Shop local

It has been a tough time for our high streets. Businesses are only just recovering from Covid restrictions and are now facing the cost-of-living crisis, presenting them with higher costs and reduced spending by consumers.

Studies have found that every Each of our town centres has its pound spent in a locally owned own unique character and offer, business is often re-circulated that we have tried to summarise in within the local economy at least these pages. We have only been able three times, because the business to highlight some of the borough’s owners and staff will spend more of businesses, but it is an illustration their incomes locally. This not only of what we have locally. With many benefits other local businesses, but unexpected and unusual shops and also helps keep residents in work businesses so close to home why go and boosts the local community. further afield?

Bexleyheath

Caron Linyard, Bexleyheath Business Improvement District said:

“Head to Bexleyheath, where you’ll find a great range of independent stores alongside big brands.

“From beauty products to fashion-forward clothing there’s something for everyone. We have everything from jewellery and accessories to toys, books and homeware - all with the local touch that makes shopping here so much fun.” � Boots, HMV, M&S, TK Maxx,

Morley’s, JD Sports, H&M,

Primark and more � Bexley Originals – locally created gifts from local pop-up sellers Welling’s High Street is one of the longest in London. It stretches nearly a mile and includes more than 250 outlets. There is a huge variety of businesses, and you can buy everything from a bathroom suite and a snake to a school uniform and a cake. � Tesco and Morrison superstores � locksmiths, dry cleaners and florists, clothing shops � hair & beauty, tattoo & piercing, jewellers � computers, gadget & phone repair � DIY, building and electrical supplies � carpets, beds, furniture � Jurassic World Reptiles � Wide Shoes - established in 1954

There are also plenty of pubs, cafés, restaurants and takeaways catering for all tastes. www.discoverwelling.co.uk/

� Groceries and essentials at

ASDA, Sainsbury’s, Lidl,

Wilko, Poundland � Themed events throughout the year on the Broadway � Great bus links and parking available � Independent bars and restaurants together with national favourites � Cinema, Bowling, Bingo,

Gym, Library www.enjoybexleyheath.co.uk We understand that for many people money is tight right now but, if you appreciate your local town centre, please consider spending more of your available cash there. It could be a case of use it or lose it!

Cabinet Member for Growth, Cllr Cafer Munur

Welling

Sidcup

Sidcup is known as the cultural capital of the borough, with two international performing arts and music colleges: Rose Bruford College of Theatre & Performing Arts and Bird College Conservatoire of dance and musical theatre. � Individual boutiques Kimmicass,

Icicle, Designer Chic. � Model Railway shop selling specialist items � Gallery Finely Framed selling art and offering a framing service � BBQ barn selling huge range of

BBQs and associated products � Calm Collective yoga studio � Pubs, wine bars, restaurants and cafés

The town also hosts events throughout the year including the Sidcup Fringe, the Halloween Trail, the Easter and Christmas Extravaganzas https://sidcuppartners.co.uk/

Erith

Erith Town Centre has nearly half a mile of frontage on the River Thames and the longest publicly accessible pier in London. The Riverside Shopping Centre hosts one of only three Matalan clothing stores in South-East London. Pier Square is currently undergoing some fantastic public realm improvements. � Large Morrisons with lots of time limited parking � Independent traders, pharmacy, opticians, health and beauty, grocery shops, newsagents, post office � Great food and drink offer � Made in Erith - a shop window Crayford is home to several large stores alongside smaller independent shops. � Vintage Lindy Lou Tea Rooms for afternoon tea and regular events � Big brands include Nando’s, Taco

Bell, Next, Currys, Sports Direct,

Boots and Pets at Home � Independent stores include

Uncle Beef butchers, Angling

Direct fishing tackle shop, Golf

Wise Nationwide golf shop, The

Boutique Crayford. � Home to pubs such as The One

Bell, Dukes Head, Crayford Arms,

Bear and Ragged Staff plus the micro pub The Penny Farthing

The town is also home to Crayford Greyhound Racing Track and a Sainsbury Superstore with time limited free parking.

space that is filled with local products � The Exchange – a community owned cultural and social organisation with an in-house café ‘The Bookstore’. Regular workshops, events and markets www.theexchangeerith.com/ www.welcometoerith.com/ eatdrink

Crayford

Nuxley Village

Food and drink establishments in Nuxley Village include: � Mr Man’s Fish and Chips � Millers Pie and Mash � Belvedere Tandoori � Five pubs: The Standard, The

Fox, The Village Inn, The Prince of Wales, The Eardley Arms � Belvedere Social Club has weekly Bingo and regular live entertainment

The town has hairdressers, barbers, a florist, pharmacy, launderette, Coop, a Sainsbury’s and an International Supermarket.

Bexley Village

Bexley Village has a wide range of shops and services on offer including: � Hair and beauty shops � Specialised shops such as wedding shops and men’s dress hire � Jewellers Pilkington’s specialises in top end and repairs � Village Kids is a beautiful children’s wear shop � Giftware shops � Dry cleaner � Post office � Supermarkets � Wood yard � Estate agents The train station is in the heart of the village. There are also good bus links and plenty of parking.

Blackfen

Blackfen has a number of unique independent businesses. The newly opened ‘Tonics!’ has caused quite a stir among scooterists, young and old. Businesses include – � longest-running Welling business

J Ayre Bakery and recent addition Tom’s Butchers � eateries with everything from

Tacos to Vietnamese as well as traditional Pie and Mash. � The Broken Drum - one of the earliest micropubs in the borough � Tap Sidcup for live music from the comfort of a ‘pour-your-ownbeer’ booth � Independent shops Oakhurst

Travel, Food for Living and

Daysies Florist. Blackfen Cards.

The Enchanted Woodland offers a magical play space. � Premier Autocentres and

Robinson Jackson have been supportive of many recent community events

At the heart of Blackfen is the Community Library, providing activities for every age.

Northumberland Heath

Northumberland Heath has some great pubs including The Royal Oak and The Duke. Shops include � Crumbs Bakers � Morgan’s Greengrocers � Wheelies Bikes � Post office � GB Tattoos � Northumberland Heath community library There are also a number of cafés and takeaways.

Lower Belvedere

Lower Belvedere may be one of our smaller shopping areas in the borough, but it has so much going for it.

The train station in Belvedere is just one stop away from the Elizabeth Line in Abbey Wood, with its speedy connections to central London.

With its small village feel and where you will find Abbey Wood Elizabeth Line station and numerous businesses, including The Abbey Arms with award winning pizza and original green tiles. www.abbeywoodvillage.co.uk

Abbey Wood Village

Bexleyheath Station / Pickford Lane

As well as the station you can find a wide range of independent retailers with a range of goods and services, including Grocery, Health and Beauty, Dry Cleaners, Takeaways and the William Camden public house.