Best Kept Secrets

Best Kept Secrets

Greenwich & Blackheath Edition

by

The Property Experts

johnpayne.com

The lesser known view from One Tree Hill in Greenwich Park

by Fergus Noone (Page 20)

You can follow all the businesses in this book at twitter.com/johnpayne/lists/best-kept-secrets

Cover image: The floral piano outside The Blackheath Conservatoire (Page 12)

Best Kept Secrets

Greenwich & Blackheath Edition

To celebrate the opening of our new John Payne office in East Greenwich, we decided to put together a list of our favourite secret (along with a few not-so-secret) shops, restaurants, pubs and other places to go in Greenwich & Blackheath.

Our staff don’t just work in the area — most of us live, shop and dine here too, and in 40 years of operation it’s fair to say we know the area inside out.

If you’re thinking about moving to the area, the businesses within this book really are just a drop in the ocean - there are so many others that we just didn’t have room for. In Greenwich & Blackheath, you’re spoilt for choice — there’s something for everyone, including some of the most fascinatingly diverse properties in London.

If, however, you already live in the area and are thinking about selling or letting your property, we’re not just local experts — we’re property experts too.

We’re also the only agent with two branches in Blackheath and two in Greenwich, ensuring your property gets maximum exposure among your most likely buyers and renters (statistically speaking) — local people!

We like to think we’re a bit of a ‘best kept secret’ ourselves.

We’re not a big national chain or franchise, yet we’re big enough to ensure you and your property receive the proper care and attention.

I hope you enjoy reading this magazine, and we look forward to meeting you in person.

Robert Sargent Chief Executive Officer The Acorn Group

Severndroog Castle An 18th century Gothic folly, and one of London’s real hidden treasures, located on the Green Chain Walk in Castle Wood just off Shooters Hill, SE18.

Severndroog Castle was built by Lady James, as a memorial to her husband, Sir William James. It was used as a museum, to house some of the mementoes of his career.

Its style reminds us of castles built as fortresses, and its high location makes it an impressive feature in the landscape. But, unlike such castles, Severndroog is small and has no living accommodation.

In the 18th century it was popular with rich people to build eye-catching buildings which had no practical use, but were a display of the owner’s wealth, reputation or learning. Many of these buildings became known as ‘follies’.

Severndroog Castle is a Gothic-style building. Popular in the 18th century, the style used features from medieval churches, cathedrals and castles, including arched windows, stone carvings, spires and turrets.

It was part of the mapping survey of England. In 1783, the Royal Society and the Paris Observatory agreed to work together, in the name of science, to measure and map distances between London and Paris. The Castle was one of the survey points for this project.

The castle was also used as a lookout in both World Wars.

Two German Zeppelins fell on

Eltham in World War I, and in World War II, Shooters Hill formed part of one of the key lines of defence around London known as ‘stop lines’. Two special constables manned the roof day and night, to look out for air raids, and were in direct contact with Whitehall by telephone.

After a change in ownership to London County Council in 1922, it became a local visitor attraction with a ground-floor tea room. However, in 1988, following another change of ownership to Greenwich Council, upkeep was deemed too expensive and it was boarded up. It remained this way until early 2000s when a community group established itself with the aim of restoring the building and reopening to the public.

In 2013, work began on renovating the castle, funded by a sizeable Heritage Lottery Fund grant, and it was officially reopened to the public in July 2014.

The tea room is very popular among locals, however, it’s the stunning views from the top of the building on a clear day which are the real attraction and easily worth the price of admission!

Castle Wood, Shooters Hill SE18 3RT severndroogcastle.org.uk castlewoodtearoom.co.uk

Heap’s Sausages & Cafe Tucked away in a small side street of Greenwich Village, just around the corner from the beautiful Royal Park, you’ll find the magical home of Heap’s.

Heap’s is the place you go to if you want to enjoy the finest sausages in the country. Owned and run by expert Chef Martin Heap, the inspired creator of the Simply Sausages range, you can sample his scrumptious fare in the Heap’s cafe, or purchase your sausages to sizzle at home and impress your friends and family.

6 • Best Kept Secrets • By John Payne

8 Nevada Street Greenwich SE10 9JL heapssausages.com 020 8293 9199

Tziganos Deli

MyDetoxDiet

Tziganos Deli is a Spanish/Italian delicatessen and cafeteria located next to the more established (and also excellent!) Tziganos restaurant. The deli offers a comprehensive cross section of speciality oils, pasta, rice, wines, confectionery, cheese, meats and lots more. While you’re there, why not grab a cup of coffee or treat yourself to a delicious frozen yoghurt?

MyDetoxDiet is a one-stop healthy holistic well-being centre. Downstairs you will find a selection of freshly cold-pressed, nutritious fruit and vegetable juices.

There’s also an impressive selection of fresh salads, soups, vegan and gluten-free cakes, and made-toorder shakes & smoothies. Upstairs is a haven for rest and relaxation including detox wraps, colonics, facials, massages, and all the usual beauty treatments.

15 Montpelier Vale, Blackheath Village SE3 0TA tziganos.com / 020 8852 9226

20 College Approach, Greenwich SE10 9HY mydetoxdiet.co.uk / 020 8858 6028

Chapters - ll Day Dining Chapters brasserie in Blackheath Village, recognised for its fresh, well-cooked food, is headed up by Nick Simmons who previously trained at award-winning sister restaurant Chapter One. Chapters offers separate menus (including breakfast, all day à la carte, and kids); creating an ideal hub for those wanting everything from a snack or lunch with children, to a three-course meal for two. So, if you’re looking for the perfect dining destination whatever the occasion, an informal atmosphere coupled with affordable, quality food, visit Chapters – guaranteed to impress every time.

43-45 Montpelier Vale Blackheath Village SE3 0TJ chaptersblackheath.com 020 8333 2666

Best Kept Secrets • By John Payne • 7

The Greenwich Gallery The Greenwich Gallery is a small, intimate gallery. It specialises in exhibiting photographic images of themed, cutting-edge work.

Seeking to discover, preserve and transmit culture has been at the heart of the programme that has been on offer since The Greenwich Gallery’s inception. Its mission is to provide a space and to select artists who produce work that is thought provoking and well crafted.

With the plethora of digital images being taken every second, the value of the photographic image is challenged. Photographs used to be enveloped with a sense of wonder, a respect for their considered capture of a moment and place. They were

seen through the eyes of a person whose interests and skills were used to produce an image deserving attention.

One of the ways of encouraging a rebirth of this sense of wonder is to invest a purpose into the process of image capture. A theme or a reason to take pictures certainly helps to engage the audience and to introduce an agenda for viewing.

Recent exhibitions have included work by Dave Mason, Vivien Davies, Trevor Crone, Jim Hoad, and Goldsmiths College MA Urban Photo Festival. The Gallery also represents local Greenwich artist Peter Kent, whose stunning topographical depictions of current and future development in

Greenwich Peninsula and Docklands have adorned the walls annually.

His 2015 exhibition, sponsored by John Payne, showed some of his strongest work, displaying his unique style imbued with historical narrative and prophetic vision structured around a record of the present.

In the evenings, the space is frequently used for meetings of photographic enthusiasts, including The Royal Photographic Society and the Greenwich branch of London Independent Photography.

The gallery is a true hidden gem.

Linear House, Peyton Place Greenwich SE10 8RS thegreenwichgallery.com 020 8465 5968

9

The Guildford Arms is a three storey Georgian building with a spectacular garden, run by Chef Director Guy Awford. Upstairs at The Guildford Arms is their new restaurant, under the guidance of Executive Chef Simon Wills, where they serve beautiful natural food from Wednesday to Saturday for dinner.

To achieve this the provenance of the ingredients is paramount, so they have hand-picked suppliers from Kent.

10 • Best Kept Secrets • By John Payne

Downstairs at The Guildford Arms is inspired by their Blackheath Traiteur Hand Made Food. On offer are rustic specials, salads, bar snacks and sweet things, with top quality wines, artisan beers and house cocktails. Sunday is all about the roast, featuring classic combinations from wonderful seasonal produce; ideal food for sharing with friends and family.

55 Guildford Grove Greenwich SE10 8JY theguildfordarms.co.uk 020 8691 6293

Hand Made Food Just two doors up from our Blackheath Village office is Hand Made Food - a community Traiteur at the heart of Blackheath for 20 years.

With chefs working on site developing and creating super seasonal dishes right in front of you, using ingredients that are locally sourced, sustainable and bought straight from local farms.

All of their suppliers are small artisan producers and growers. Their deli/ café serves amazing breakfast and rustic lunch specials, salads, cakes and desserts, cheese, cured meats and the finest sausage rolls this side of the river. Also now open for dinner, Wednesday to Saturday.

40 Tranquil Vale Blackheath Village SE3 0BD handmadefood.com 020 8297 9966

Casbah Records

The Junk Shop

Casbah Records is a small but perfectly formed independent record shop located on Creek Road, in the heart of Greenwich. It’s chock-full to the brim with top quality new and vintage vinyl, CDs, DVDs, books, comics and t-shirts. A refreshing change from the digital world, and run by people who love to talk about music and films. Reassuringly retro.

The Junk Shop sells antique furniture as well as 20th century pieces and decorative items. It has a huge selection of stock across the shop which extends to two basement rooms. Expect to find pictures, prints, glass, porcelain, china, books, ephemera, silver, brass, metalware, toys, scientific instruments, nauticalia, kitchenalia, taxidermy, clocks and barometers!

320-322 Creek Road, Greenwich SE10 9SW casbahrecords.co.uk / 020 8858 1964

9 Greenwich South Street, Greenwich SE10 8NW 020 8305 1666

Best Kept Secrets • By John Payne • 11

“When you take a course at the Conservatoire, you’re not just doing something fantastic for yourself, you’re doing something wonderful for your community as well.”

The Blackheath Conservatoire One of the ‘best kept secrets’ of Greenwich and Blackheath (and South-East London for that matter), The Blackheath Conservatoire has a vital role to play in our community. Chief Executive, Sydney Thornbury, explains why.

The Conservatoire was founded in 1881 by local people who wanted to put art and music at the heart of their community, and for over 134 years it’s done just that. You don’t have to apply or take an exam to get in – you just have to want to explore!

Generations of locals have come here to study music or art, including some very famous people such as Kate Bush, Gary Oldman and Jools Holland. In fact, one of our previous students, Eska, was recently nominated for The Mercury Award for Best Album of the Year!

Over the last three years The Conservatoire has successfully undergone a radical re-imagining of how to best serve the modern and diverse community we now live in. We wanted to open out and become more of a ‘Roundhouse’ or ‘Mini-Southbank’ in how we combined great art with great community.

Key to this has been transforming from a classic charity model into a social enterprise. We now dedicate most of our fundraising efforts and the proceeds that we earn from our music and art courses to fund a number of social outreach projects in the community, especially for children from disadvantaged backgrounds who couldn’t afford to take our courses otherwise.

So when you take a course at the Conservatoire, you’re not just doing something fantastic for yourself, you’re doing something wonderful for your community as well.

The Conservatoire is the creative heart of the community.

Over 3,000 people a week now come through the doors – whether to take one of our amazing art, music or drama classes or just to hang out with friends in the Creativity Garden, see a concert, or have a coffee >>

and a fantastic meal at our café, The Brockley Deli. Last year we opened a nursery on site as well, run by The London Early Years Foundation, which has filled a much needed gap in nursery provision in the area and proven a huge hit with local families. It’s focused on art and music and we work in close partnership, with Conservatoire tutors delivering the art and music classes.

We have classes and events for people of all ages, from 6 months to 100! Our programmes for children and young people are specially designed to progress them from their first experience of an instrument or art form all the way through to GCSE, A-level and beyond. For example, many of our children begin in our Early Years music programme, progress to our ever popular Roundabout course and then take group music lessons, then individual lessons and theory. They can play in ensembles, orchestras or sing in choirs. We are also a testing centre for ABRSM, so people can even take their graded exams here as well.

Our art courses for adults are also exceptional. We have one of the last remaining purpose built Victorian life drawing studios in the country and it is incredible to work in. Life drawing, painting, sculpture, watercolour – we have a wonderful range of tutors and high quality courses for everyone from beginners to the wellaccomplished.

The Conservatoire has never been more connected or embedded in its community. With generous support from John Payne and local donors, we built the fantastic Creativity Garden last year, a place for the community to come together to hang out and experience a range of fun and creative events. Every summer we design it as a beach with tons of sand to play in, and during Christmas we change it around and make it snow every hour! John Payne were also the sponsors of our first series of Family Jazz Concerts, hosted by pianist Joe Thompson, who is also the Artistic Director of the Ivy Club. This popular series of ‘Big Jazz for Little People’ regularly sells out and on the back of its success we are now also working with acclaimed folk promoters The Nest Collective on a Family Folk series.

If you have never been to The Conservatoire, drop by to have a look (don’t forget to grab one of the incredible brownies and a coffee from the café!) — and if you haven’t been in a while, you’ll be amazed at the transformation.

There are tons of exciting developments planned for the future, so come and be a part of it!

We look forward to seeing you.

19-21 Lee Road, Blackheath SE3 9RQ conservatoire.org.uk 020 8852 0234

14 • Best Kept Secrets • By John Payne

Warwick Leadlay Gallery

The Point

Established in 1974, Warwick Leadlay Gallery offers images and artefacts reflecting not only aspects of Greenwich, but also many parts of the country and the world. The twin premises celebrate different aspects of a varied stock. On the east, The Art Department primarily presents images of the local area with a more contemporary feel. To the west, The Map Room, as the name suggests, has maps of every age and area.

A true ‘best kept secret’, located (unsurprisingly) at the top of Point Hill, just adjacent to The Heath and a short walk from Greenwich Park. This lovely little parkland provides an alternative view over London, which on a clear day, affords views as far afield as Essex.

If you like your parks less crowded, less touristy, and a little more secluded, The Point is one of our favourite recommendations.

1-2 Nelson Arcade, Greenwich SE10 9JB warwickleadlay.com / 020 8858 0317

Point Hill, Greenwich SE10 8QS

Buenos ires Café

The Lord Northbrook

At Buenos Aires Café the philosophy is that food doesn’t need to be complicated to be delicious.

In their new restaurant and café in the heart of Greenwich town centre they serve everything from great breakfasts to fabulous steaks, pizzas and pasta.

They’re open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and have a beautiful bright orangery, as well as a secret garden at the back.

If there was an award for the most impressive pub renovation, The Lord Northbrook would surely win the prize. It’s not that long ago it was crowned by a local newspaper as The Worst Pub in South East London — things have definitely changed since then! The Northbrook is now a John Payne staff favourite, serving incredible food, locally brewed ales and a wine list that would put many ‘fine dining’ restaurants to shame.

15 Nelson Road, Greenwich SE10 9JB buenosairescafe.co.uk / 020 8858 9172

116 Burnt Ash Road, Lee SE12 8PU thelordnorthbrook.co.uk / 020 8318 1127

16 • Best Kept Secrets • By John Payne

Goddards at Greenwich Just two doors up from our Blackheath Village office is Hand Made Food - a community Traiteur at the heart of Blackheath for 20 years. With chefs working on site developing and creating super seasonal dishes right in front of you, using ingredients that are locally sourced, sustainable and bought straight from local farms. All of their suppliers are small artisan producers and growers.

Their deli/café serves amazing breakfast and rustic lunch specials, salads, cakes and desserts, cheese, cured meats and the finest sausage rolls this side of the river.

40 Tranquil Vale, Blackheath Village, SE3 0BD

handmadefood.com @handmadefood 020 8297 9966

Goddards at Greenwich The Goddards Pie and Mash business was founded in 1890 by Alfred Goddard in Evelyn Street, Deptford, London. Today, over 125 years later, Goddards still serves traditional pie, mash and liquor, made to the traditional family recipe, followed by classic English desserts such as handmade bread and butter pudding, apple pie, or rhubarb crumble with custard. Hungry yet?

22 King William Walk Greenwich SE10 9HU goddardsatgreenwich.co.uk 020 8305 9612

Caspian A warm and friendly, family owned Persian restaurant in Burnt Ash Road, just next door to our Lee office. Persian cuisine is very rich in herbs and spices, especially saffron, and is generally very healthy. Caspian presents authentic and freshly prepared dishes featuring classic Iranian ingredients such as aubergines and walnuts.

117 Burnt Ash Road, Lee SE12 8RA thecaspian.co.uk / 020 8297 1170

Best Kept Secrets • By John Payne • 17

Better Body Group The Better Body Group Blackheath provides personal training, exercise, and nutrition solutions whatever your age, weight or goal. Situated at Blackheath Rugby Club, Better Body Group are perfectly equipped to help you on your health and fitness quest. Get started today, call for a free personal training session by award winning trainers. What are you waiting for?

Rectory Field, Charlton Road, Blackheath SE3 8SR 020 8045 0253 / betterbodyblackheath.co.uk

The Cheeseboard The Cheeseboard offers over 150 carefully selected artisan cheeses, as well as a huge selection of organic and biodynamic wines, and locally brewed beers.

There’s also a lovely choice of chutneys, oils, vinegars, biscuits and more. You can even order a cheese wedding cake. However, it’s the friendly customer service and expert advice that keeps us going back to The Cheeseboard time and time again.

18 • Best Kept Secrets • By John Payne

26 Royal Hill Greenwich SE10 8RT cheese-board.co.uk 020 8305 0401

The Mulberry Tea Rooms at Charlton House The perfect setting to catch up over lunch, the wonderful wood panelled tea rooms inside Charlton House are full of history. They offer light lunches, snacks, hot and cold drinks, delicious cakes, and cream teas. On a warm day, relax outdoors with a long cool drink and enjoy the grounds and acres of parkland. Built during the reign of James I, Charlton House is the finest and best preserved Jacobean mansion in London - and the perfect place to celebrate your special day, host a conference or simply meet friends for tea and cake.

Charlton House Charlton Road SE7 8RE charlton-house.org 020 8856 3951

Boulangerie Jade

Drings

Boulangerie Jade is the place to go for the finest French bread and patisseries made daily on site using traditional methods and French ingredients. There is an impressive selection of croissants, pastries and gateaux.

A truly authentic French experience full of indulgent, delicious temptations made using only the finest of ingredients. Speciality cakes also available to order.

Drings are a traditional butchers selling a wide range of high quality meat, poultry and game. All their award winning sausages, faggots and meatballs are hand made every week to their own recipes, and their meat is from carefully sourced farms. They also offer hands-on classes, giving you a good understanding of how to butcher meat while keeping all your fingers intact!

44 Tranquil Vale, Blackheath SE3 0BD boulangeriejade.com / 020 8318 1916

22 Royal Hill, Greenwich SE10 8RT drings.co.uk / 020 8858 4032

Best Kept Secrets • By John Payne • 19

The DPC

The Creaky Shed

The DPC are specialists in all things photographic.

A one stop studio for high quality fine art print, film scanning and high-end studio photography. ​Based close to Greenwich Park, they offer a wide range of services to artists, photographers of all levels,​and industry professionals. Whether you want a favourite photo mounted on canvas as a gift, an image retouched, or professional studio/location photography, give them a try.

The Creaky Shed is the only local greengrocer in Greenwich. Located off the beaten-track on Royal Hill, they have been supplying the local community with fresh locally sourced fruit and vegetables since 2002.

They also sell other locally sourced produce such as honey, freshly pressed juices, free range eggs, and a wide variety of jams, marmalades, curds, chutneys, sauces and pickles.

Linear House, Peyton Place, Greenwich SE10 8RS thedpc.com / 020 8858 8351

20 Royal Hill, Greenwich SE10 8RT thecreakyshed.co.uk / 020 8269 0333

Fergus Noone Photography A warm welcome and relaxing atmosphere greets visitors to The Fergus Noone Gallery in Blackheath Village. Whether you are yet to acquire your first piece of fine art photography, or are lucky enough to already own a piece, a visit to the gallery is sure to inspire. Choose a unique edition piece for your home or office and view the vast portfolio of photographs from Blackheath, Greenwich, London and further afield. The shop also proudly stocks The Avoca Collection and Pip Studio China alongside the large range of local and illustrative greeting cards.

34 Montpelier Vale Blackheath Village SE3 0TA fergusnoone.com 020 8318 2020

20 • Best Kept Secrets • By John Payne

Selectric From the outside you would be forgiven for thinking that Selectric is just an electrical store. From the window you can see kettles, vacuum cleaners, washing machines, light bulbs, plugs and other electrical bits.

However, it’s only when you step inside that the magic of Selectric becomes clear. A proper Aladdin’s cave (or Tardis) full of cleaning products, household and gardening items, tools, hardware, audio visual, security

and much more. It’s an independent and still family run business and you get a real sense that they are serious about taking on their larger competition, pairing local and quite exceptional customer service with a commitment to match even online retailers pricing.

Karen Woolven Flowers

The Curious Comb

Working with the natural beauty of flowers, Karen Woolven Floral Design specialise in creating stunning floral arrangements. From beautiful and decadent displays for weddings, to powerful and chic designs for corporate events, the shop in Royal Hill caters for all requirements. Why not pop in and see how their designs are created using only the finest and freshest flowers.

At The Curious Comb, they tame the unruly tresses of men, women and children in a friendly, relaxing environment with thirst-quenching beverages and home-baked treats. The decor is made up of mostly vintage pieces, recreating the nostalgia of a bygone era, accompanied by the sounds of Frank Sinatra and Billie Holiday on the wireless.

18 Royal Hill, Greenwich SE10 8RT kwfloraldesign.co.uk / 020 8858 1112

33-35 Tranquil Vale, Blackheath Village SE3 0BU selectric.co.uk / 020 8852 0119

5-7 Hazel Lane, Greenwich SE10 9FZ thecuriouscomb.co.uk / 020 8853 8282

Best Kept Secrets • By John Payne • 21

The Fan Museum Located in the heart of historic Greenwich, The Fan Museum occupies two handsome Grade II listed Georgian townhouses – lovingly restored internally and externally. Although the museum opened to the public in 1991, it remains something of an ‘undiscovered gem’ and is the only museum in the UK devoted in its entirety to the history of fans and the craft of fan making.

Its collections comprise in excess of 5,000 objects – arguably

the UK’s largest of its kind – including fans and fan leaves dating from the 11th century onwards, rare books and fan-related artefacts.

Initially based around the private collection of the Founder and serving Director, Hélène Alexander, the collections are particularly strong in European examples dating from the late 17th to mid 20th century.

Among the museum’s many treasures are works by fine artists including Paul Gauguin, Salvador

Dali and Walter Sickert, while examples of early English fan making include a rare folding fan, c. 1660, the mount decorated with a block-printed design of royal attributes and inscriptions proclaiming ‘the hapy [sic] restoration’ [of King Charles II].

From France, generally regarded to be the epicentre of European fan making and fan use, the museum has extended fan leaves painted with detailed depictions of life at the Court of Louis XIV, sumptuous

rococo folding fans with elaborately carved and gilt ivory montures, and (dating from the early twentieth century) undeniably ostentatious feather fans of ostrich, eagle and even bird of paradise. Fans from the East are also well represented within the collections and include a 12th century Chinese pien mien, 17th century export brisé fans painted with curious depictions of European traders (as seen through the eyes of Chinese craftsmen), and several Japanese ‘war fans’ – originally intended for use on the battlefield, they functioned as signalling devices.

Comprising two quite distinct ‘territories’, the geography of the

museum is thus: the ground floor is given over to a compact but nevertheless instructive permanent display and serves as an introduction to fans: their history, manufacture, types and sources. An upper gallery is given over to a changing programme of thematic temporary exhibitions. Since 1991, the year in which the museum opened, over sixty temporary exhibitions have been staged, each touching upon a particular aspect relating to the wider subject of fans. Highlights over the years include separate exhibitions dedicated to two of history’s greatest fan makers – the maisons of Duvelleroy & Alexandre; loan exhibitions of fans from

prestigious collections such as the State Hermitage, St. Petersburg and the Dutch royal collection; and even shows dedicated to contemporary fan makers such as the supremely gifted Éventailliste, Sylvain Le Guen, who combines heritage fan making skills with cutting edge couture aesthetics.

12 Crooms Hill, Greenwich SE10 8ER thefanmuseum.org.uk 020 8305 1441

Greenwich Peninsula Ecology Park Greenwich Peninsula Ecology Park is an urban oasis in the heart of London. Being a free London attraction, the park is a fantastic place to visit all year round, whatever the weather. Made up of four acres of freshwater habitat, the park is home to a fascinating array of wildlife and offers a unique urban nature

experience. The Ecology Park is owned by national land management charity, The Land Trust, and managed on a daily basis by The Conservation Volunteers.

Thames Path, John Harrison Way SE10 0QZ greenwichecologypark.com / 020 8293 1904

Pistachios in the Park Pistachios in the Park, Manor House Gardens, is a warm and friendly, family run café where you can enjoy a good home cooked meal or just pop in for a coffee or a comforting hot chocolate. Pistachios is located only metres away from the beautiful Manor House Gardens Library which is steeped in history, and is situated in one of Lewisham’s best maintained and popular parks. A truly hidden gem.

Manor House Gardens, Old Road Entrance SE13 5TA pistachiosinthepark.org.uk / 020 8852 5381

24 • Best Kept Secrets • By John Payne

The Peter Harrison Planetarium Take an awe-inspiring journey though the wonders of space at London’s only planetarium.

Shows presented live by expert astronomers will unravel the mysteries of our universe from the comfort of your seat in the Peter Harrison Planetarium at the Royal Observatory Greenwich.

Blackheath Avenue, Greenwich Park SE10 8XJ rmg.co.uk / 020 8312 6608

The Fishmonger Ltd

The Brockley Deli

The Greenwich Fishmonger sells high quality fresh and smoked British seafood. Owner Julian Pryke and his team of seafood specialists pride themselves on sourcing from small vessels on the East and South Coast, focusing on wild, line-caught fish. With a beautiful brick and timber-beamed interior, this back street gem will supply any seafood delight you might care to order including cooked or live lobster, langoustine and crab.

Building on the success of ‘the Brockley Deli’, ‘the Brockley Deli at the Conservatoire’ aims to provide a relaxed and smart environment to enjoy excellent bistro food and fine wines, or just a great coffee and cake. It is slightly off the beaten track, inside The Conservatoire in Blackheath Village, but once you’ve found it you’ll never forget! There’s always a warm welcome and a great outdoor space too.

The Rear of 26 Royal Hill, Greenwich SE10 8RT thefishmongerltd.com / 07880 541 485

Blackheath Conservatoire, 19-21 Lee Road SE3 9RQ thebrockleydeli.co.uk / 020 3609 6766

Best Kept Secrets • By John Payne • 25

Time For Meantime Craft beer lovers are in for a treat at Greenwich’s Meantime Brewing Company.

Take a walk down Blackwall Lane in Greenwich and you will find the Meantime Brewing Company, Alastair Hook’s award winning brewery and home of the craft beer revolution.

The brewery is a playground for craft beer lovers offering bespoke tours, a series of masterclasses called ‘The Knowledge’, and tasting

rooms serving delicious food carefully matched to the beers.

The brewery has come a long way since Brewmaster Alastair Hook brewed his first beer in his South London home over a decade ago. As a teenager, he had a huge enthusiasm for beer, inspired further by a trip to Hopland Brewery in Mendocino, California, known for its extensive range. It was his passion for beer that led Alastair to undertake brewing degrees at Heriot-Watt

University and the University Munich Weihenstephan Campus. His vision was to kick-start a brewing revolution and bring quality beer with unique flavours to London and widen the choice for UK drinkers who were growing dissatisfied with homogenised lagers.

At the time of Meantime’s creation in 2000, there were just five other beer breweries in London. Today, there are over 75, with the craft beer revolution proving a major catalyst for growth as British drinkers search for more unique and flavoursome beers, a movement pioneered by Alastair and Meantime.

Alastair’s commitment to craft beer has been illustrated in his desire to constantly experiment and innovate using the latest technology, quality ingredients, and the necessary time to achieve a great beer – the key guiding principles of Meantime to this day.

The Vienna-style Union lager was the first beer to be brewed in April 2000 and the following year, Meantime’s first pub, the Greenwich Union opened. Fewer than ten years later, Alastair was named Brewer of the Year by the British Guild of Beer Writers.

The brewery on Blackwall Lane opened in 2010 as the home of Meantime and craft beer in the UK. Complete with one of the most advanced brewhouses in the world, it is a cathedral of craft, constantly innovating and brewing exceptional beer. As well as brewery tours, visitors can experience the Tasting Rooms which offers beers in bottles and on draught as well as brewery fresh tanks so drinkers can enjoy beer straight from tank to pint glass, a concept pioneered by Meantime.

In addition, Meantime has recently launched a series of public masterclasses called ‘The Knowledge’ aimed at offering beer enthusiasts the UK’s most comprehensive foundation in the professional production of modern craft beer. The experience has been carefully designed by Alastair and The Beer Academy ‘Sommelier of The Year’ Rod Jones and offers both the general public and trade an industry standard introduction to craft beer.

A little further afield, Meantime owns and operates London’s only hop farm, on the Greenwich Peninsula.

Fresh grown hops were recently harvested from here to create ‘Harvest Gold’, a seasonal speciality available to buy in the brewery shop or on the Meantime e-store.

Classic tours of the brewery run from 7pm from Monday to Friday with weekend tours running from 12pm, 1:30pm, 3:00pm, 4:30pm, 6:00pm and 7:30pm on a Saturday, and at 12pm and 2pm on a Sunday. Bespoke tours are also available for a private tour of the brewery.

Lawrence Trading Estate, Blackwall Lane, Greenwich SE10 0AR meantimebrewing.com / 020 8293 1111

Mummy’s Gin Fund John Payne Operations Manager Laura House meets supermum, Helen Hamston, the creator of runaway success Mummy’s Gin Fund.

I have to ask, how did the name “Mummy’s Gin Fund” come about?

I know, it sounds like we all have a drink problem but honestly it’s tongue in cheek! It all started in April 2013 when my girls were five and three, and my baby boy had just been born.

I was up in the middle of the night feeding him and staring out of the window, when I started wondering who else had babies in my street. I refused to believe that I was the only woman pacing the room. There must be other new mums around.

I spotted the huge pile of tiny floral clothing in the corner and the wardrobe containing a solitary blue jumper. Being self-employed and now a mother of three, I had a maternity leave budget of exactly 27p. I had loads of clothes and kit I no longer needed, I had a semi naked baby that needed covering, I had no money – the answer was staring me in my puffy, post-birth face!

Hence, Mummy’s Gin Fund was born.

Later that morning, I started a Facebook group for friends and friends-of-friends to buy, sell, swap and give away maternity and baby clothing and equipment. Profits could be spent on new kids’ goodies - or gin to see us through the trials of parenthood!

The group is a runaway success on Facebook - how many mums are registered?

Around 10,000 or so - but it’s not just mums. Dads and grandparents are welcome too!

It grew from simply buying and selling, and soon became the

‘go-to’ place for local parents to request information and advice, source local trades people or reach out to their neighbours.

Mummy’s Gin Fund is also an all-singing all-dancing website featuring 200 mum-reviewed days out with top tips and info that only another parent would notice.

Or you might be after a weekly activity class for your little ones or yourself. We’ve also got one off events like fairs, markets and shows. There’s even an agony aunt called Juniper!

Keeping the roof over your head (or stopping it leaking) matters, so we recommend tried and tested local businesses.

You’ll find John Payne right at the top of the estate agent page!

We’re very happy to be included!

And as a local mum myself, I know I’ve benefited from MGF on a personal level too.

We love local businesses! Many have got off the ground or found new customers by sharing the warm glow of Gin Fund – all on the back of a recommendation.

They are paying us back with discounts, competition prizes and special offers. Over 100 have signed up to our upcoming, John Payne sponsored, ‘Mummy’s Gin Fund Discount Card,’ which is being launched in the new year.

John Payne believe in supporting local projects and initiatives, and we’re proud to be involved!

Mummy’s Gin Fund is a social enterprise so a percentage of income from the website will be invested in community projects.

Future plans include a writing group, baby bank, and parent buddying scheme.

You’ve come a long way from that initial Facebook group for friends and friends-of-friends!

It’s bigger and better than I could ever have imagined. It’s made a genuine difference to local parents’ lives. We help homeless women and children furnish their flats, we provide clothes and toys to those in need, we reunite lost teddies with tearful owners, we lend £150 buggies to strangers who need them, we open our hearts to share personal experiences, pick up each other’s children when the trains are stuck, and generally rally round and celebrate each other’s successes.

As well as all that, it turned out that there was someone on my street who’d just had a baby. My directly-oppositeneighbour has a boy a few weeks older than mine. We’re now in and out of each others’ houses and my son has a constant supply of hand-medowns!

Twitter: @ginfund Facebook: MGFund Pinterest: mummysginfund Instagram: mummysginfund Web: mummysginfund.co.uk

East Greenwich 11-15 Woolwich Road, Greenwich SE10 0RA 020 3846 1414

West Greenwich

Blackheath Standard

227 Greenwich High Road, Greenwich SE10 8NB 020 8858 9911

11 Stratheden Parade, Westcombe Park SE3 7SX 020 8858 6101

Blackheath Village 1 Montpelier Vale, Blackheath SE3 0TA 020 8318 1311

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Greenwich West Greenwich East Grove Park Kennington Lee Lewisham Locksbottom London Bridge Orpington Peckham Streatham Sydenham West Wickham Langford Russell

Our Beginnings We first opened our doors in 1975 with an office in Blackheath Village. We had one simple goal - to change the face of estate agency and buck the trend of the stereotypical agent. Word spread about our unique approach to customer service, and our popularity grew.

Our Growth In 1982, we opened an additional office in Lee, followed

by Greenwich in 1987 and Blackheath Standard in 1999. In 2013 we joined The Acorn Group, the UK’s leading multibrand estate agency.

Despite the change in ownership, our core values remain very much unchanged, and our commitment to quality and service is still our number one priority. In fact, the group CEO lives in Blackheath and is passionate about John Payne’s heritage.

We’ve also just marked our 40th anniversary with the opening of our newest office in East Greenwich.

Our Reputation Many of our clients come to us through repeat business or by recommendation. The chances are you may know someone we’ve helped in the past. Why not ask them what they thought? On average, 99% of our clients (from over 300 surveyed) said they would recommend us.

Our Unique Advantage Our group head office in Bromley houses over 100 support staff, including our dedicated creative marketing team, our main board of directors, our customer service team and several other divisions such as commercial and new homes.

Our team approach and joined-up thinking is the reason for our success, and one of the many reasons why you’ll find John Payne is different from any agent you’ve ever worked with in the past.

When it comes to choosing an agent, we only ask that you set your sights high. From us, you’ll get nothing less than our very best - it’s part of our DNA.

johnpayne.com

Meet the

AGENTS Doug Norris

Senior Branch Manager, Greenwich

My connection to estate agency dates back to the 1960s, remembering my father who was a property sales negotiator for a well known company with offices in South East London and Kent. I vividly remember moving house many times during my early childhood as he was moved from branch to branch, with us all eventually settling in Eltham.

I attended Colfes School, leaving in 1976 with no idea which direction to take my life in, when I fell into an insurance broker job in Greenwich. I stayed there for a number of years, until my late 20s when I finally decided it wasn’t the career for me.

I spoke to my father who suggested I speak to an old friend and colleague of his, John Payne, who had an estate agency business in the area. John didn’t really have a vacancy for me but he must have seen potential as he employed me anyway; something I’ve always been extremely grateful for, even now, 28 years later within the same brilliant company!

I was born and bred locally, so Greenwich is an area close to my heart and although it has changed dramatically in the years I have worked here; there

has never been a day that I do not enjoy going to work. Over the years I have built up relationships with a number of clients who come back to me time and time again looking for their next move. Inevitably, the market has changed dramatically in this little pocket of South East London with the influx of buyers working at Canary Wharf and the City; but demand for properties in this area has always been generally high.

When the Docklands Light Railway extended their network to Greenwich and beyond in 1999, we saw a huge positive impact on the area, both in terms of transport links, but also in property prices. Similarly, our involvement in the London Olympic Games in 2012 saw a renewed peak of interest in Greenwich (or Royal Greenwich as we are now known!). Ultimately though, Greenwich is known worldwide for its naval, astrological and historical relevance, and more locally for the pubs, bars, restaurants and shops in the town centre; it will always be a popular place to live.

That said, keep your eye on East Greenwich as the up and coming rising star in the next few years.

One of three incredible views of Greenwich & Docklands by local artist Peter Kent. See more of Peter’s work at peterkentgreenwich.co.uk

Why East Greenwich?

Greenwich Town Centre has seen significant changes in the last twenty years. Many of today’s shops and restaurants would be unrecognisable to a visitor in 1995.

The impact of the DLR, The University of Greenwich (and influx of students), the Millennium celebrations, the 2012 Olympics, and the change in status to a Royal Borough, brought big investment - transforming the already popular location into one of the most visited market and tourist towns in the UK. By comparison, East Greenwich has seen a much slower development transition during the same time.

A quick glance of the shops along Trafalgar Road (and Woolwich Road) and you’d be forgiven for thinking not much has changed. However, the area is undergoing somewhat of a silent revolution.

Recent months have seen further commercial & retail growth within the popular Bugsby Way retail parks, including a new Marks & Spencer, a relocated Sainsbury’s, and the possibility of a new Ikea.

Greenwich Peninsula overall continues to grow as a entertainment destination with two multiplex cinemas, over 40 restaurants & bars, a new golf driving range, and of course, the worlds most popular venue, the O2 Arena.

Most exciting of all is the rise of numerous residential developments throughout East Greenwich and the peninsular, particularly those at Greenwich Square on Vanbrugh Hill, and The Peltons on Blackwall Lane.

All of this redevelopment points towards a promising future for East Greenwich as a great place to live; and good news for existing residents where property prices will benefit from the areas increased desirability.

We have always served this part of Greenwich from our office on Greenwich High Road, but the increasing demand for our service has lead to our opening of a new office in order to best serve the needs of local buyers, sellers, landlords & tenants, plus our clients from further afield who will also benefit from the cross-branch marketing throughout The Acorn Group.

In addition, the property management aspect of our business has proven so popular in the last few years, that we’ve also relocated our dedicated team into this new bigger office, allowing our clients to benefit from all our services under one roof.

West Greenwich, Sales & Lettings 227 Greenwich High Road, Greenwich SE10 8NB 020 8858 9911 East Greenwich, Sales & Lettings 11-15 Woolwich Road, Greenwich SE10 0RA 020 3846 1414 Property Management 11-15 Woolwich Road, Greenwich SE10 0RA 020 8318 0243

Manor House Gardens Festival Winter Wonderland at Blackheath Conservatoire

Colfes First XV On Tour in Canada

Mini Marathon For Kids in Greenwich Park Blackheath Winter Wonderland

MINI MARATHON

for kids

Blackheath Village Day

Sponsored by

Mum’s

Night O ff

Family Arts & Jazz

**

@ConservatoireSE

Colfes First XV with John Payne Managers Manor House Gardens Festival

Blackheath Beach at The Conservatoire Mum’s Night Off - Campfire Sing-a-long

Community & Involvement At John Payne, we’re not just about selling houses we believe in building community and supporting local projects. We’re committed to ensuring we attain our business objectives by operating and behaving in ways that benefit our employees, the community and the

families who live within them. As a group, last year we supported over 40 local charities, schools and events including Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice, and The Blackheath Conservatoire.

Meet the

AGENTS Richard O’Toole

Senior Sales Director, Blackheath Village

My first memory of Blackheath was when my father decided that the Heath would be a good place for the maiden flight of his carefully and painstakingly constructed radio controlled airplane.

I remember being taken by the wide open space of the Heath and the large, impressive properties that surrounded it. Sadly, the maiden flight was catastrophic and brief but my first visit left a lasting impression on me.

When I was given the opportunity to work in a Blackheath estate agency at the tender age of seventeen I jumped at it, and 30 years later I’m still here!

As an agent, the enormous diversity of property that Blackheath offers is just a small part of the appeal of working in the area. It really is a village - a claim made by many London suburbs - but it’s the truth here. Popping out to get a sandwich, just 20 yards away, can take a lot longer than planned as I constantly bump into clients, some of whom have become friends, and there’s always village news to catch up on.

Blackheath has some of the most informed clients you could wish to come across. They are keen and very knowledgeable, not just in relation to the property market, but also the history of Blackheath

and its environs. Their passion for the local area is infectious, and is one of the things that drives my team and I to be as equally passionate about the property in and around SE3. The unprecedented appetite for property continues unabated and there are no signs on the horizon that demand will wane. Interest rates are also unlikely to move substantially in 2016, which will only add fervour to an already thriving market.

It has been almost three years since John Payne became part of The Acorn Group. During that time we’ve benefited from massive investment in infrastructure and a doubling of our already extensive marketing budget, along with access to a shared group database of over 25,000 people looking for property throughout London & the South East.

At the same time, we’ve retained our bespoke service that has earned us a 99% recommended rating at referenceline.com from nearly 300 reviews. All of this combined, has resulted in the most successful period in the history of our operation. In the wake of an astonishing 2015, marketwatchers can be confident that the next 12 months will be anything but dull.

Doug Norris Senior Branch Manager Susan Denny Branch Manager

Sales Market Review

by Doug & Susan

Between us, Sue and I have worked in Greenwich for over 40 years. During that time, we have always found it to be a reliable, stable and healthy proposition in terms of an area to invest in. Much has happened over the years - not just the growth of Canary Wharf - but also public transport options, making it an attractive and well connected location for those working in the City. As an already established area, there is plenty to do, with ample restaurants, wine bars, craft markets, local quality shops and open spaces. Over the last two years the demand at times has exceeded supply, which inevitably saw local property prices rise (everything

from one bedroom flats to larger family houses).

Naturally the market slowed a bit towards the end of last year, but that is normal. Stock levels are currently a little low but the expectation is for this to change as we enter the spring of 2016 which will also be the time for new buyers to come forward. The creation of new developments has brought overseas investors, and buyto-let is also healthy for those with spare cash! Interest rates are low and look like they will remain for the next 12 months, and we expect the market to continue to grow in 2016.

Lauren Church Lettings Manager

Andrew Castle Senior Lettings Manager

Lettings Market Review

by Andrew & Lauren

With an ever increasing demand in Greenwich for rental properties, our lettings business has increased by 700% in the last 24 months. We have also seen a huge uplift in prices in the area over the same period which we only expect to continue with further investment and the development on-going in the area. With a series of new build developments now finished such as New Capital Quay, The Peltons and Greenwich Square to name a few, there has been a massive increase of high-end, modern properties around the area. These complement the traditional period homes Greenwich is so renowned for, allowing the area to cater for the

needs of any tenant. With the Jubilee Line soon offering a 24-hour service at weekends, and the continued building in North Greenwich and the O2, there are very few parts of Greenwich that aren’t appealing to prospective tenants. With Greenwich having so much to offer in the way of amenities i.e. the boutique retailers, independent food outlets, newly renovated Greenwich Market, Greenwich Park and fantastic transportation; who wouldn’t want to rent in Greenwich!

KING WILLIAM WALK GREENWICH SE10

Guide £650,000 (Share of Freehold) A well presented and spacious two double bedroom garden floor conversion flat forming part of this attractive five storey 18th century period building situated in the very heart of Greenwich Village.

This property is just yards from the park gates and a stones throw from many restaurants, wine bars, craft markets, the river and Cutty Sark DLR Station, which provides easy access to Canary Wharf. Greenwich mainline and DLR Station is approximately five minutes walk away. In addition to the two double bedrooms is a modern contemporary bathroom, open plan kitchen/living/dining area with fully integrated appliances and a big bonus is the private patio garden.

East Greenwich Office 020 3846 1414

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Two Double Bedrooms Garden Floor Conversion Flat Private Patio Garden Fantastic Location Period Building Open-plan Living/Kitchen/Diner

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Four Bedrooms Three Stylish Bathrooms Beautiful 95ft Garden Ample Off-Street Parking Chain Free Sought After Location

FOXES DALE BLACKHEATH SE3

Price £1,850,000 Freehold Impressive, generously proportioned and tastefully refurbished to a high standard, is this 1930s detached family house in the quiet and much requested prime residential road on Blackheath’s private Cator Estate. Features include large bay fronted reception room and impressive kitchen/ breakfast/family room extended to the rear with bi-folding doors leading out on to the beautiful 95ft garden. There is also a large study, four double bedrooms, three sizeable and stylish high quality bathrooms, and a large entrance hall.

There is ample off street parking to the front and the house is around 12 minutes walk from Blackheath Village with its charming shops, restaurants, boutiques and mainline station.

This superb property comes highly recommended.

Blackheath Village Office 020 8318 1311

WEST GROVE WEST GREENWICH SE10

Guide £675,000 (Share of Freehold) A two bedroom conversion flat with spectacular panoramic views to the front and rear across Blackheath and London. Occupying the entire top floor of this impressive Grade II listed Georgian period house c.1750 with a private roof terrace to the rear, open plan living and two double bedrooms.

The property is within comfortable walking distance of both Greenwich town centre with the mainline and DLR station, and also Blackheath Village.

West Greenwich Office 020 8858 9911

• • • • • •

Top Floor Conversion Two Double Bedrooms Open-Plan Living Area Private Roof Terrace Spectacular Views Grade II Listed House

LEYLAND ROAD LEE SE12

Price £395,000 (Share of Freehold) A superb two double bedroom conversion flat located on the first floor of this imposing detached Victorian house. This spacious flat retains much of its period charm and is located within a short walk of Lee mainline train station, bus routes, and shopping facilities, with Blackheath Village approximately a mile away. This property also benefits from a study, a modern fitted kitchen and bathroom.

Lee Office 020 8852 8633

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Two Double Bedrooms Lounge Study Communal Garden Balcony Share Of Freehold

HUMBER ROAD BLACKHEATH SE3

Price £995,000 Freehold This four bedroom, two bathroom mid-terrace Victorian house is situated on a popular tree-lined road close to Westcombe Park train station. Set over three levels, the property offers spacious and versatile accommodation.

Greenwich Park and the open heath are a short distance away, as are local retail parks and shopping facilities.

Blackheath Standard Office 020 8858 6101 • Four Bedrooms • Two Bathrooms • 60ft Lawned Garden

• Cellar • Period Features • Close To Station

ELIOT HILL LONDON SE13

£1,575,000 Freehold A beautifully presented five bedroom Edwardian semi detached house just off the open heath, offering elegant and well proportioned living space with high ceilings and many original features. This family home has been refurbished with a fully insulated new roof (2005), double glazed sash windows and an impressive extended open-plan family room to the rear which opens up onto the garden.

Blackheath Village Office 020 8318 1311 • Five Bedrooms • Three Bathrooms • Two Reception Rooms

• Period Features • Easily Maintained Garden • Close To DLR

ST ALFEGE PASSAGE GREENWICH SE10

£1,450,000 Freehold Occupying a prime location in the heart of Greenwich Village in a pedestrian only position, within a gated development of just three properties, is this recently extended, beautifully presented, deceptively spacious four double bedroom three storey house. As the location suggests, the property is a stones throw from all amenities including restaurants, wine bars and craft markets together with Greenwich mainline station.

East Greenwich Office 020 3846 1414

• Four Double Bedrooms • Three Bathrooms • Open-Plan Living Accommodation

• Pedestrianised Leafy Location • Easily Maintained Garden • Great Transport Links

TALBOT PLACE BLACKHEATH SE3

£2,150 per calendar month Rare to the market is this spacious newly refurbished two bedroom, two bathroom conversion flat.

Occupying a top floor position within one of the elegant Grade II listed Victorian houses on Talbot Place, this property boasts stunning views across the heath. Set on a highly regarded no-through road close to Blackheath Village, this property enjoys peace and tranquillity whilst being just a short stroll to the hustle and bustle and many amenities available within the village.

Blackheath Village Office 020 8318 1311

• Two Double Bedrooms • Quiet No-through Road • Amazing Views

• Communal Garden • Unfurnished • Kitchen/Diner

TYLER STREET GREENWICH SE10

£1,750 per calendar month This charming two double bedroom Victorian terraced house is located in a quiet cul-de-sac in East Greenwich.

Only a five minute walk from Maze Hill Station, Greenwich Royal Park and a few minutes further to Cutty Sark DLR Station. Benefits include 23ft dual aspect reception room, first floor family bathroom with roll top bath and separate shower, a wealth of original period features and an easily maintained rear garden. Offered unfurnished.

East Greenwich Office 020 3846 1414

• Two Double Bedrooms • Two Reception Rooms • Victorian Terraced House

• Period Features • Shower & Roll Top Bath • Offered Unfurnished

KING GEORGE STREET WEST GREENWICH SE10

£3,100 per calendar month Fantastic four bedroom neo-Georgian townhouse, situated on one of the best roads in Greenwich.

Provides easy access to Greenwich mainline and DLR Station, Greenwich Royal Park and all the amenities that Greenwich has to offer. With a modern kitchen, well proportioned reception room leading to private garden, downstairs WC, three generous double bedrooms (one with en-suite), large single bedroom and family bathroom with bath and separate shower.

The property is offered unfurnished and comes with underground parking.

West Greenwich Office 020 8858 9911 • Four Bedrooms • Two Bathrooms • Underground Parking

• Neo-Georgian Townhouse • Fantastic Reception Room • Offered Unfurnished

PASCOE ROAD HITHER GREEN SE13

£1,550 per calendar month

A stunning mid-terrace Victorian house within walking distance of Hither Green station, shops and amenities. This spacious property comprises two double bedrooms, both with en-suite bathrooms, two reception rooms with exposed wooden flooring, feature fireplaces, and a private garden.

This property is available unfurnished and benefits from on-street permit parking.

Lee Office 020 8852 8633

• Two Double Bedrooms • Two En-suite Bathrooms • Private Rear Garden

• Convenient Location • Victorian House • On-Street Parking

VANBRUGH HILL BLACKHEATH SE3

£1,800 per calendar month A beautifully presented two bedroom two bathroom flat on the ground floor of a prestigious development at the top of Vanbrugh Hill, Blackheath. The property benefits from high ceilings, solid wood flooring, allocated parking space and is located close to Maze Hill Station.

Blackheath Standard Office 020 8858 6101

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Two Bedrooms Two Bathrooms Allocated Parking Space Close To Maze Hill Station Prestigious Development Solid Wood Flooring

OLD WOOLWICH ROAD GREENWICH SE10

£2,095 per calendar month Modern two bedroom townhouse ideally situated in close proximity to Greenwich Royal Park, Greenwich town centre and Cutty Sark DLR Station, providing links to Canary Wharf in ten minutes. Extremely well finished and offering sleek modern open plan kitchen/ living space, two double bedrooms, family bathroom, separate WC and a fantastic roof terrace. Offered unfurnished.

East Greenwich Office 020 3846 1414 • Two Double Bedrooms • Three Storey Townhouse • Private Roof Terrace

• New Build • Modern • Private Balcony

BRANDRAM ROAD BLACKHEATH SE13

£1,850 per calendar month Detached three bedroom house in the popular residential area of Brandram Road located opposite St Margaret’s Church, just a short walk to Blackheath Village, Lewisham shops, and DLR. The accommodation is both neutral and spacious throughout and comprises open-plan reception/ dining room, kitchen with integrated appliances, separate utility area, family bathroom, two double bedrooms and a large single bedroom.

Blackheath Village Office 020 8318 1311

• Three Bedrooms • Two Bathrooms • Large Garden

• Garage • Unfurnished • Driveway Parking

Property Management The importance of choosing a reliable and reputable property management team is often overlooked when it comes to planning a property let.

Property management is challenging to get right because property managers have to expertly juggle the needs and wants of both landlords and tenants.

It’s a service we’ve invested heavily in from day one, not a mere after-thought. We wanted

to ensure that the premium John Payne customer service experience extended to property management too.

It’s the reason why our property management team have always operated out of a dedicated office in Blackheath — so that both landlords and tenants can actually come and talk to us face to face if they have a problem.

The same ease of access applies to our hand picked roster of suppliers (electricians, builders,

56 • Best Kept Secrets • By John Payne

plumbers etc.) who pop into the office on a daily basis to ensure we don’t have to constantly chase to get things done.

We also hand-picked our team of property managers, who are among the best in the business, with over 60 years combined experience, to offer a wealth of advice and solutions, whatever the requirements.

In the three years since we joined The Acorn Group, massive investment has resulted in a

tripling of our portfolio of managed properties. Having now outgrown our Blackheath office, we’ve joined our sales and lettings colleagues in the new East Greenwich office, in a custom designed space specifically for our property management team.

This will enable us to expand and further develop our comprehensive range of services to all clients, both old and new.

Our fully comprehensive management service to our landlords includes:

• • • • • • • • •

Legal Advice - Residential Tenancies Act Legislation Guidance ARLA - Qualified & Trained Staff Property Preparation & Consultation Photographic Property Inspections Deposit Facilitation & Refund Landlord Account Reporting & Processing Monthly/Quarterly Statements Overseeing All Works During Tenancy

For peace of mind we also offer a 24 hour emergency maintenance helpline.

If you’re considering letting your property, and have some questions, drop by our new office for a cup of coffee and a chat, or give us a call on 020 8318 0243.

Sarah Reeder Lettings Operations Manager Property Management 11-15 Woolwich Road, Greenwich SE10 0RA

Meet The Acorn Group John Payne Langford Russell Acorn Unique Start Financial Services MAP Surveyors

London Bridge (Acorn) 020 7089 6565

Branches

Streatham (Acorn) 020 8768 6373

Beckenham (Langford Russell) 020 8663 4433

Sydenham (Acorn) 020 8776 7070

Blackheath Standard (John Payne) 020 8858 6101

West Wickham (Langford Russell) 020 8432 7373

Blackheath Village (John Payne) 020 8318 1311

DIVISIONS

Brockley (Acorn) 020 8694 1177 Bromley (Langford Russell) 020 8315 5544 Catford (Acorn) 020 8333 4488 Chislehurst (Langford Russell) 020 8295 4900 Crystal Palace (Acorn) 020 8768 0000 Dulwich (Acorn) 020 8516 3666 Eltham (Acorn) 020 8860 9999 Forest Hill (Acorn) 020 8333 5080 Greenwich East (John Payne) 020 3846 1414

Orpington (Langford Russell) 01689 661 400 Peckham Rye (Acorn) 020 7771 6777

Chartered Surveyors 0845 63 44 187

Published by: Acorn Studios 1 Sherman Road, Bromley, Kent BR1 3JH 020 8315 6959 pr@acorngroup.co.uk

Thanks To all the local businesses featured in this publication for their support of the project.

Conveyancing 0333 240 6891 Corporate & Premier 020 8315 6910 Customer Services 020 8315 6929 Estate Management 020 8315 6980 Financial Services & Insurance 020 8315 6960 Inventory Services 020 8315 6950 New Homes 020 7089 6566 (London) 020 8315 6996 (Kent)

Grove Park (Acorn) 020 8857 2244

Personnel Support 020 8315 6939

Kennington (Acorn) 020 7820 6090

Property Management 020 8318 0243

Lee (John Payne) 020 8852 8633

PR & Marketing 020 8315 6959

Locksbottom (Langford Russell) 01689 882 988

The magazine is printed on: Cover: 350gsm Lumisilk Text: 150gsm Lumisilk Litho: Heidelberg 102

Commercial & Development 020 7089 6555 (London) 020 8315 5454 (Kent)

Greenwich West (John Payne) 020 8858 9911

Lewisham (Acorn) 020 8852 4455

PUBLISHING

For full contact details and further information, visit acorngroup.co.uk

Whilst every care has been taken in the preparation of the particulars within this publication, we have not examined the title documents or tested any apparatus or other services. All measurements, areas and distances are approximate and the appearance of an item in any photograph does not imply that it forms part of the sale price. It should not be assumed that the property has all the necessary planning, building regulation or other consents and buyers are advised to rely on their own enquiries and investigations prior to making a commitment to purchase.

Prices are believed to be correct at the time of going to press.

Please contact the appropriate John Payne office to establish whether or not they are still available, the current asking price and, in the case of properties to let, whether or not they are furnished.

Any internal photographs are intended as a guide only and it should not be assumed that any of the furniture/fittings are included in any sale or letting.

Our brand new office in is now open! To celebrate we’re offering:

50 OFF %

our standard residential sales fees*

&

RENT GUARANTEE

INSURANCE* on every new let

Following our two most successful years in business, we’ve expanded with a brand new office in East Greenwich offering sales, lettings and property management. The new office complements existing offices in West Greenwich, Blackheath Village, Blackheath Standard & Lee. To celebrate, for a limited time we are offering 50% discount on our standard residential sales fees when you instruct the East Greenwich office.* For landlords, we are also offering rent guarantee insurance on every new let.* Whether you are considering a move now or in the future, contact your local property experts for a free valuation.

Greenwich East Greenwich West Blackheath Village Blackheath Standard Lee

11-15 Woolwich Road, Greenwich SE10 0RA 227 Greenwich High Road, Greenwich SE10 8NB 1 Montpelier Vale, Blackheath Village SE3 0TA 11 Stratheden Parade, Blackheath SE3 7SX 119 Burnt Ash Road, Lee SE12 8RA

020 3846 1414 020 8858 9911 020 8318 1311 020 8858 6101 020 8852 8633

johnpayne.com

*Subject to T&Cs. East Greenwich office only.