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Come and study at a university that makes your future career it’s focus.
Through our strong industry links, we know which skills employers need now and work with them to develop our courses so you can hit the ground running when you graduate.
You’ll work with real-world issues and live briefs putting your learning into practice with industry placements or working directly with businesses in our local community during your studies.
And you’ll do it with all the support you need from extra workshops to personalised plans, we’ve got your back.
That’s why our students have the highest average salaries of all London Modern universities, just one year after graduating (LEO 2023).
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
contact us
email hello@cm-media.co.uk
phone 020 7231 5258
twitter @insouthlndn
instagram thesouthlondoner
website southlondon.co.uk
Printed
by Ilif
contents
5 hOme secretarY Free sculpture parks, where to dance All Night Long, flea markets and more…
8-9 FamiLY Schools out for summer, and these are The South Londoner’s top picks for family fun
13-20 LOcaL Faces A south London artist looks at Peckham’s perspectives, a laugh a minute with comedian Ian Smith, Cloud X festival organisers talk music and Rigby & Mac explore Dulwich’s history
23-27 FOOD & DriNk Banook Bagels talks about the perfect production line, a review of afternoon tea at JOIA, plus new openings in your ‘hood
34 a LOve Letter tO sOUth LONDON Local football team Sunflowers FC share their favourite spots this side of the river
35 LOcaLLY sOUrceD Make the perfect brew with HOSEF’s vintage tea pot
USING THE POWER OF THE CREATIVE INDUSTRIES TO SUPPORT SOCIAL COHESION & COMMUNITY IN PECKHAM AND BEYOND
We’re a not-for-profit club of over 500 amazing creative professionals from more than 30 disciplines using our creative skills to support local Social Impact Entrepreneurs, Charities and Community Initiatives for free.
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.
home secretary:
what’s on in south london?
orange room conversations
The Orange Room Collective is back for a special edition of Orange Room Conversations with author Shani Akilah at Woolwich Works.
Exploring the themes of Black British love, friendship and more, which was also a focus of her debut short story collection, For Such a Time as This.
all night long
The Carpet Shop is welcoming Make A Dance – with friends and special guests – back for round two. They say that the last time was magic, so bring your A-game and dance altogether, all night long.
Date: Friday 9 August 2024, 11pm to 4am
tickets: £7-£14
Arch 164, 115 Rye Lane, London SE15 4ST, ra.co/events/1941619
hoUnd oF the Baskervilles
A demonic hound appears to be terrorising the heirs of the Baskerville family, whose home borders the wastes of Dartmoor. In Hound of the Baskervilles showing at South London Theatre, Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson are implored by a friend of Sir Henry Baskerville to investigate the curse.
Created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and adapted by Steve Canny and John Nicholson, it is a comedic take on the story and sees an energetic cast of three bring Sir Arthur's most famous story to life in an interpretation that will amuse and terrorise you in equal measure.
Dates: Thursday 25 July to Saturday 3 August 2024
tickets: £14-£16
SLT Fire Station, 2a Norwood High Street, SE27 9NS www.southlondontheatre.co.uk/event/hound-of-thebaskervilles
Be ready for an evening of dynamic discussion, food, games and music by DJ Rio D. Conversations will cover topics such as: sickle Cell and dating, tales of being bridesmaids and groomsmen, being Black in the workplace and friendship as “true love”.
This event isn't just about dialogue – it's a celebration of community spirit, intellectual exchange and shared experiences.
Dates: Wednesday 24 July 224, 7:30pm tickets: £10 plus 10% booking fee
The Fireworks Factory, 11 No 1 Street, Royal Arsenal, SE18 6HD
www.woolwich.works/events/orange-roomconversations-july-24
scUlptUre garden
Find a series of contemporary sculptures nestled throughout the landscape of Dulwich Picture Gallery, creating a trail for you to explore in London’s only gallery-based sculpture garden.
Works are contemporary and linked to the history and collection of the Gallery, providing an engaging way to connect with the Old Masters – with new sculptures from artists Yinka Shonibare CBE RA and Li Li Ren having just arrived in the gardens for you to enjoy.
The sculptures join existing outdoor works, Walking the Dog by Peter Randall-Page and Bronze Oak Grove by Rob and Nick Carter.
Dates: Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm tickets: Free Gallery Road, SE21 7AD www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk/about/open-art
the Big soUth london Flea
Looking for a go-to flea market to find gems? The Big South London Flea Market is coming back to Peckham’s Bussey Building.
Hosting over 70 hand-picked traders, bringing 20th century furniture, salvaged French homeware, vintage clothes, curiosities and collectables, kitschenalia, plus reclaimed industrial fixtures, electricals and lighting – and unexpected oddities.
Head on down to hunt for personal treasures, rummage for bargains and refresh your living space with unique finds at our big yard of salvaged olde things.
Date: Saturday 3 August 2024, 11am to 5pm
tickets: £2
Copeland Park & Bussey Building, 133 Copeland Road, SE15 3SN hackneyfleamarket.com
Gimme, gimme, gimme a Mac after midnight – Brixton Jamm is hosting a disco party extraordinaire – Abba vs Fleetwood Mac.
A '70s and '80s dream, room one will have the best of Abba and disco edits, so expect all the hits and then anthems from the likes of Chic and Nile Rogers, Prince, Aretha Franklin and many more.
And room two will see all the tunes from Fleetwood Mac – and the Bee Gees, David Bowie, Shalamar and other big hits. So, get disco ready and be prepared to throw shapes.
Date: Friday 16 August 2024, 6pm to 4am tickets: £6-£12
261 Brixton Road, SW9 6LH brixtonjamm.org/event/abba-vs-fleetwoodmac-disco-party-7
aBBa vs Fleetwood mac
School'S out for Summer!
10 things to do in south london with the kids this holidays
Baby gospel
Step into the soulful melodies and rhythmic beats of Baby Gospel at Woolwich Works. Expect a heartwarming family concert showcasing the vocal prowess of London's CK Gospel Choir.
Music lovers of all ages are invited to join in singing and clapping along to timeless soul and Motown hits by stars such as Marvin Gaye, Bob Marley, Adele, Jackie Wilson and more – plus traditional gospel songs and cherished nursery rhymes, too.
The concert is baby-friendly and open to all ages, from newborns and school-age children to grandparents!
Date: Saturday 3 August 2024, 11am Tickets: £12, £10 concession, under 6 months go free
The Fireworks Factory, 11 No 1 Street, Royal Arsenal, SE18 6HD www.woolwich.works/events/baby-gospelaug-2024
Family Festival: Generations of Play
Join Dulwich Picture Gallery for a Family Festival inspired by the work on display in Yoshida: Three Generations of Japanese Printmaking – and children go free.
You will be able to explore your relationship with nature as a family and discover the power of myths and legends.
The day will include face painting, origami sculpture workshops, lessons on drawing Manga and a self-led art trail, plus food by Roy's Authentic Jerk Chicken and more activities for the whole family.
Date: Saturday 10 August 2024, 11am to 4pm tickets: Adults £17, members and concessions £15, children go free Gallery Road, SE21 7AD www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk/whats-on/ family-events/2024/august/family-festivalgenerations-of-play
Peninsula Summer
From July to September, London’s only peninsula neighbourhood offers a packed programme of events for all ages, from Wild Swing mini golf and cinema under the stars to a free global music festival and a tasty mashup of beats and eats.
The riverside walkways will also be dressed in technicolour installations by Kitty Joseph. Take a walk on the peninsula side, and visit the website below for the full event listings for the Greenwich Peninsula Summer programme.
Dates, times and prices vary www.greenwichpeninsula.co.uk/whats-on/ peninsula-summer
The Secret Garden
A magical urban secret garden crafted from denim to delight kids and adults alike. Ian Berry’s The Secret Garden sees visitors walk through the denim garden path and find roses, cacti, wisteria and dangling vines made with layers of recycled denim jeans.
It explores themes of sustainability in the textile industries and the importance of access to green spaces in the city for young minds.
Dates: Showing until Sunday 8 Sep 2024
tickets: Free 5 Lambeth Palace Road, SE1 7LB gardenmuseum.org.uk/exhibitions/ian-berry-thesecret-garden
Peninsula Summer ©Kris Humphreys Photography
Sam Wu is NOT Afraid of Ghosts
Sam Wu is NOT a scaredy-cat (except he is). When a trip to the Space Museum goes terrifyingly wrong, Sam begins a mission to prove to everyone that he is a fearless space adventurer…
Adapted for the stage from Katie and Kevin Tsang’s best-selling book, join Sam and his deadly pet snake sidekick at Wimbledon’s Polka Theatre as he faces his fears and tries to defeat the Ghost King once and for all at the premiere of this brand-new adventure.
They are also hosting two free post-show Q&As with the stars of the show for ticket holders to performances on Sunday 27 July at 2:30pm and Wednesday 7 August at 2.30pm.
Dates: Showing until Sunday 18 August 2024, times vary tickets: From £10 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1SB polkatheatre.com/event/sam-wu-is-not-afraid-ofghosts
Music, Jerk ‘n Tings
Horniman Museum and Gardens will be celebrating the contribution of Caribbean culture to Britain with family activities, live music, dancing and food at its Music, Jerk ‘n Tings festival this August.
The Bandstand will be hosting music and dancing for all the family to enjoy, plus some of the UK’s top Caribbean and African chefs will be cooking up a storm with jerk, vegan and vegetarian food.
Take part in activities on the day: shop at the vibrant arts and crafts market, enjoy some crafts and storytelling for children, or old school games like giant dominoes, there will also be an animal walk, a bouncy castle, face painting, and attendees will have access to discounted entry to the Butterfly House and Crazy Golf.
Date: Saturday 10 August 2024, 1pm to 6pm tickets: Adult £15, child £10, under 2s and access companions free 100 London Road, Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ www.horniman.ac.uk/event/music-jerk-n-tings
Art and play
Explore the world of art and play in outdoor sensory sessions around the Wiggle Wonderland pavilion at Dulwich Picture Gallery.
The Art and Play sessions will invite you to explore art, nature and the world around us. The sessions will also introduce families to some of the activities that will feature in the new children’s play space (coming soon as part of Open Art).
You can book a maximum of five tickets per family per timeslot online. Sold out? Dulwich Picture Gallery says there will be a limited number of drop-in spaces available on the day.
Dates: Friday 2 August, Saturday 3 August, Sunday 4 August, Friday 9 August, Friday 16 August and Saturday 17 August 2024, 10am to 12pm and 1pm to 3pm
tickets: Free – but booking is advised Gallery Road, SE21 7AD www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk/whats-on/ family-events/2024/august/art-and-play
A seat at the kid’s table
Let your little ones enjoy free themed arts, crafts and table-top fun at Peckham Levels while you relax this summer.
The Kids’ Table is a pop-up children’s corner service that provides children with crafts, games and creative tabletop fun. Offering supervised arty fun for 3- to 10-year-olds.
Team members are DBS checked with experience in childcare, teaching or children's entertainment, and it is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Kids' Table began as a mission to offer parents the freedom to have a lazy lunch or brunch out in peace –you’ll be able to sit back with a pint, or peruse the choice of street food options to tuck into at Peckham Levels, all while gazing across the London skyline knowing your little ones are enjoying some time in at The Kids’ Table.
Dates: Every Sunday, 12pm to 4pm
Tickets: Free peckhamlevels.org/events/kids-table-summer-24
Crystal Palace soft play
A new soft play has opened at Crystal Palace National Sports Centre, providing the perfect day out for ages up to 8-years-old.
The space is designed with a diverse range of soft play activities that cater to different ages, interests and skill levels. From sensory experiences to mini trampolines, it aims to promote exploration, learning and, most importantly, enjoyment for your little ones.
With a specific under-2s zone, a ball pit and other activities for kids, you can guarantee a fun day out. There is also a café located next door, so you can grab a coffee and snacks, too.
times: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 6pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am to 5pm tickets: Over 2 £7.50, under 2 £3.75 (each child ticket includes one adult ticket, additional adult £7.50)
Crystal Palace National Sports Centre, SE20 8DT www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/london/crystalpalace/crystal-palace-national-sports-centre/ soft-play
Climb on up
Ever fancied taking on the challenge of bouldering as a family? Well, Substation in Brixton is the perfect introduction for families wanting to learn how to climb with confidence.
Their private family introduction is a half hour instructed session and includes entry, shoe hire and chalk hire for 2 adults and up to 3 children for you to take on the wall together!
Also on offer at Substation: Subclubs, a fun, informal coaching sessions where children learn to climb through play, and NICAS (National Indoor Climbing Award Scheme), a structured course that develops climbers from novice to expert as they advance through levels 1-5.
times: Open Monday to Friday, 7am to 10pm, Saturday and Sunday, 8am to 8pm
Prices vary
Unit 13, Ellerslie Square Industrial Estate, Brixton Hill, SW2 5DZ www.substation.co.uk/brixton/climbing/kids-andfamilies
Art and Play
©Becca B Jones
Music and Jerk ©Horniman Museum and Gardens
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Making a pop in Brixton
A trini thing and mo Suvlaki are staples at Pop Brixton; the chefs behind the stalls tell the South londoner about how they came to head up the delicious spots
By Eliza Frost
“I love the experience of working here, I love learning here, and I love how Brixton makes it easier to grow as a business,” says Jessica Santos of Mo Suvlaki, a food stall at Pop Brixton.
The location is an event space and home to indie startups and businesses ranging everything from food and drinks to music, film and mental health.
Founded as a “Meanwhile” project in partnership with Lambeth Council on the site of a disused ice rink in 2015, Pop’s space – created from 55 shipping containers – is recognised for its social impact and architectural significance.
The South Londoner hears from two stall holders on how they came to serve locals, as well as those from further afield, at the SW9 location.
Janelle Guerra of A Trini Thing serves Trinbagonian and Eastern Caribbean dishes and street foods such as guava glazed wings, chicken pelau and curry goat.
Janelle has always loved cooking since her teenage years, she explains how the business was born after she was going through a difficult time, “I used cooking as a form of coping”.
She says: “I missed my home and family so I would cook popular Trinbagonian dishes and post them on social media. My friends here would message me asking me to cook for them and some hired me for small events. As this demand increased, I decided to start A Trini Thing from my home kitchen.”
And Jessica Santos of Mo Suvlaki brings Greekinspired food with a traditional London twist to Pop Brixton, serving souvlaki with spicier, bolder flavours than the classics.
Jessica headed up Mo Suvlaki “accidentally”, she says. After doing shifts on the stall, she took over as over the owner. She has worked in larger kitchens throughout her life, but she was fascinated by how you can work in a small kitchen.
She says that working in the containers of Pop Brixton “opened my eyes to a big culture of different kinds of business”.
The menu of Mo Suvlaki, Jessica says she tries to keep authentically Greek, but with Portuguese inspirations,
where she is from. But she also enjoys serving specials to customers, too – like jerk chicken wraps or adding new items to the menu she knows customers will enjoy.
Being able to try different dishes is something Jessica loves to do – the variety in being able to serve one thing one week, and a different item the next, she “really enjoys that part, and I really like that customers are open to trying something new,” she adds.
Janelle’s food inspiration for A Trini Thing is “continuously from my culture”. She explains that Trinbagonian food is diverse and “this is because of the people of my homeland who can be described as a 'melting pot of cultures'”.
The meals are influenced by African, Indian, Portuguese and Chinese cultures and dishes contain popular seasonings and spices from these countries, too. “As such the options are limitless, all I do is choose a country and add our Trinbagonian twist to it,” she adds.
Working at Pop Brixton, Jessica says there is so much diversity: “There's so much culture, so much diversity, and so many things to try as well. Luckily, we have so much diversity in the cuisine so you can try a little bit of everything.”
She adds that working at the venue is a great way for small businesses to test out their offering with lower risks, something she encourages people to try if they are starting out. She says it is one of the “best ways to start a business”.
Janelle also enjoys serving those visiting Pop Brixton. She says: “Each time a customer compliments my cooking, each time I see a five-star review on Google, my heart melts to know I can contribute to bringing 'home' to people who miss our food.”
49 Brixton Station Road, SW9 8PQ www.popbrixton.org
Jessica Santos ©Trevor Johnson, Brixton BID
Janelle Guerra ©Trevor Johnson, Brixton BID
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
rigby & mac explores dulwich’s history
North cross road store ed celebrated 25 years; its founders talk about the shop through the years
By Eliza Frost
Dan Rigby and Katharine Maclaverty (the Rigby and Mac of Rigby & Mac) are the owners of three stores in East Dulwich – and, recently, the baby turned 25.
To celebrate 25 years of Ed on North Cross Road, they welcomed customers throughout the whole day, which saw Prosecco served to customers, an interior designer giving home décor advice, there was face painting outside the shop and clothes stylist Queen Bee Styling gave a talk on putting together a summer wardrobe.
And they also had a raffle with prizes donated from other local businesses and they raised over £1,000 for local charity, Link Age Southwark.
and tailors to a travel agency. It's had a fascinating and colourful history.”
They discovered more about the history by speaking with the Dulwich Society and researching the Southwark Archives, plus reading through telephone directories and post office directories, and they were able to fill the gaps in the location’s history.
Katharine adds: “We even had some customers telling us facts. One man had prepared a whole document for us on how the house numbers changed over time after seeing our research on Facebook.”
In the lead-up to the birthday celebrations, one thing they did that was “fascinating” was put together a history not only of the business, but also of the building in which the business is based, explains Dan.
He says: “We went back to 1884, before it was even number 41. There's been a whole array of residents upstairs and businesses downstairs from a butchers
Penny Tomlinson opened the first Rigby & Mac shop, The Dulwich Trader, in 1989, with Tomlinsons following soon after and then Ed in 1999, offering a curated selection of fashion, accessories and unique gifts to the residents and visitors of East Dulwich.
Rigby and Mac tell The South Londoner how they have now been in situ for longer than any of the other businesses at 41 North Cross Road.
“It’s been amazing to be at the centre of the East Dulwich community for a quarter of a century now,” says Katharine. “A lot has changed in that time, but we've changed along with it, too.”
Dan adds how they are “still standing strong as a shop, yes, but also as a community hub, which I think as a shop like ours, you really need to be. We see retailers and high street businesses closing left, right and centre, so you need to just be more than transactional”.
They hadn’t intended to go into retail as their careers, but the opportunity to take on the stores came, which threw Katharine, she says.
“I loved the shops, I spent most of my weekends in the shops but hadn't intended to run the shops and completely change career,” she says – before realising it was too good of an opportunity to miss. Dan came on board shortly after.
He says it was “history repeating itself”, as his mum involved his stepdad when the shops first opened.
The three shops offer the same concept for shoppers, but they cater to different customers, says Katharine.
Nodding to their incredible staff, with the longest member being in the business for over 30 years, Dan says “they know their customers inside and out and have formed a really strong relationship with those who have shopped in the store for many years”.
Katharine explains how she was mooching around a shop in Hamburg recently, an independent, one-off little shop (like Rigby & Mac), and was so excited by the staff there.
“It really reminded me that that's what we're doing or trying to do every day with what we're offering. We're trying to give the customers an enjoyable time and a nice feeling as well as filling a need,” she says.
Shopping isn’t just about what you need, it’s about the experience and making the day a little bit better, she adds.
Dan says some days you’re behind a computer doing VAT, but being in the shops and “seeing the fruits of your labour and customers getting joy from what we do” is the truly satisfying part of running Rigby & Mac.
After the Covid lockdowns, it was even more apparent, says Katharine. Opening the shop back up and inviting customers back, “we were so excited to see them”. Before, you may not have realised you miss the little things in life, or that a non-essential shop does mean something.
They say that East Dulwich is a special community; “we enjoy being at the heart of it”.
41 North Cross Road, SE22 9ET www.rigbyandmac.com
ian smith brings northern laughs to greenwich
As part of Greenwich comedy festival, the comedian is hosting peers for a gig sure to bring you a giggle
By Eliza Frost
“Obviously a lot of people will be excited to see me and Joel Dommett reunite after appearing in a sitcom nobody watched over 13 years ago”: comedian Ian Smith is the host of a Saturday show at Greenwich Comedy Festival, introducing four “brilliant” acts.
He says he will be doing his “classic mix of northern shouting and talking to the audience, but maybe I'll add a crowd surf as it's a special gig”.
At the moment, he is working on a sitcom script, finishing a radio series out in August, and keeping busy with podcast Northern News, taking all the bizarre stories from the north and chatting about them with his friend Amy Gledhill.
He tells editor Eliza Frost about comedy, podcasting and being a northerner in south east London.
The South Londoner: How does it feel being a part of London’s biggest comedy festival this year?
Ian Smith: It's really great; the roster of acts this year is really amazing, huge names like Simon Amstell, Harry Hill, Ardal O'Hanlon, Sara Pascoe and Dara Ó Briain. There are also some great newer acts, I think Jin Hao Li is brilliant! My comedy podcast partner Amy Gledhill is on as well. It's such a lovely list of names to be a part of.
Being a northerner in south London, how have you found that?
I've lived in London for around 15 years now, always south as well – New Cross, Brockley, Brixton, Camberwell, Peckham. I found it quite scary when I moved from a small town up north; on one of my first days in New Cross a man asked if I could look after his big metal pipe while he went to a corner shop. I think I basically put my fingerprints all over a weapon. Classic university experience. I do still get people doing impressions of my northern accent back at me and people to tend to assume I'm completely thick, which to be fair to them isn't always wrong.
How was it taking Northern News on a tour of t’north recently?
The tour of t'north was so much fun – we didn't know if people would come or not, so to play to full houses of people who have listened to the podcast was an incredible experience and I can't wait to do it again. We even sold tea towels and had pictures taken with people. It's the only time I've felt like a celebrity!
How does comedy translate to podcasting?
I just think it's really fun to listen to people who are actual friends on podcasts, people who really want to make the other person laugh and they can take the piss out of each other. I'm very lucky doing the pod with Amy and I think we bounce off each other very well and that feels contagious. I've definitely found that my audiences have listeners of the podcast more now which is amazing,
you feel like the crowd is slightly more tuned in to your humour from the start. However, I wouldn't say I run the show... both Amy and I are famously unorganised and probably a constant frustration to our producer.
And what do you still enjoy about standing in front of a crowd?
Comedy has such rare immediate feedback. You know you're doing your job well because people will laugh, and you get to watch and experience that joy, which is contagious. If you're doing a play you have to wait until after and listen to what people thought about it all. Having said that, it does mean if a gig goes badly, it is not the best. You know they hated it immediately as well.
Has south London fed into your comedy?
I did have a long routine about the man who worked the Tannoy at my local train station who basically had a panic attack whenever there was a change of platform, so at the very least, I've got that out of it. I think being a northerner living in London has become my unique selling point and I'm leaning into it. I always feel like not much happens to me, so when it does, I mine it for everything I can. I often take myself on weird trips or go to something like a floatation tank – but I did that in south London, too, so that counts.
See Ian Smith at Greenwich Comedy Festival on Saturday 14 September www.greenwichcomedyfestival.co.uk/saturday-early
clay kiln craft
Check
facebook: Clay Kiln Craft at Do and Play twitter: @ClayKilnCraft instagram: @claykilncraft phone: 07976 290735 web: claykilncraft.com email: claykilncraftpottery@gmail.com
on cloud x
founders of the music company and independent festival Ben cross and David Dabieh tell eliza frost about growing up in the south london music scene
“South London has a sense of being ahead of the times with fashion,” says Laura Casas, founder of The Marcon Court Project.
“The spirit of freedom and inclusivity is something that's always been at the core of everything we’ve tried to do,” says David Dabieh, one half of the pair behind Cloud X.
With co-founder Ben Cross, the pair run Cloud X Institute, Cloud X Festival, Cloud X Sound and work across the south London music scene – and have done so since they hosted an illegal rave in Brixton for their 16th birthdays.
“I’ve got a strict Polish-Jewish mother, and David’s Ghanaian, who weren’t interested in throwing the party. So we decided to go and do it ourselves,” says Ben.
Hiring Medusa in Brixton, the event went viral when going viral on Facebook was a thing that happened.
Ben says how 1,500 people turned up, and they started charging entry on the door, ending up with “a pile of cash at the end of the night”.
So the pair continued, hosting raves all around the UK as Ben and David went to uni. When they came back to London, they opened their first recording studio in Brixton and put out records of the artists they were working with. In 2015, the first Cloud X Hip-Hop & Cultural Arts Festival was held at Egg, London with a guest set by Chance the Rapper. The Institute opened in December 2022, a three-floor building in Brixton, offering studios and co-working.
From that initial party, David says they were energised by the diversity of people that attended the event. “We’re from different backgrounds, but we’re all from south London,” he says.
Booking people that they couldn’t find anywhere else has remained a core ethos for the pair as they launched Cloud X Festival, creating a space for underrepresented voices and communities.
David says that they “wouldn’t mind if 50 people turned up or 1,000, as long as we were creating the space in the first place”.
We have a family-run business, he adds, with a core of friendship, community, fellowship and sharing. But being an inclusive space also takes “a lot of hard work, and a lot of learning and a lot of listening”, says David. They don’t have all the answers, but they hear the community: “It never made sense not to have a male and female balance of artists, for example, because that is not our audience. We want our audience to feel seen.”
And things like ticket prices are a very real concern, he
adds. The average day festival now costs around £85, but Cloud X are around £45, which “also has its own issues”, says David. “It’s tough because of the cost of putting on a festival, the saturation of the market by predominantly multinational corporations, that have more money and the ability to run these things.”
But Ben and David also regularly engage with local bodies and councils, working closely with Lambeth and Southwark councils, and local organisations, like charity partner for this year’s festibal Raw Material. David explains how its CEO Rachel Nelken has been a “massive source of information and inspiration”.
He adds: “We speak to the grassroots, we’re part of that culture and the space. It’s not performative. What we try to create is very organic and authentic, and always listening and researching, and trying out best.”
Ben says that they have “always had a gender-balanced lineup, and not in a tokenistic way, but in a way where there are lots of brilliant people of all genders performing and putting out music. And so we've always made sure to reflect the kind of the artists that we like, and the artists that we listen to and the artists that we imagine our crowd would love”.
David says legacy is a big thing when it comes to the Cloud X line-up, too: “While we have some new acts at Cloud X this year, like Skrapz and Ghetts, we have people like Jaz Karis where it is the fourth year performing. And she's growing year on year in her own right, as we've also grown. Berwyn was on the second stage last year and on the main stage this year, too.
“That legacy, for me, that's the thing that I love the most because it's growing with the community rather than always chasing what everyone's excited about each year.”
Being involved in the south London music scene since those raves way back when it just feels like “home”, says Ben of growing up and enjoying the music and culture.
“But also, I do feel like now we're in a space where in the UK after 14 years of Conservatives rule, and two decades of continuous cuts to arts funding, you do really see how it's affected and changed the space,” he adds.
He highlights the sheer number of closures to grassroots venues across not just south London but in all of the major cities.
“I’m concerned about what happens when you have a government that shows no interest in the arts and in funding the arts, while also living in a city, in a country, that is famous internationally for its culture and its arts,” says Ben. “It feels like it's heading in the wrong direction.”
Looking ahead for Cloud X, they are excited to continue building the Institute space and working together, including a mixtape in the works, which they hope will become an annual collaboration.
David has also just released “us, uninterrupted”, including a record on there for south London – “very much a summer singalong anthem about protecting our area and gentrification” – and “a lot more digestible than it sounds”, he adds with a laugh.
Friday 2 August 2024
Crystal Palace Bowl, SE19 2BA www.cloudxfestival.com www.themarconcourtproject.co.uk
@Regularduke
peckham put in perspective by letterpress artist ―
michelle Dwyer, founder and designer of Nice & Graphic, is hosting an exhibition putting local community voices front and centre
By Eliza Frost
“I hope the exhibition not only showcases the stories of the incredible community of Peckham, but also inspires others to connect and share their own experiences,” says Michelle Dwyer, founder and designer of Nice & Graphic.
Establishing her studio equipped with a traditional press and vintage woodblock type in 2020, Nice & Graphic began as a stationary business and has since worked to expand its portfolio.
Michelle tells The South Londoner about how she is bringing Peckham’s stories to life through brightly coloured prints.
The South Londoner: What art do you create?
Michelle Dwyer: Nice & Graphic specialises in bold, bright letterpress designs that combine short sayings and positive messaging. Letterpress is a form of printmaking that combines vintage printing techniques with modern minimalist design, resulting in a distinctive texture that allows you to feel where the design has been pressed into the paper.
I use large woodblock typefaces and vibrant fluorescent colours to create pieces that highlight the interplay of creativity and optimism. Always looking on the bright side, I focus on inspiring sayings that bring positivity to daily life.
What do you like about printing with letterpress?
Letterpress printing by hand is such a rewarding process. There's something incredibly satisfying about the tactile nature of arranging type, inking it and pulling each print. It requires patience and precision, but the end result is always worth it.
The slight variations in each print add character and uniqueness, which is something you can't achieve with digital printing. It's a slower, more mindful way of creating that allows me to connect with the work.
Why did you launch the project Peckham Perspective?
The inspiration for Peckham Perspective came from my love for the local community and my desire to celebrate
its diversity and vibrancy. Over the past few years, I've seen how Peckham has changed and grown, and I wanted to capture the voices and stories of residents. By collecting responses from the community and transforming them into letterpress posters, I can create a visual representation of what Peckham means to its people. It's a way to honour the community and showcase the power of collective storytelling. This project is a love letter to the neighbourhood that has been so welcoming and has been home for almost 13 years.
What have you discovered about the area from people’s stories?
From the stories I've collected, it's evident that Peckham is a place of warmth, inclusivity and humour. One person remarked, "Peckham celebrates everyone from every background," capturing its inclusive spirit. Another highlighted: "Peckham has a vibrant culture all under one community." And then there's the amusing anecdote about nearly buying a kitten from a fishmonger!
These snippets reflect the strong sense of community and belonging that defines Peckham. It's amazing to witness the deep connections people have to this neighbourhood.
What can people expect from the upcoming exhibition?
The upcoming exhibition promises a captivating visual journey. The entire gallery will be covered with nearly 400 letterpress posters showcasing vibrant gradients and bold quotes. These posters will beautifully intertwine diverse voices, all celebrating our Peckham neighbourhood.
Posters will be for sale and 50% of the profits will be donated to local charity Pecan, who have been fighting poverty in Southwark for 35 years.
What do you love about living and working in Peckham?
It is a constant source of inspiration. I love the energy, creativity and strong sense of community here. There's always something happening, from local markets to new art exhibitions and community events. The people are friendly and welcoming, and there's a deep pride in the neighbourhood.
I ended up here by accident almost 13 years ago, but it had everything I needed, so I stayed. You don't need to go far for anything. It feels like a village within the city, and it's a place where I truly feel at home.
Do you have any Peckham top tips?
Peckham Rye Park is a must-visit. I'm grateful to have so much green space in the city. Plus, the parkrun on Saturday mornings is fantastic. Seeing hundreds of people come together gives me such a strong sense of community.
community art exhibition celebrating Peckham's voices
Date: 15 to 22 August 2024
Peckham Arches Gallery, Blenheim Grove, SE15 4QN www.peckhamperspective.com @niceandgraphic on Instagram
running rings around south
london
founders of Banook Bagels tell eliza frost about why this side of the river was missing great bagels, their plans for a permanent spot and the best bagel fillings
“We’ve probably eaten at least one bagel a day since we started developing Banook Bagels,” say Ashley Mah and David Dalrymple, co-founders of the south London business.
Named after the lake that Ashley grew up next to in Canada – pronounced with an -uhk rather than an -ook – the pair work out of Mission Kitchen at New Covent Garden Market in Vauxhall.
They saw a gap in south London for great bagels, saying that “there’s so much gold in south London that maybe doesn’t get the airtime it deserves because of its geography but that might make it all the sweeter for everyone who lives here because they get to go about their great lives in south London,” says Ashley.
Banook Bagels started during the first Covid lockdown, neither had professional baking experience – but that didn’t stop them. Dave was buying New York-style bagels from supermarkets but, coming from Canada, Ashley knew what a bagel could, or should, be like. With some extra time on her hands, she tried making some.
“I followed a recipe online and had some beginner’s luck and felt slightly cocky about it. But I just kept playing with that recipe until it became my own,” explains Ashley.
Selling their bagels to friends and family, the two had always joked about starting up a cafe of their own. After work contracts ended, the timing felt different: Dave says that “one day, we suddenly had this realisation that maybe this doesn't need to be a joke anymore”.
So, they gave Banook Bagels a real go. “I had to learn how to bake very quickly,” laughs Dave. “But I had a very good teacher.”
Explaining how they make, what they call, “the south London bagel”, Dave explains how there are the big two styles in the world of bagels. The New York-style bagel, the ones you see in Manhattan, are typically rounder and puffier in shape.
He says that the other end of the spectrum sits the Montreal-style bagel, much thinner in profile and with a shape that sees a much larger hole in the centre. They moved from practising in their home kitchen
to Mission Kitchen, so they could fully understand what scaling would look like beyond the 60-odd bagels they were making at home.
Both Ashley and Dave now get up early to get in the kitchen – hand rolling, boiling and baking the bagels. After turning over the space, they make the dough for the following day – “because bagels always need to be proved for 24 hours”, says Ashley.
Being married, they've “learned how to work together without having to speak to each other”, she adds.
Dave says a lot of people ask how they do it: “Well, not to sound braggy, but I couldn’t do it with anyone else. When you start a business, you need that mutual support that we can offer each other”.
We now know about the recipe for a perfect bagel –and ideal colleague – but what is the perfect filling? “I absolutely love a North American breakfast sandwich, filled with bacon, sausage, egg and cheese,” says Dave. “That’s the pinnacle of bagel consumption for me.”
For Ashley, who grew up eating a lot of Montreal bagels, her favourite is a sesame bagel. “And I'm definitely more of a savoury food person but I actually really like a sweet filling, so for me, a peanut butter and jelly on a
sesame bagel is really delicious.”
And how can you try one for yourself? They stock some south London hotspots – Peckham’s Nola serves them as sandwiches, and then shops like Herne Hill’s Lulu’s and Bellenden Road’s General Store sell the bagels for you to take home.
Or you can order them to be delivered straight to your home via their website for delivery from Tuesday to Friday. With a minimum of six bagels per order, Ashley reminds us that they freeze like a dream, too, waiting for you to whip out for any brunch.
The next aim is to have a permanent location for Banook Bagels; “we want to provide south Londoners –and of course, other Londoners are invited, too – with the bagel we feel that they deserve”, says Dave.
Ashley adds that they are “focused on opening a spot that becomes part of the community. I know that is almost a cliche thing to say, but it’s sincere. Where we live, we're so happy to have these places as a part of our daily lives that, if we can be that for even one person, that would be so great”.
www.banookbagels.com
philippe sonoU residency at naUghty piglets
Bitesize
By Eliza Frost
arcadex
Looking for a new summer hotspot? Introducing ArcadeX from Arcade, the group behind smash burger pioneers Manna and the South American-inspired Solis. Taking over the Coaling Jetty at Battersea Power Station, you’ll find a mix of global street food, tasty drinks menus and live DJ performances. It’s giving summer, for sure.
If fun in the sun isn’t inviting enough, then the foodie line-up may sway you. BAO is bringing fluffy buns, Manna on the burger flip, empanadas from Solis and wrapped delights from Sushi Kamon.
There are also three bars serving beers, wines and spritzers, with an exclusive menu of premium tequila cocktails crafted in partnership with Casamigos. Excelente!
Battersea Power Station, SW11 8DD batterseapowerstation.co.uk/events/arcade-x
Naughty Piglets is welcoming chef Philippe Sonou – a semi-finalist in MasterChef: The Professionals 2023 – for a residency at the Brixton spot. Bringing West African bistro dining to Water Lane until 22 August, the menu features dishes such as gari crisp with burnt sweet corn purée and fermented okra, sea bream tartare with tamarind, sweet potato, tiger nut dressing and coconut water. Plus sides such as jollof rice with roasted cabbage and bitter leaf, and for sweet, yovo doko, with ginger jam, lemongrass, papaya tartare, black lemon mascarpone and meringue. You won’t want to miss this.
28 Brixton Water Lane, SW2 1PE www.naughtypiglets.co.uk
JazU
After a year in residence at Peckham’s Market House, and a few more years at other south London locations, The South Londoner fave Jazu are opening a place of their own.
Expect a cocktail bar with a custom HiFi, serving up specialist mixes – both on ice and on the decks.
2 Deptford High Street, SE8 4AF www.jazudrinks.com
New to Putney, discover the flavours of authentic Sri Lankan cuisine at this live hopper and kottu bar Colombo Kitchen.
The menu – created by head chef, Sylvia Perera – contains recipes passed down the generations of her family, with each dish using local and traditional methods, Sri Lankan ingredients and a modern presentation.
Paired with Colombo Kitchen’s signature cocktails, experience the diverse flavours of Sri Lanka with signature hoppers, a bowl-shaped pancake, and kottu, a street food dish mixing Sri Lanka flatbread with a curry of your choice – plus lots more on offer, too.
240 Upper Richmond Road, SW15 6TG www.colombokitchen.co.uk
Specialising in authentic Burmese cooking, Lahpet is opening a third site in Bermondsey this summer.
The restaurant aims to shine a light on the “relatively untapped cuisine”, presenting the flavours of Myanmar with staple dishes and a hint of contemporary flair.
The new location brings a brand new menu to get your tastebuds tingling – expect flavours like Mohinga catfish and lemongrass chowder, pork and mustard green curry, and split pea fritters.
The new SE1 location will also have an inhouse larder stocked with a range of house-made and Myanmar imports ready for you to take home and enjoy.
39-45 Bermondsey Street, SE1 3XF lahpet.co.uk
colomBo kitchen
lahpet larder
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r
eview: Afternoon teA At JoiA BAr
editor eliza frost takes in the views of Battersea Power Station while sipping champers and tasting decadent sandwiches
On the top floor art’otel at Battersea Power Station sits JOIA Bar, with picture-perfect peach décor and a perfect view of the location’s distinct chimneys – and an afternoon tea menu that will make you feel like a lady of leisure.
Sinking into an armchair, taking in the scenery, we were ready to embrace the age-old tradition of afternoon tea with a laissez faire approach to dining.
We chose the Champagne Afternoon Tea, so alongside the tiers of sweet treats and savoury sensations, we were served a glass of Telmont Brut Réserve Champagne, the result of a subtle marriage of the three Champagne grape varieties. On the nose, you’ll get pear and toasted almond, with an aroma of custard.
The sweet notes set us up perfectly for the decadent selection of afternoon treats that were about to follow.
Alongside the flute of fizz, a pot of tea from their vast selection of loose leaf white teas, oolong teas, black, green and herbal teas.
I decided on Assam, described as a loose leaf breakfast tea, producing a copper-red cup with a rich,
malty flavour and a fresh taste with a dash of milk.
Popping in a little cube of sugar, with a stir of the cup on the saucer, the lovely staff brought over towering tiers of artfully presented afternoon tea – as would be expected from an art’otel location.
I’m a firm believer that summer and sandwiches go together like peanut butter and jelly, Posh and Becks, Brockwell Lido and a hot day – in other words, a perfect combo.
And JOIA’s sandwiches did not disappoint. There was a selection of salted beef, horseradish and watercress, smoked salmon, cucumber, dill and cream cheese, and egg and Dijon mustard mayonnaise.
An expert ratio of bread to filling, JOIA’s sandos took flavour seriously. So good, you have to have them twice; so, after a cheeky refill on the savoury, it was time to move on to sweet.
The homemade scones were fluffy, light and moreish. I slathered mine in clotted cream and their in-house strawberry jam. Like those in Devon, I believe that the cream goes first on the scone –broken by hand – and then enough jam so that it drips down the side.
“an expert ratio of bread to filling, Joia's sandos took flavour seriously ”
Next on sweet, the cake selection was full of pleasant surprises. There was a velvety smooth cinnamon custard tart, topped with tart raspberries, a chocolate and banana mousse with white port and lime cream, and to finish, a pear and almond choux bun that cracked on bite but oozed a smooth passion fruit crémeux.
We were stuffed like the choux, and completely content from our afternoon of sipping and snacking. It is worth noting that many of their vegetarian dishes can be served vegan, too, you just need to speak with the team.
The afternoon tea is served every Saturday and Sunday from 12pm to 4pm, £55 per person – or £65 with a glass of champagne.
15th Floor, 1 Electric Boulevard, SW11 8BJ www.joiabattersea.co.uk
Battersea park in concert returns with open-air picnics and live orchestras
By Isabel Ramirez
Athree-day music festival where you can picnic whilst listening to live renditions of Mozart returns to this south London park in August.
Following its successful debut last year, Battersea Park in Concert is back for another long summer weekend of picnic concerts, live performances and more.
From Saturday 24 to Monday 26 August, attendees will have the opportunity to experience the best classical, West End, and jazz music, all set against the stunning backdrop of Battersea Park. Each day boasts a different programme.
Kicking off on Saturday with Proms in the Park,
the world-famous Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, led by conductor Pete Harrison, will take to the stage to take us on a journey through orchestral music. It will be hosted by classical musician and presenter Myleene Klass, who will also be performing.
Sunday will bring A Night at the Musicals featuring over 25 songs from down the ages of musical theatre. Fans of musicals such as Chicago, Rent, Six, The Greatest Showman, Grease, and many more will have a chance to hear their favourite songs. You can pre-order luxurious picnic food or bring your own.
Bank Holiday Monday's event will be dedicated to all that jazz with Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra.
Before Ronnie’s, audiences can enjoy a long afternoon of live music featuring the London African Gospel Choir who will bring their joyous interpretation of Paul Simon’s Graceland album with a full live band.
Then there's the food. Attendees can pre-book a range of gourmet picnics crafted by The Luxury Picnic Co., featuring artisanal cheeses, a selection of cured meats and delicious desserts. Brand new for this year, KERB, famous for their fantastic street food, will curate the culinary and bar experience,
ensuring a delectable selection of treats for all. Alternatively, you can bring your own picnic. Families with young music enthusiasts will be delighted by the newly introduced Kids Tipiland. Open every day, our giant kid's tipi will feature interactive activities and games for children, perfect for exploring their creativity and imagination.
To purchase tickets visit batterseaparkinconcert.com.
Admission: Weekend ticket £118.53; General day admission £43.10
Forest School nursery opening in SE16
We're very excited to announce that on Monday 2nd September 2024, The Hive is opening a small Forest School Nursery at Stave Hill Ecology Park, London SE16 6AX.
has been running Forest School training courses at Stave Hill since 2018 and it's such a beautiful, ecologically rich space for children to play, create and learn, that we are very grateful to have been given the go ahead by the Stave Hill team to open a small Forest School nursery in the
We know from our longstanding holiday clubs how much children benefit from Forest School. Because it is child-led and immersive, and because it takes place in nature, it’s an incredibly powerful way of learning. It gently nurtures children’s curiosity, creativity and resilience, helping them grow in confidence.
Our Forest School nursery is registered with Ofsted and our curriculum meets all the requirements of the EYFS framework. The nursery is also registered with the Forest School Association and our team have both childcare and Forest School qualifications, as well as Paediatric First Aid, Outdoor First Aid and Safeguarding Level 3.
There are currently no Forest School nurseries in this area, so we’re looking forward to opening the first one for this lovely community!
To find out more and/or book a visit, please feel free to explore our website (www.thehive-kids.com ) or you can contact us by phone (020 3435 6848) or email (nursery@thehive-kids.com ).
Thursday 19th September - 9.15am Open Morning
Friday 20th September - 9.15am Open Morning
Thursday 26th September -9.15am Open Morning
Tuesday 8th October - 5pm Open Evening
UNIFORM VOUCHER
£65 Uniform Voucher LAPTOP
All students get a laptop for studies at home FREE BREAKFAST
Free breakfast for all, every morning
Love Summer returns to Canada Water
It’s that time of year again – British Land’s Love Summer pop-up is returning to the space outside Surrey Quays Shopping Centre, offering everyone ways to make the most of the warmer weather.
A big screen for people to enjoy the summer of sport is already in place, with the on-court drama from Wimbledon having pulled in the crowds. The Olympics and Paralympics will also be shown, as well as family movies every Sunday. See below for more detail.
The rest of the space opens with a launch party on Friday 26 July, timed to coincide with the Opening Ceremony for the Paris Olympics, with live music, children’s activities, food and drink. This year the space will have a brand-new look with a clubhouse-style base and awnings to provide shade.
As with previous years there’ll be picnic benches and deckchairs to relax in the sun, giant garden games and table tennis, along with a variety of free-to-book activity sessions. The popular art classes and glass-garden-making workshops will return, along with new sessions hosted by The London Museum Docklands, Surrey Docks Farm and British Land’s community partners Paper Garden.
Sport and films on the big screen
New for this year, the big screen will show sporting action including the Tour de France, Formula E electric motorsport from London, The Hundred cricket, the Olympics and Paralympics.
It will also show a selection of films, with a family-friendly screening of Jamaican bobsleigh story Cool Runnings with popcorn and juice on Friday 19 July for an end-of-term celebration.
Highlights of the schedule include:
Sport
Tour de France – until Sunday 21 July
Formula E London – weekend of 20-21 July
The Hundred Cricket – Tuesday 23 July to Sunday 18 August
The Olympics – Friday 26 July to Sunday 11 August
The Paralympics – Friday 26 July to Sunday 11 August
Films
Cool Runnings – Friday 19 July, 4pm
Plus family-friendly screenings every Sunday at 11am
Eddie the Eagle
Bend it like Beckham
Battle of the Sexes
Contact us: canadawater.co.uk
For more information on Love Summer, including timetables, screening times, and your chance to book a slot at one of the sessions, scan the QR code or visit www.canadawater.co.uk/lovesummer24
Unlimited festival returns to the Southbank Centre!
The Southbank Centre is excited to announce the return of Unlimited festival, a showcase of extraordinary performance, music and art by disabled artists. Taking place from Wednesday 4 – Sunday 8 September, the festival features comedy shows, theatre, dance, club nights and plenty of free events across the five-day programme.
This year’s festival includes London premieres of Stopgap Dance Company’s Lived Fiction and Touretteshero's Burnt Out in Biscuit Land , plus award-winning theatre company Flawbored’s It’s a Mother F**king Pleasure and a new commission by Abnormally Funny People featuring comedians Shaparak Khorsandi, Harriet Dyer, Steve Day and more. And keeping the energy up around the clock, Disco Neurotico brings its first neurodiverse club night to London, alongside Deaf Rave’s multidimensional dancefloor.
You can also explore movement, mobility and connection in Precarious Moves , a humorous solo performance by choreographer, performer and theoretician Michael Turinsky, as well as a unique combination of musical theatre, movement, live art and drag in Midgitte Bardot’s Shooting From Below. And don’t miss Jo Bannon’s Sleight of Hand – a tactile installation that integrates audio description, tactile design, choreography and an immersive ASMR soundscape.
The festival's free events programme includes a wide range of art installations,
film screenings, club nights, immersive music and contemporary dance.
Serious, subversive, sweaty and joyful, the events in Unlimited 2024 flip narratives around disability on their heads and turn the spotlight on sensational storytelling from some of the most talented stand-ups, writers, artists and performers in the industry.
Book now at southbankcentre.co.uk/unlimited
Jo Bannon: Sleight of Hand, Photo: Jo Bannon
Chisato Minamimura: Mark of A Woman, Photo: Mark Pickthall
a love letter to south london
As told to Eliza Frost
local football team
Sunflowers FC talk about what inspired them to start kicking about in south london – and the team’s favourite spots to shop, eat and drink this side of the river
What inspired you to form Sunflowers FC?
Covid! We were missing our friends, exercise and community, and football seemed like the only thing we could do together as all you need is a ball and some outdoor space. We put a call out to friends, and friends of friends, who fancied giving it a go and we had our first session on 1 July 2020 in Ruskin Park.
Most of us had never even kicked a ball before so a friend came and started teaching us the basics. We joined a league straight away and we've been playing twice a week ever since.
We've also played football with a lot of younger kids due to sharing community spaces, and they are so good, so they've helped us learn more, too!
What do you love most about playing for Sunflowers FC?
The people. We are a real mix of everything! There is a 20-year age range and we come together as a team and share our passion for Sunflowers FC. It's very special for all of us.
Everyone is super friendly, supportive and nonjudgmental. We've heard other sports teams can be really competitive and self-centred, and we are 100% the complete opposite.
What does a typical week in south London involve for you?
We organise training on Wednesdays either at public cages or spaces, and in the summer, we train and play until sundown. Then on Saturdays, you can catch us playing in La Liga, a women’s grassroots Latin American football league run at Burgess Park’s new astro ground.
Some of the team are always in Camberwell but we're based all over south east London. We love being centred around Burgess Park, too – and celebrating our wins in and around the park.
What are your favourite south London eateries?
Too many to list them all! Van Hing, Irene, Theo’s, Taquiza, Zeret Kitchen, Old Kent Road Fresh Naan, Momo, Falafel & Shawarma, Peckham Bazaar, Camberwell Arms, Yemanes, Malaysian Deli, JB's Soul Food, Dinner for One Hundred, La Chingada, Persepolis, Prince of Peckham, Arments Pie & Mash. We’re also keen to try Janda Diner, too.
Where do you shop for clothes and homeware in south London?
Peckham Carboot, charity shops and markets! The best dress I have ever bought in south London is from 3A Camberwell Church St. We're really lucky to have three Crisis charity shops in the area as well, which sell everything from clothes and accessories to books and furniture.
If you're looking for home or plant bits, we’d also recommend a little trip to Walworth Garden or The Nunhead Gardener.
And your favourite south London landmark?
East Street Market, which is still going strong almost every day of the week – although the weekends are most busy. The Henry Moore sculpture in the Brandon Estate near Kennington Park is especially nice in the spring and summer with all the wildflowers on the mound.
On a very different vibe but the London O2, which now houses TOCA Social, an immersive football experience.
What’s the one place, thing or activity south of the river that everyone should try at least once?
Burgess Park Skate, a roller skating club. They skate every Wednesday and Saturday with mixed ability but it's an amazing experience. Also, Bebs Kitchen, an Indian restaurant in Brixton that whacks out karaoke behind the bar and even the chef gets involved. You’re always guaranteed a good time and it’s BYOB!
HOSEF teapot
Design meets function with this retro tea pot from Brixton’s HOSEF – an eclectic home store for original vintage and retro homeware.
A pop a red and the perfect brew, a kitchen essential.
Price: £60
Available at HOSEF: 32a Market Row, Brixton Village, SW9 8LD www.hosefstore.co.uk
Did you know?
If you don’t pay for your prescriptions, you can get SOME medicines free from your local pharmacy without needing to visit your GP
Southwark Pharmacy First Plus covers advice and treatment for the conditions below: What treatments are available on the scheme?
• Allergies
• Athlete’s foot
• Blocked/ runny nose
• Cold and flu
• Cold sores
• Conjunctivitis
• Constipation
• Coughs and colds
• Diarrhoea
• Dry/sore eyes
• Earwax
• Fever
• Hay fever
• Headache
• Head lice
• Indigestion
• Insect bites and stings
• Itching due to chickenpox
• Minor burns and scalds
• Mouth ulcers
• Nappy rash
• Piles
• Sore throat
• Sprains and strains
• Teething
• Threadworm
• Vaginal thrush
Most pharmacies in Southwark offer the Pharmacy First Plus scheme. Look out for posters in the pharmacy, ask your GP’s reception staff or look on:
www.selondonics.org/in-your-area/southwark/ southwark-pharmacy-first-plus-scheme/
NO BOOKING FEES
Tickets for under-30s and Lambeth residents: £8
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