton Centre in Crystal Palace comes from an ethos of benefiting the local economy, skill sharing between experts, and creating community and friendships between those who attend.
Launching the Paxton Centre was years in the making for Beth Mander, founder of the creative community hub. After experiencing a difficult time, she worked on gaining skills that she still utilises today.
Having studied for a qualification to teach pottery, she then was looking for somewhere to put her learning into practice. She wanted a creative job, as a technician or similar, but wasn’t able to get one at the time. But, using her strong intuition, she found a classroom to start up lessons.
This was all while working at Crystal Palace market, selling wares of local artists and connecting people.
When the Paxton Centre space became available, Beth could combine everything she had worked so hard on.
Beth explains: “Everything we do here really fits into one or all three of those focuses. The skill sharing is about the classes, which are artist or person led. My passion for passing on skills through teaching is because of my pottery qualification.”
She welcomed the opportunity to study how to teach pottery later in life but adds that these types of qualifications aren’t so readily available anymore.
“I want to keep it alive, because it’s the creativity that’s important, but also the social aspect,” says Beth. “That's why I do what I do here.”
As well as building friendships and relationships – she is happy to be the “middle woman” in the community connecting people through conversations and signposting people in need to others who may be able to help.
And the centre supports the local economy by encouraging people to spend their money where they live – and Beth actions this, too, getting her coffee from Penge and cakes from Blackbird Bakery for the café.
Now, the centre has been open for eight years, with celebrations happening in the coming months. And there is much to celebrate because, as Beth says, “everyone has got options, it’s about attitude and frame of mind as to how those options appear”.
The Paxton Centre offers a regular programme of creative pursuits, and as we sit in the café area for this interview, the space is alive with people working from laptops.
There are life drawing workshops, pottery classes
for all, an adult art club, and then comedy nights and world music events. Downstairs is used as an art gallery space that Beth curates, featuring the works of local artists. You can hold private events and the space also welcomes socials, including an LGBTQIA+ Coffee Morning and 'SE Signers' BSL Cafe Social.
And Beth would really like to reach even more parts of the community – including young people and those over 60.
From September, there will be a weekly craft option for the older community who would like to socialise and that also keeps them busy.
“It can be quite daunting to talk to people, whereas if you're doing something with your hands, the conversation naturally flows. Crafting makes the socialising easier, but you're also creating good mental health by doing something creative.”
And for freelancers that use the space to work – where you get one hour free with a drink, and then it is £7.50 for three hours, with a drink included – Beth is relaunching the Crystal Palace Freelancers Jelly. A social where you have someone do a 15-minute skill-sharing session on a related topic.
Beth continues to enjoy sharing her expertise in pottery through classes at the centre, and she likes that 12 to 14 people can do the same technique and each come out with different interpretations at the end.
With pottery, Beth says: “The substance is so fragile, but it’s really tough at the same time. If you go to the V&A, there's pottery in there that's been dug up that is so old it's mind-blowing. I like that contrast, and I like that it uses all the elements. It's just a ball of clay, and it's about imagination and creativity to transform it, which everyone has.
“I feel sad that people tell children that they're not good at something creative, like drawing. Everyone can draw. Everyone has got creativity. And what I like about my classes, you get some people who are spontaneously creative and some who may struggle to begin with, but it clicks, and everyone ends the session pleased.”
It is because of Beth and her hard work and enthusiasm for creativity that the Paxton Centre has the life it does. And Crystal Palace is a great place to continue building upon its community.
Beth explains how a lot of the community groups in Crystal Palace are because of people's passion. “And there is a lot of it here,” she adds.
“People care about the environment and the community, which I think is something special. Everyone's really for making Crystal Palace a nice place.”
Next for Beth is more of the same at the Paxton Centre and continuing to reach out to groups and serve the community. “We need more places like this,” she adds.
52 Anerley Hill, SE19 2AE www.thepaxtoncentre.co.uk
Celebrate the amazing work of our volunteers and charity partners at CIC's Festival of Impact on 14th & 15th September as part of Peckham Festival
Come down to hear from our Charity Partners on the work they are doing in Southwark, join free workshops delivered by creative professionals, enjoy live music from local musicians, and feast on food made with one love by The Vegan Rasta, all right here in our community hub in Bussey Building (find us in the Copeland Park alley way in front of Peckham Soul).
From new york city to Brixton
Harlem Brewing Company brings a taste of Harlem to Supercute Brewery in Brixton Village
By Eliza Frost
Celeste Beatty launched Harlem Brewing Company in 2001 in New York City as the first African American woman brewer to launch a commercially distributed craft beer.
Now, in a partnership with Brixton’s Supercute Brewery, there is a dedicated Harlem Brewing taproom at 5 Market Row in Brixton Village, bringing the tastes of NYC to SE9.
“I fell head over hops in love with home brewing, partially through the process and techniques but also through making ginger beer for Kwanza with my mother and connecting with African brewing history and travels that introduced me to home brewers on the African continent,” explains Celeste. “Seeing faces that looked like mine awakened me to the possibilities, it just resonated and didn’t feel out of place anymore.”
After starting home brewing in the 1990s, and experimenting with small batches from her apartment on 123rd Street, she wanted to start adding more flavour. Celeste infused her beers with whatever spices and flavourings she found in the kitchen cabinet – cinnamon, clove, coriander, vanilla.
She says: “My home brews were simply called Harlem Brew. My first beer was a Kolsch (Harlem Brew K) from an extract kit and eventually, I transitioned to all grain. Things didn’t go so well during fermentation, but I kept on brewing until I got beer. I shared those early beers with local restaurants and friends and family.”
When she set up Harlem Brewing Company, she reformulated her 10 gallon batches into 100 barrels. The time was “deeply inspired by the music and culture of the Harlem Renaissance, we named our first commercial flagship beer-Harlem Sugar Hill Golden Ale, inspired by Billy Strayhorn's tune ‘Take the “A” Train’. Our follow on brands are named for iconic streets: Renaissance Wit, 125th Street IPA, Lenox Lager and other collaborations followed”.
Celeste loves the variety of flavours in beers, from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts and tart sours, and also enjoys working beers into food recipes.
But what makes the perfect pint? Celeste says: “A perfect pint can be pretty subjective depending on personal preferences but a freshly poured beer that captures the true characteristics of the style with a harmony of flavours, aromas and craftsmanship is key.
“One of my favourites is Belgian-style (Harlem-style). I enjoy brewing and drinking them for their distinct flavour profile. I enjoy the citrusy notes of the orange peel and spicy herbal notes of grains of paradise with its
cornucopia of complex woody herbal citrus ginger notes. We add a hefty dollop of cumin in our recipe and a few special ingredients.”
Of being the first African American woman brewer to launch a commercially distributed beer, Celeste notes how she recently co-created a historic ale (molasses, ginger, honey, Loblolly pine needles) with Oak Park Brewery, called Fugitive Brewer (with Whoopi Goldberg likeness), honouring the legacy of an enslaved brewer in Halifax in North Carolina.
She says: “Her name was Patsy Young who brewed as a free person for 14 years in 1806, until recaptured. Having recently learned about this history, being the first African American woman brewer to launch a commercially distributed beer is an even more profound honour and a deeply fulfilling experience.
“It feels like breaking new ground in an industry where diversity and representation are still evolving. It's a mix of pride in achieving a significant milestone and excitement for the opportunity to share my unique brews with the world. Bringing my passion for brewing
to fruition and seeing others enjoy and appreciate the flavours, craftsmanship and story is incredibly rewarding.
“It's not just about making history but also celebrating history and culture and contributing to a broader narrative of inclusion and creativity within the brewing community.
“Sharing my brews means sharing a piece of my culture, creativity and dedication, fostering connections and inspiring others to pursue their dreams in brewing and beyond.”
And now that piece of history and culture has a home in Brixton, too. The partnership with Supercute Brewery expands the cultural footprint of Harlem Brewing Company and nods to the heritage of Harlem internationally.
Celeste says it feels like a natural extension of their commitment to sharing not just great beer, but the stories and spirit of Harlem’s community.
“Being able to showcase our brews in Brixton, a neighbourhood renowned for its diversity and creativity, fills me with excitement,” she adds. “This collaboration
represents a convergence of cultures, a celebration of diversity, and an opportunity to create memorable moments through the joy of craft, community and culture.”
Visitors to the Harlem Brewing Taproom in Brixton can expect an immersive cultural experience that celebrates the essence of Harlem through craft beer and community engagement.
You can try a diverse selection of Harlem Brewing Company's signature beers and, beyond brews, the taproom will have live music events, art exhibitions, and collaborations with local and visiting artists and performers.
And 2025 will see the launch of the Harlem Brewing Brewers Exchange Programme with Supercute Brewery, too. It promises to have a transformative impact on both Brixton students and their counterparts from the US by facilitating cross-cultural exchange through the art and science of brewing. Cheers to that.
5 Market Row, Brixton Village, SW9 8LD www.harlembrewing.com
Peckham Festival: the Block Party
The three-day festival celebrating Peckham’s unique community and culture returns for another year
By Eliza Frost
Shout out to you SE15ers because, over three days, Peckham Festival is back for another year celebrating everything about you.
It will honour the diverse and intergenerational communities that have shaped Peckham’s unique culture, community and creativity – past, present and future.
The festival embraces everything we love about Peckham, from the Rye and our high street to the local artists and sound systems born in Peckham’s basements.
It celebrates the individuals that have lived here for 50 years and 5 days, it celebrates all who contribute to the ever-evolving spirit of Peckham.
It continues to recognise the contributions of Peckham’s existing communities to its rich and diverse heritage and in ensuring that the future of this unique neighbourhood remains inclusive to those who have built its vibrant culture.
So, from 13 to 15 September 2024, Copeland Park and venues across Peckham will host a wide-ranging programme of free events that celebrate the creativity of our neighbourhood.
To add an extra layer of excitement for 2024, the festival has invited two guest curators to work on the
programme this year – Alizée
and
who together make up The Heritage Palace.
After their curating of Copeland Gallery last year with a mixed media exhibition ‘Staying Power’, Peckham Festival says it was thrilled to offer the pair the opportunity to handle curation for the whole festival this year.
And The South Londoner thinks you’re in for a treat… Peckham Festival welcomes almost 20,000 visitors each year and aims to bring people together through music, performance, film, art, open studios, markets, workshops, dance, activities and more.
Events take place in former warehouses, Victorian factories and repurposed car parks at the heart of the community, including at creative hubs Copeland Park, Cornerhouse (formerly Market) and Peckham Levels.
Collaborating with homegrown local talent and businesses is at the core of the festival’s ethos, too. And this year is no different. Peckham Festival is working with programming partners, which include local music platform GALA – who will bring a number of new, rising acts to the stage on Friday night – aiming to establish a pipeline for artists to perform at GALA in the future.
Ndiaye
Danny Bailey,
The festival stage will also feature Nadeem Din Gabisi, Donnie Sunshine and Mark Ashley-Dupe as well as Passa Production/The Mighty Ruler. Local community performances will include Peckham Chamber Orchestra, The Multi-Story Orchestra, Rye Lane Chapel’s band, steel pans and carnival workshops. Plus, Peckham faves Jumbi will also be holding a warehouse party on the Saturday.
Copeland Gallery will play host to ‘PECKNAM’, which is programmed by lead curators Danny Bailey and Alizée Ndiaye.
‘PECKNAM’ is a tribute to all communities across the globe who have fallen victim to ghettoisation, by celebrating the talent, culture, art and community that comes out of those areas. It spotlights the authentic stories of Peckham locals and the community through immersive art installations, performances, films, discussions and music.
The event will also be throwing a Vogue Ball hosted by House of Laveaux, blending the vibrant spirit of Peckham with the energy of ballroom culture. This event will feature the common categories of a traditional Vogue Ball, interspersed with fashion shows from local designers, creating a linked tapestry of fashion and performance.
Made in Peckham will also return with open studios and a maker’s market, showcasing over 100 artists and
designers and offering you the opportunity to purchase works directly from local creatives.
Ourhood Community will also be hosting a curated pop-up of premium Black-owned brands, selling artisan fashion and lifestyle products.
Dope Readers Club and Peckham-based Lolwe Books will be hosting a literary event, which will see a book exchange along with a series of Q&A sessions with local authors, including Kelechi Okafor.
Dope Readers is a community project committed to promoting literacy, fostering engagement through the power of books and raising awareness of works by Black and diverse authors.
The Bussey Building’s Rooftop Film Club, in collaboration with The New Black Film Collective Literature, will be running a series of screenings across the weekend and 948 Collective will be programming a series of talks and arts events, too.
Not forgetting a wide variety of free creative workshops for all – and activities for younger visitors, such as skateboard lessons and carnival workshops.
It’s all go for Peckham Festival, so be sure to check out their website and Instagram (@peckhamfestival) for more details of the planned free events for each day, and we’ll see you there.
www.peckhamfestival.org
Alizée Ndiaye and Danny Bailey say…
“Over three epic days, we’ll be honouring the diverse and intergenerational communities that make Peckham so unique.
“From the West African aunty doing hair on the roadside to the next generation at Harris Academy, we will be working with our community of local businesses, creatives and collectives to create a festival that celebrates the incredible narratives and contributions that shape our vibrant Peckham area and celebrate you.
“It is important for us as curators to acknowledge the regeneration and the rapid transformation in Peckham, it's crucial for us as curators to honour and include the existing communities and create a conversation and experience that carries them into the future of Peckham.
“We’re committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming space for all. Come down, join the fun, and be a part of Peckham’s story.”
hoLd your own 6th – 29th september
Now in its fourth year, the Tom Cox Open Call is an annual invitation to emerging visual artists from across the U.K. to submit their work for the opportunity to exhibit at the Tom Cox Gallery in Crystal Palace. Unlike other open calls, this one is free for artists to apply, democratising the application process and selecting work purely on merit.
This show is aimed at unearthing the country's finest emerging talent, with selected artists having their work curated and presented to an audience of South London collectors and art enthusiasts. If their work is well received, they may have the opportunity to join the gallery's portfolio and receive further career development.
This year’s exhibition is titled Hold Your Own. Showcasing a diverse array of emerging artists who are boldly carving their paths in a challenging industry, the exhibition highlights those who are defying the odds.
Featured Artists:
Beto Fame, Bob & Eve, Sophie Symes, James Hawke, Amy Heath, Natacha Bisarre, Venetta Nicole, Judith Raynault, Ana Gallego, Eleanor Dunn, & Cecilia Lopez, alongside works from Tom Cox.
Highlights:
Beto Fame | Insta: @betofame Camden-based Architect, Muralist and Painter from Rio de Janeiro. His compositions have references to architecture, everyday life, tropical landscapes and Brazilian culture.
Bob & Eve | Insta: @bob_and_eve
Brighton-based Corinna Wilson’s alias evolved from the words bobbin and weave in reference to her use of textiles as a medium. Her colourful text works are an expression of her irreverent take on modern society.
Judith P Raynault | Insta: @judith_p.raynault
A Mile-End-based graphic designer and illustrator whose joyful painting series celebrates the beauty of friendship and the environments where friends reconnect, such as coffee shops.
Quote from Tom:
“Sifting through all the submissions and establishing
a multitude of new working relationships requires a lot of effort, but finding the great artists of tomorrow is our reward. It’s thrilling to discover and bring them to the attention of our art loving public.”
“This year we want to go one step further, not only giving back to our artistic community, but also the wider local community. We shall be donating 10% of gallery proceeds to our local food bank Living Well Bromley, in the form of their most in-demand and essential items.”
Living Well Bromley – Food Bank https://www. livingwell.life/p/about
Private view
Thursday 5th September 6-9pm
You are invited to the private view of Hold Your Own. Be among the first to explore the newest creations from homegrown emerging artists, connect with South London’s vibrant art community, and discover unique artworks to make your walls sing. With complimentary drinks from sponsors The Sourcing table – a Crystal Palace boutique wine shop and bar.
RSVP Link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ hold-your-own-private-view-tickets983530635607?aff=oddtdtcreator
Exhibition dates: 6th – 29th September
Private view Thursday 5th September 6-9pm
Location: Tom Cox Gallery, 38 Church Road, SE19 2ET
Open Hours: Wednesday – Saturday 10am-5pm / Sunday 11am-4pm Website https://www.tomcoxstudio.com/exhibitions/ hold-your-own Insta @tomcoxgallery
About the Tom Cox Gallery:
Founded in April 2021 by Tom Cox, a South London-based artist and curator, the Tom Cox Gallery showcases a diverse array of works by exciting contemporary artists through seasonal exhibitions and art fairs. The gallery's mission is to establish itself as the premier destination in South London for affordable, high-quality contemporary art. The space also doubles as Tom’s studio, where you can often find him working on his latest series of paintings.
For more information on exhibitions, artists, and artworks visit www.tomcoxstudio.com or call 07879991419.
Café Euphrosyne, 2023, Judith P. Raynault, Gouache on paper 36 x 26 cm
Tom Cox at his studio, by Raphael Neal
grab your coffee from dash the henge
The founders of the Camberwell record shop, and now second coffee spot, talk local music and the secret ingredient to the best cheese toastie
Dash the Henge, the record label, was founded by Nathan Saoudi from Fat White Family and Tim Harper of FreakFreak in 2019, to provide a home for outsider artists. It aimed to champion local artists, and it still does, says Tim.
Dash the Henge, the store in Camberwell, was co-founded by Tim and Chris OC in 2022 with a similar mission.
Sat in the space of Rat Records, the physical store has everything you hold dear – music, books, merch, decks and lots more, plus live music events and now a coffee shop two doors down.
At the time the pair opened Dash the Henge, Chris was a chef and was looking to get out of the kitchen when Tim approached him about the “terrible” closure of Rat. They wanted to get in there. “The slightly overzealous drunken conversation gradually became more real,” he says.
Chris has been in bands in south London since he was a teenager. The pair came to connect when Tim started working with Chris’s band Meatraffle.
“Tim has been working behind the scenes in the south London band circuit for a long time. And as we spoke about opening a shop, it just completely made sense,” explains Chris.
Lucky for Dash the Henge, an application to turn the premises into a fast food spot was rejected – paving the way for them.
And it was a new project for them both, a real rally was needed and the putting of heads together, but, as Chris says, “there's something about that where you're not necessarily abiding by prescribed notions of what a record shop should be; you're coming at it from our own individual experiences, and we were bringing ourselves into this space”.
He believes that is why the performance stage among the records became such a focal point of the space, too.
Tim adds: “Having our own bricks and mortar that we could use as a base camp for all our activities, it just made a whole lot of sense.”
Camberwell had an existing music community that they have been welcomed into, and now call themselves the “Golden Triangle”.
Creating that space for live music in south London allows new artists to hone their craft. Dash the Henge welcomes all genres to play at the shop, working as an open platform.
Chris says: “It could be travelling musicians who have heard about the shop or someone who has something new they want to trial or it’s an artist wanting to get off the ground. There isn’t really a screening process, as long as there is a set. That’s what we’re here for.”
Being open and representative of the community was something they wanted reflected in the records they stocked, too. Asking themselves who is around them, and who wants to enjoy the space?
“South London has always been an exciting place, and a place that's full of artistic practices of all kinds. But it's now considered to be on the map,” says Chris.
Tim explains how the “Golden Triangle” – Dash the Henge, The Bear and The Old Dispensary – all complement each other with their offerings
“that’s a really beautiful feature of this area, the cross-pollination of businesses and different endeavour”
and support each other in bringing live music to Camberwell, too.
“That’s a really beautiful feature of this area, the cross-pollination of businesses and different endeavours,” says Chris.
The primary of what they do is records, and it always will be – but they’d always spoken about coffee. They just didn’t necessarily want it in the shop.
A second space became available, and HENGE Coffee opened at the end of July just two doors down from the record store. Starting with offering hot and cold drinks, and slowly opening up the menu and syncing with the record store.
“It’s an extension as opposed to a new business,” says
Tim. “We wanted to cost it in a way that is going to open to everyone. We’re aware we’ve got bus drivers, office and NHS workers, and other locals, and we want to make sure there’s something for everyone.”
And they keep it local with stockists, as well, with coffee from Kofee and bread for the cheese toasties from Camberwell neighbour TOAD Bakery.
Flavour wise, ex-chef Chris has come up with a veggie cheese toastie menu that’ll make you melt. The secret, he says, is to cover all bases.
There’s The Henge (£6.50), which is cheddar, scotch bonnet butter and pickled shallots, Comté Daddy (£6.50), filled with comté, stout onions and Dijon mustard, and the Parmigianarama (£7.50), stuffed with mozzarella, smoked aubergine, tomato sauce and basil. Dash down and succumb to the (cheese) pull of the Henge.
348 Camberwell New Road, SE5 0RW dashthehengestore.com
ed 41 North Cross Rd, East Dulwich SE22 9ET www.rigbyandmac.com/ed
ed is 25
ed has been serving the good people of Dulwich & beyond for a quarter of a century and it’s been a blast!
We want to thank all our lovely customers for all their fantastic support over the last 25 years, we look forward to continuing our journey together for many more.
Katharine, Dan & everyone at rigby & mac
Freelance Opportunities at Dulwich College Sports Club
Personal Trainer Associates
Wellbeing Team Associates (e.g. Chiropodist, Counsellor, Nutritionist, Thai Massage Therapist)
Studio Hire for Classes: Martial Arts, Yoga, etc. For more details please email sportsclub@dulwich.org.uk
We are also keen to recruit qualified Spin and Class Instructors to our team If interested, please email Gary on sharpeg@dulwich.org.uk
www.dcsportsclub.co.uk
craft with tiana and darcie
The south London duo talks teaching crochet, building crafting communities and where to find the best glutenfree fish and chips
Tiana Esparon (she/her) and Darcie Hancock (they/ them/she/her) met while studying fashion design at Kingston School of Art, and bonded over their love of knit, colourful things, hair and makeup.
Day to day, Tiana works at The Fashion School in Chelsea teaching sewing classes, including a crochet club for children. She runs Peckham craft market Craft-T and her own crochet brand Sitrin Fashion.
Darcie works full time for Selective Marketplace as a Knit and Jersey Product Developer, working across brands Wrap London and Poetry, and also hosts a fashion podcast, ‘Everybody wants to be us’, which tells the untold stories of the industry and highlights future stars.
They tell The South Londoner about crafting and the community it can bring…
The South Londoner: Why did you launch Craft with Tiana and Darcie?
We started it last October because we were both working in jobs that we felt were draining our creativity and wanted somewhere to express and share our love for crafting and crochet.
Also, Darcie has been sober for nearly two years now, and we’d started doing more activities that didn’t just revolve around alcohol – life drawing, pottery, jewellery making. We wanted to create a space to share what we love doing and especially after the pandemic, we felt like people wanted to learn new skills and socialise without having to get drunk.
What does a workshop look like?
We run two different types of workshops – a drop-in session and a more traditional scheduled workshop. Tickets for drop-in sessions are cheaper and more accessible as they are quite informal, people can come and go as they please staying for just 10 minutes or longer if they want to learn more.
The traditional workshop lasts for two hours, and the class learns everything at the same pace. These workshops cost more because they’re more hands-on and everyone gets a beginners crochet kit to take home with them, too.
What do you enjoy about the communities that crafting can help to build?
Crafting can very often be a solo activity, especially something like crochet where you don’t need much equipment to get started. Most crocheters probably crochet at home or in their beds most of the time, so it’s great to build a community where we can bring crafters together and have some social crafting time. We can share tips and techniques with each other and also give each other the praise we deserve as we understand the amount of work that goes into each piece.
It’s also amazing teaching complete newbies who might not have tried anything like this before. At the beginning of a workshop, everyone looks at us like we’re crazy when we’re teaching them how to hold the yarn – we call it finger gymnastics. Seeing how much people can learn in just two hours and the confidence that comes with that is the best part of teaching.
What communities have you built out of Craft with Tiana and Darcie?
The main community that we’ve built is with our Queer Craft Social. We’ve had a little break during summer but will hopefully be starting these up again soon. Queer crafters is a super niche target audience but since both of us are queer crafters, we knew there had
to be more people out there who wanted a space to chat and meet new people who you were guaranteed to have something in common with. We’ve met some amazing people through doing this and there are a few people who come to every single social.
What is your favourite thing to do in south London?
Our favourite thing to do south of the river is eat! We’re both gluten intolerant so we are always on the hunt for the best gluten free food. Wicked Fish at Market Place Vauxhall does the best gluten free fish and chips, and the pizza at Made of Dough in Peckham is one of the best we’ve ever had.
Watch out for a Craft with Tiana and Darcie event at Peckham Festival, 13-15 September (details on their Instagram page @craftwithtianadarcie).
Visit Craft-T Market at Corner House, Rye Lane, on 28-29 September where you’ll find independent brands, workshops, tooth gems and oracle readings.
Blueprint for All is asking you to make a difference with movement this September.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional, or this is your first foray into the world of sports, join Deptford based Blueprint for All 21st September for the Vitality Westminster Mile to walk, jog, or skip in a family-friendly atmosphere.
Tickets include free entry to the fantastic Vitality Wellness Festival in Green Park for a fun filled afternoon, where you can mix and mingle, try your hand at the world-famous giant treadmill, or simply enjoy a smoothie or two.
You can participate solo or with a team, and every participant receives a medal. Head on over to the website to join the Blueprint for All team this September.
Adults £10 entry fee & under 18s free entry with our exclusive Blueprint for All link
Link https://bit.ly/3VambXd
For more information, email hello@blueprintforall.org
Applications are now open for people over the age of 70 who are reasonably active and mobile and able to live independently but in need of companionship, support and healthy home-cooked food in a friendly community.
• Independent living within a secure setting
• Six comfortable 2-room flats and one studio flat, all with en-suite facilities
• Affordable, all-inclusive fees
• Pleasant communal dining area with large well-tended garden
• Optional programme of activities and events
• Strong links to the local community
Bitesize
By Eliza Frost
highroad sociaL
Highroad Social is a new neighbourhood bistro-style restaurant in Greenwich. Being led by the ingredients, it promises modern dishes sourced from Britain. With a simple, small plates menu and a specially curated wine list – championing indie wineries – it’s got to be added to your “need to visit” list.
The cocktail list also pays homage to the area through name; there is the Maritime (Tidal Rum, homemade raspberry and basil syrup, white Port, fresh lime and tonic), the Painted Hall (Kinahan’s KASC Whiskey, Beesou honey and Ancho Reyes) and the Observatory (Ojo De Dios Mezcal, apricot, orange wine and roasted pineapple soda).
Menu highlights include Highroad Social’s cheese puffs with crushed walnut and black pepper honey and the battered smoked Londoner sausage with a Port reduction and crackling – as well as their fish dishes, raw bar, large feasting plates and meat options, and sides (a note for the roast hispi cabbage with puffed wild rice). Insert a chef’s kiss.
178 Greenwich High Road, SE10 8NN www.highroadsocial.com
New street food spot Metropolis has opened in Vauxhall. You can drink, dine and catch up with friends at the indoor food market.
It’s dog friendly, has pool tables and a photobooth, and hosts regular events – not to mention all of the food on offer. Sounds like the ingredients for a perfect south London night.
For food, you’ll have to head down to see the variety of stalls with your eyes, but there’s Sexy Buns serving up an array of bao buns – from succulent pork belly to crispy tofu, there’s a bao for every palate.
Birria Tacos dishing up rich, flavourful birria tacos and a dipping consommé, Chipsy with the gourmet loaded fries, and Oshpaz transporting you to the heart of Uzbekistan with plov, succulent kebabs and traditional samsa.
72-73 Albert Embankment, SE11 5AW https://metropolislondon.co.uk
Just FaB kitchen
Serving up breakfast, brunch, desserts, Surf'n'Turf, and pancakes, Just Fab Kitchen makes food to suit all dietary requirements – and it has recently opened a restaurant after four years of being delivery only.
Just Fab is inspired by the diversity of London’s rich cultural makeup, including the UK, Americas, Caribbean, Africa and Europe – presented in the Just Fab way.
Owner Cecile believes everyone deserves to have a diverse dining experience, regardless of requirements and caters to everyone – vegan, veggies, gluten-free, you name it, she does it. Here’s to all eating together.
Unit 54A, Rye Lane Market, 48 Rye Lane, SE15 5BY www.justfabkitchen.co.uk
chatsworth Bakehouse
With sellout sandwiches each week, Chatsworth Bakehouse favourites are making more room to serve customers with their delicious bakes.
They’ve opened a second premises down the road from the original red doors, and it’s baking up a storm just a few doors up. Expect focaccia by the slab, porridge loaves, cereal cookies, salted brownies, Basque cheesecake,
and sourdough. Plus lots more of the good stuff, and maybe some new bakes, too.
116 Anerley Road, SE19 2AN www.chatsworthbakehouse.com
139Fika
Looking for a spot where flavours of the Caribbean, the vibrancy of Africa and the classic tastes of British cuisine come together? 139Fika offers this blend.
There are exotic spices, bold textures and historical influences that will transport your taste buds on a global journey. Serving up brunch and evening small plates – it’s an all-day dining spot. For the morning, try the five-seeded granola with cashews and almonds, coated with coconut yoghurt, and topped with banana and berries, or the scrambled ackee, served on toasted bread with avocado and steamed spinach.
And for dinner, there’s an ackee tartlet, Fika house salad, grilled chicken wings, suya, lamb curry and salt fish and sweet yam croquettes.
139 Bellenden Road, SE15 4DH 139fika.com
©Steven Joyce
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!
LOCALLY SOURCED
‘South London is my stomping ground’ print by Illustrated by Weezy
Strut your love for south London and pay homage to your hometown with this fun and vibrant print.
Featuring funky cowboy boots paired with bold text, it’s perfect as a focal point for the wall of your south London flat. Use it as a reminder of the fun times you've spent stomping around the town with your pals.
Price: £18.99 to £40.99 (A4 to A2 sizes)
Available online: illustratedbyweezy.co.uk/products/ south-london-is-my-stomping-ground-print
Welcome to 139 Fika, where the vibrancy of Africa, the flavours of the Caribbean and the classic tastes of British cuisine come together in perfect harmony. Our restaurant is on the beautiful Bellenden Road, in Peckham, offering a unique blend of exotic spices, bold textures, and rich historical influences that will transport your taste buds on a global journey like no other. Come and experience the taste of three continents in one unforgettable dining experience.
Whether you’re a seasoned fan of African cuisine or a curious newcomer, 139 Fika invites you to embark on a culinary adventure that celebrates the diverse and delicious flavours of Africa and the Caribbean. So, gather your friends and family, and head down to 139 Fika for a meal that promises to be as memorable as it is mouth-watering.
Review: naïfs
Editor Eliza Frost visits the Peckham haunt for a summer-fuelled set vegan menu with quirky cocktails to match
Summer eating and the seasonal fruits and vegetables we get during the warmer months are a personal favourite of mine.
The flavours burst, tomatoes go that really juicy red colour – but also bright yellow, dark green and orange like the sun – beans snap and stoned fruits dribble down your chin with each bite.
And naïfs August menu took all the best things about the season and put it onto a plate.
The family-run, vegan bistro serves up a changing set menu from its cosy nook in Peckham. And it welcomes you with open arms, just like coming home.
As we settled in for the evening, the lovely restaurant manager and creative director Anne Stokes – who runs the spot along with a trio of brothers, executive chef Tom Heale, head chef Finn Heale, and head of beverage Max Heale – explained naïfs current offering. Following the seasons of fruits and veg, rather than the weather, the restaurant offers a set menu that changes around every eight weeks.
Food is served all together and family style, and drinks are invented in-house. It’s not often you see a cocktail list that adds a new cog to the wheel, per se, but naïfs were as interesting as they were tasty.
We tried the Watermelon Largerita, with tequila, lime, agave and fresh watermelon, then topped with pilsner (£11). What was an end-of-shift invention then made it onto the menu full time. The larger brought a top to the drink that made it longer, with a touch of fizz, and extra deliciousness.
And also, the Yacht Drink, with fig leaf rum, strawberry and fresh lime, served shaken straight up (£11). This had a coconutty flavour, brought to life in contrast with the fresh strawberry and zesty citrus.
Ahead of the set menu, there are a few appetisers available. On this occasion, we had Gordal olives with orange, chilli and cumin (£4) – the perfect pick of saltiness and spice to start the evening.
And naïfs' lentil pate, fig jam, bread and pickles (£11), which is a sure-stay on the ever-changing menu. Because why change a good thing? The pate was so smooth and fig jam so sweet, spread across TOAD bakery sourdough – it was a mouthful I didn’t want to end. And that was before we even moved on to the main event…
Each set menu showcases the beauty of plants and pulses and thoughtfully made products available. The feasting experience is £33 per person and, when we visited, we were lucky to try the fried cauliflower with smoked chilli, apricot and tahini – a delicious roasted
cauli that gave crunch and immense flavours.
We also had the piattone bean salad with tomato, peaches, almond cheese and grilled sea beet, which was a personal highlight (remember when I mentioned all my favourite things about summery foods?).
The grilled courgettes, braised chard, green pea hummus and pangrattato was a lush green bowl of goodness and I questioned how they got their grilled pink fir potatoes – served with garlic aoili, romesco and spring onion – so crisp. Both dishes were perfectly mopped up with even more TOAD bread.
Alongside our mains, we sipped on a beaut orange wine – Oniric, Brisat (Xarelo, Parelleda) from Spain (£32 for a 500ml carafe).
To end on something bittersweet, it was time for 'summertime sadness': British strawberries with whipped oolong custard, frozen meringue and crushed caramel wafer (£9); and naifs’ chocolate mousse with blood orange chocolate and lemon curd (£9).
The contrast of the two desserts actually beautifully summarises the entire evening; sitting on the tipping scales of summer, naïfs offered a beautifully balanced vegan feast made to be shared. I just wanted you to know, that baby, you the best, as Lana Del Rey would sing.
56 Goldsmiths Road, Peckham, SE15 5TN www.naifs.co.uk
naïfs founders, L-R, Finn, Tom, Anne and Max
©Harriet Langford
Has your child had the MMR vaccine?
Just two doses provide lifelong protection.
Peckham’s the Flygerians release cookbook
The sisters talk about combining their cultures to bring Nigerian food to south London, and explain why everybody should be able to come and eat at the table
Jo and Jess Edun started cooking at a young age, inspired by their grandma. “She used to host annual cookouts for our family and friends, and, for us, it was always a time to catch up on the day and share the love,” says Jess.
And the pair continued to play hosts as they grew up, self-declared party girls, Jo explains how they always made food for these events. It was a way to welcome people into their culture.
“When our grandma passed, we wanted to keep her legacy alive,” Jess adds. “So it was really important for us to share that message with the world, of loving to cook but also breaking bread with strangers.”
It made sense for them to take their love of cooking and community into business, and The Flygerians was born.
Jo says: “There's a big Nigerian community in the UK, and especially in London, but a lot of people haven't tried Nigerian cuisine. And it was like, why? Our food is absolutely delicious.”
The Flygerians wanted to use their dual nationality to bridge a gap between Nigerian cuisine and the British community.
To start, they were working during the day and cooking at a pub in the evenings. “We literally took our food to the owner and said try this chicken, try this jollof, and let us know what you think,” says Jo. They got the residency, “and then we actually had to do it”. Their dishes became a bestseller, selling out most nights. “It was a crazy transition,” adds Jess.
She says: “Watching people's faces and educating people about our culture was so important to us. Our culture is so inviting and so enticing, it's a shame that it's not as widely known and shared.
“Our main mission is to bring Nigerian food to the forefront of the British food market and let everyone know that it's something that should be shared with love, and we cook with love, so we want people to come and try and feel at home without having to board a plane. It's all about giving you that Nigerian experience, which is vibrant, colourful and energetic, on your doorstep.”
Jo also says how their “south London energy and our south London boldness” comes out in their food and dishes as well.
The pair aim to revolutionise Nigerian dishes by highlighting similarities while focusing on flavour. Using the example of The Flygerian’s version of fish and chips, which is cassava chips and red bream fish – served with a “forbidden sauce”. They want people to connect and resonate with the food they make.
“For us, it was all about making sure that we kept it authentic to our culture, but also may pave the new way for Nigerian food, which is why we develop things such as chin’offee pie, which is a fun spin on the British banoffee pie,” says Jess.
Nigerian flavours are “always big, bold and authentic”, explains Jo. And another “always” for the duo is inclusivity. Everything is served separately at The Flygerians so you can add or take away different things to cater for any dietary requirements.
Jess has a severe fish allergy, and they noticed that, sometimes, she couldn’t eat something due to how it was cooked. Jo says: “We wanted to break that barrier, and that's why we exclude meat. You can add meat and fish to your meals if you want to, but it's an option. That way everybody can eat no matter what your dietary requirements are.”
Jess adds how they are all about social inclusion:
“No one gets left behind at The Flygerians because everybody should be able to come and eat at your table, and that's what we believe in.”
The sisters have the same passion, and they share the same dream, and they attribute their strong connection to their success. Jo and Jess use that strength to, in turn, “lift the community that has given us so much”.
They use local butchers and get their veggies from the market. “We’re very community based,” says Jess. “No woman is an island, and without your community, without your home base, you can't really flourish or do great things. We welcome change as well. Peckham is a forever changing and evolving area. Whether you're originally from Peckham, or you're moving to Peckham, it's great because it pushes an area further as a whole. Peckham is a beautiful harmony and melting pot of culture.”
And now there is the chance to bring a taste of The Flygerians to your home with Jo and Jess’s cookbook. Out on 11 September, The Flygerians Cookbook has over 70 recipes, incorporating traditional dishes with street food, desserts, and drinks – plus the recipe for their jollof rice.
Jo explains how the book follows their journey, who they are and what it was like growing up, plus the premise of their food and why they do it, and also how to host a fellow Nigerian in your house.
“We had the freedom to express ourselves to our highest and fullest selves. So, it's been a great journey,” Jess adds. “We've loved it. We can't wait to get out there and share it with the world. World domination is what it is all about.”
And we predict world domination could be on the cards for these two. The pair want to keep expanding, with talks of sauces and ready meals and locations across the country.
Watch this space and watch The Flygerians fly. Peckham Palms, 14 Bournemouth Close, SE15 4PB www.theflygerians.com
oak tree day nursery is dedicated to giving children the best start!
At Oak Tree Day Nursery, we aim to provide each child with the opportunity to achieve their potential in a safe and stimulating environment. We follow the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) curriculum and have the state-of-the art ICT equipment with touchscreen and educational programmes for the children’s use. We offer extracurricular activities such as French, Music and Movement, Yoga and Fun sports. We also offer free settling in sessions. We also offer flexible free 15 hours and 30 hours sessions for entitled children.
The nursery has a sensory room and a large garden, which offers the children plenty of opportunity for exploration, play and learning. The children also access a natural space which has a mud kitchen and pots to grow vegetables. The children enjoy outings to places such as the local library, fruit and vegetable stalls, parks, farms and theatre. The children enjoy delicious, balanced
and nutritious meals which promote healthy eating. We have been consistently awarded 5 stars by the Lambeth council Food Standards / Health & Safety inspectors; the most recent was on the 1st of December 2023.
“Children feel secure in this homely nursery. Specialist teachers in French and Music visit the children regularly to teach
language and music; this enriches the children’s learning.” Comments by Ofsted. You can take a virtual tour of the nursery by visiting our website, www. oaktreedaynursery.com. The link can be found on our homepage.
For more information, please contact the nursery on 02086744844 or email enquiries@oaktreedaynursery.com
Ark Globe Academy is an all-through academy in Elephant & Castle for students aged 4 to 18, including a primary, secondary, and sixth form, as well as an Ark Start Globe Nursery for children aged from 9 months
For more information about Ark Globe Academy visit arkglobe org
Key stage 5 success
Overall, 79 percent of students are going to a top third university, nearly three times the national average, and two students have secured a place at Oxbridge.
Preparing our students for university and to be leaders in their community
Thursday 19th September - 9.15am Open Morning Thursday 26th September - 9.15am Open Morning
Friday 27th September -9.15am Open Morning Tuesday 8th October - 5pm Open Evening
£65 Uniform Voucher
All students get a laptop for studies at home
Free breakfast for all, every morning
Monday 30th September: 9.30am to 11.30am and 4.30pm to 7.30pm
Tuesday 1st October: 9.30am to 11.30am
Wednesday 2nd October: 9.30am to 11.30am
Register your Open Day attendance here: https://swiy.co/openday24 or scan QR code.
Please note there is no parking on site or in the near vicinity. Therefore, public transport is recommended.
Principal: Ms Corcoran
Type: Academy in the St Benedict Catholic Academy Trust
Scott Lidgett Secondary School alumni took a trip down memory lane recently, visiting the site of their old school which is now the new Charter School Bermondsey.
The original Scott Lidgett opened in 1971, named after a Methodist leader who made a positive impact on the Bermondsey area. Though the school closed in 1991, the alumni network has remained remarkably active for over 35 years.
The visit wasn't just a nostalgic walk through the past. The Scott Lidgett alumni were treated to a barbeque with current staff of the Charter School Bermondsey, where stories �lowed freely about curriculum changes, discipline methods of yesteryear, and of course, the inevitable tales of student and teacher antics.
scott Lidgett alums return to former stomping grounds, now the thriving charter school
"What struck me about yesterday and talking to your staff is that as much as times, attitudes, and approaches have changed since Scott Lidgett’s time, many of the challenges you face now are the same as those in the 1970s and 1980s. What I see in them is the same dedication and determination to bene�it Bermondsey children and allow them to aspire and achieve. We couldn’t ask for a better legacy than that."
This reunion wasn't just a look back, but a bridge between the past and the future, ensuring that the spirit of Scott Lidgett continues to inspire students in Bermondsey.
Marcus Huntley led the alumni on a tour of the impressive new building. They peeked into classrooms, reminisced in the hallways, and even enjoyed a friendly kickaround on the rooftop Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA).
The visit served to solidify the bond between the Scott Lidgett legacy and the new Charter School Bermondsey. David Shand, head of the Scott Lidgett Alumni Association, pledged to maintain the connection. In a particularly touching gesture, the alumni association has agreed to sponsor a prize at the school in the name of the late John Pritchard, the
for the visit, making it a truly special occasion.
The Charter School Bermondsey (Formerly Compass School Southwark) London|SE16 4EE
Tel: 0203 542 6506
Twitter: @CharterSe16
www.charterbermondsey.org.uk
A school where futures
Principal
former principal of Scott Lidgett. John's son, Sion Pritchard was present
David Shand said:
Marcus Huntley, Principal
a Level results continue to improve for westminster city school’s sixth Form students
Congratulations to Westminster City School’s Sixth Form, class of 2024, on their exceptional and richly deserved A-level results. The outcomes for this year group continue the recent trend of significant improvement with the proportion of students securing top grades (A* to B) rising by 6% to 58%. 83% of all grades were A* to C (up 8%) providing a strong foundation as students go on to higher education and the world of work. A record number of students will start degree courses at universities including UCL and Oxford. Over half of students have secured places at Russell Group or top 25 ranked UK Universities, and they will complete their studies in subjects ranging from Mechanical Engineering to PPE, and from Design to Psychology. The number of students going on to study either Law or Medicine has increased, showcasing the impact of the school’s Pathways Programmes. Other students hold places on competitive and prestigious degree apprenticeships. Without doubt, these destinations place Westminster City School as one of the most successful 6th Forms in London and this year’s outcomes are a key step in achieving our goal of being the 6th Form of choice in the heart of London. Aliyah, raised in a single-parent household and the first in her family to go to university achieved A*AB and will be studying Medicine at the University of Birmingham. She commented on her results with admiration saying:
“I am proud of the grades I have received despite many rejections because this has helped me to see that there are no limitations in what can be achieved
when you work hard for what you desire.
“My success thus far would not have been possible without the support of the wonderful Sixth Form team at Westminster City School and the resources provided to help me to make the best use of my time at the school. I am filled with gratitude for the experience I had at Westminster City School; I can start my next journey with my head held high.”
Muhammad, who achieved A*AA has been offered a place at University College London to study Mechanical Engineering. He has been at Westminster City School since Year 7 and is a proud winner of the Polar Capital Scholarship which will provide him with financial support and mentorship during his time at university.
Muhammad commented saying:
“I am incredibly happy with the grades I have achieved and cannot wait to start my new life at university. My seven-year journey at Westminster City School has been filled with amazing support from my teachers who also helped me throughout the process of applying for the Polar Capital Aspire Scheme. Their hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed, and I will never forget their kindness and support alongside the abundance of opportunities I received.”
Marcus, who achieved A*A*AA was elated with his A-level results. He said:
“One of the best things about Westminster City School is the teachers who work tirelessly inside and outside of the classroom to ensure the success of the students they teach. There were moments during the past two years where I felt overwhelmed and lacked
motivation, but my teachers ensured that I regained my focus and they kept me motivated to the very end.
“My grades and personal experience at this school throughout the seven years proves that when students are placed in the best environment for learning, they are given the opportunity to grow and flourish into the best version of themselves.”
Elliotte, who received two A’s and an A* was overjoyed with her results. She said:
“My two years at Westminster City School’s Sixth Form were remarkable and memorable. My grades reflect the teacher’s specialism, their ability to teach to a high standard and my determination to do my best in all my A-level subjects.
“The close-knit community at the school is something I will miss and remember because I am happy that I made the decision to travel into Central London from North London each day. This certainly allowed me to come out of my comfort zone and grow into the person I am today.”
Commenting on this year’s A-level results success, Headteacher, Mr Peter Broughton, said:
“I am very happy indeed with the outcomes for this year’s Year 13 and delighted for all the students. The class of 2024 are by far our largest cohort in living memory. The sharply improving trend in results underpins our belief that Westminster City School is one of the best places to complete A Levels in the capital. With the range and variety of exceptional destinations we hold true to our mission to provide transformational education in the heart of London. I wish every student well for the future and
trust that through the school’s alumni association, they will stay in touch with the school.”
Ms Katie Dennis, Assistant Headteacher, said:
“On behalf of the Sixth Form team, we are so proud of the achievements of these excellent students. They have achieved a set of fantastic results with some particularly impressive individual achievements. They have been studious, conscientious, and so passionate about their studies. They are going onto an excellent array of courses at a range of prestigious universities. They will be deeply missed by the staff at Westminster City School.”
Mr Omar Taufik, Assistant Headteacher, said:
“I am immensely proud of the hard work, resilience, and dedication our outgoing Year 13s have shown during their time at Westminster City School. I have had the privilege of watching these young people grow, not just academically but as individuals, and their achievements are a testament to their incredible effort and resilience. I am thrilled to see that so many of our Sixth Form students have secured places at prestigious universities and are embarking on exciting apprenticeship opportunities. As they move on to the next chapter of their lives, I have no doubt that they will be leaders in their fields and help shape the world.” 55
aliyah
a love letter to south London
Founder of Forza Wine in Peckham and at the National Gallery, as well as Forza Win in Camberwell, Bash Redford writes a love letter to south London
What is the story behind Forza’s opening?
An escape route from desk work. And I now realise a natural route for those with ADHD to take. I started Forza in 2012 – I’d been working in marketing, PR and the arts. I started a supper club as a re-discovery of the hospitality I missed from growing up in the North. Restaurants weren’t accessible to me in London because they were massive money – that’s why we always try to make sure you can go to any Forza spot and have something great for a tenner. The original Forza was £25 for an Aperol Spritz and a three-course meal.
It started as a pizza-focused supper club on a rooftop in East London (we wanted it to be in New Cross as that’s where I lived but couldn’t get the pizza oven into the garden) and then spent about four years roaming around London. We found a permanent home in Peckham (where Jumbi is now) because it was cheap. It was a really, really, really different building then – not in that “I lived there before it was cool” way, but genuinely –the original had holes in the ceiling, a sloping floor, and a fairly regular roster of power cuts, floods and the rest of it.
What do you love most about running Forza Win(e)?
The people. Our team(s) feel really, genuinely, representative of the areas where we set up. I was on the train home the other night with two people who had grown up and gone to school in Lewisham, where my kids now go. They work with us and have really exciting, cool careers ahead of them. That felt good. Obviously, I love all of the food and drink, too, but the teams and people are the highlight.
What does a typical week in south London involve for you?
Lewisham Market on Monday morning to shop
for the week, Peckham on Monday afternoon, Camberwell on Tuesday, National Theatre (Southbank) on Wednesday and then Thursday and Friday, I just generally tend to be wherever I'm needed most. I spend a lot of time in Hither Green (because I live there) and have two kids, so I'm often doing drop off, pickups, park visits, etc.
What are your favourite South London eateries?
Aha. There is only one. Viet Rest on Deptford High Street; I have eaten there more than any other restaurant ever (including my own). I've also said the same thing forever, which is probably quite dull, and I guess people reading this want to know more spots than one… So, in no particular order: Asian Takeaway by Peckham Rye station, the newer but EXCELLENT kids on the block, Toad Bakery. I got to know the guys that run that place well in the past few years and they bring joy to the area, especially their sun buns. Filishack, I eat their grilled chicken inasal with all the sauces about twice a week. Taro (the Japanese place with excellent t-shirts) just opened in Catford – I went the other day and can already feel that it is going to be a regular haunt. It's rammed, though, so not always easy to get a table. For coffee, it's always Browns of Brockley, the bagels are decent, too. I'm still a sucker for the Anchor & Hope in Waterloo, the food is always exceptional, and if I'm in a pizza mood, Theo's in Camberwell – PHWOAR.
Where do you shop for clothes and homeware in South London?
I don't if I'm honest. Deptford Market is probably the one I've got most stuff from, but my taste in homewares is mostly from the restaurants and my parents (ex-hoteliers and current hoarders). I just made a load of stainless steel benches and tables in my kitchen at home with my mate Hal (of Ammonite designs fame). For clothes, I tend to come across rather than shop specifically for – generally second-hand or vintage or I'm lucky to get gifted quite a few bits, which is handy, but means my style can be quite weird. Trainers are my weakness, but there's nowhere decent in south London to get them.
And your favourite south London landmark?
Quite niche ones, tbh. Am I allowed to say the Dog &
Bell? Or the Marquis of Granby? They are pubs that offer the most ‘south east’-style experience in my opinion – they aren’t Landmarks per se, but they are to me and if they left, this part of London wouldn’t be what it is. It’s pretty rowdy having a restaurant in the National Theatre, and I LOVE that building but I’d be lying if I said I went there lots before Forza being there.
How have you seen the local area change as you have been in situ – and in the new spots you’ve expanded to?
I've seen it change loads, but there's a really clear distinction in my mind between the changes that are being mindful and positive and those that are just reading a Time Out article and opening a business. If a business has an awareness of the local area prior to going there, and makes an effort to be respectful of and involve the community there, then they'll more likely last. All of the spots we've ever opened have been empty before we opened them: Forza Wine Peckham was just a rooftop of a building, and the National Theatre was a closed theatre bar. Camberwell was a closed hotel dining room.
It's not something we actively seek, but it feels as if we're adding value if we're creating a space that didn't otherwise exist. Peckham is the place that's changed the most since we've been there, though – although in many ways it hasn't changed at all – Khan’s Bargains is still there, Rye Lane is still Rye Lane. House prices have gone insane and there are more readily available flat whites and less affordable housing, which in turn means everyone (myself included!) moves out, but I don't think that's specific to south east – it's everywhere!
What’s the one place, thing or activity south of the river that everyone should try at least once?
Deptford Market on a Wednesday morning, sunset at Forza Wine Peckham, swimming in Surrey Quays, The Dog & Bell sausage festival, a walk along the banks of Thames down near Deptford, Telegraph Hill on a blazing hot day/evening with a cold beer, the hospitality at Italo Delicatessen in Bonnington Square. How can you possibly put it down to one? South east is the one, all the things in it are what make it so!
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©Caitlin Isola
Cadmus Court Plough Way, Southwark, London,
SE16 7DW
Cadmus Court is part of the Marine Wharf development, and is a 2.83ha brownfield development site located on the eastern end of Plough Way, approximately 300m from the River Thames. A vibrant new London community, Marine Wharf provide a range of amenities and leisure facilities giving it a sense of place and its own identity.
There are a number of transport links to Central London, the West End and Canary Wharf, from nearby Surrey Quays and Canada Water stations providing regular over ground and Jubilee line services. The Thames Clipper services are also available 0.5 miles away from Greenland Pier.
Features
• Whole unit 5,511 sq ft, or let on individual floors
• 10 car parking spaces
• Kitchen
• LED light panels
• 24 hour access
• Self-contained
• Double glazing
• Super Energy Efficient (BREEAM standard very good)
• Shower/toilet facilities
• Finished to a high standard
• Air Conditioning
