Lewisham Council writes:
Lewisham Council is to offer free car parking on three Saturdays in the run up to Christmas.
Shoppers will be able to park for free all day in all council-run car parks in Blackheath, Catford, Deptford, Forest Hill, Lewisham and Sydenham on Saturday 7, 14 and 21 December.
The start of the free parking offer falls on 7 December – the traditional start of the Christmas shopping rush – and also the UK’s first ‘Small Business Saturday’ which is a national campaign to encourage shoppers to ‘shop local’ and use local, independent shops.
Sir Steve Bullock, Mayor of Lewisham, said: “Town centres are at the heart of our local communities and independent businesses play a huge role in making our town centres the vibrant and prosperous areas they are to work in and to shop.
“We are pleased to take part in Small Business Saturday by waiving parking charges in Council car parks during this period and I hope everyone will take this opportunity to do their Christmas shopping locally and help support local businesses.”
The free car parking offer only applies to car parks that are managed by Lewisham Council and does not include on-street parking, Lewisham Shopping Centre (which is privately owned) or Blackheath Station car park which is now owned by Network Rail.
For a list of all participating car parks visit www.lewisham.gov.uk/freeparking.
A sad farewell to El
It's a day of shocking, saddening losses. El, of El's Kitchen in Ladywell, is putting her deli up for sale. It's a wonderful business and El has been a tireless campaigner for Ladywell and a creative, award-winning entrepreneur. But it's time for her to move on, as she explains:
It is with great regret that we have to inform all our lovely customers that El’s Kitchen will be closing for good on Thursday 31st October. Unfortunately El is unable to carry on running the business and there is no succession plan in place. It’s been a really hard decision for us to make and we’ve given it an enormous amount of consideration, and, although we have looked into other options, none are viable given the circumstances.
We’ve spent a fantastic three years bringing you delicious food & drink in Ladywell and we couldn’t have done it without our wonderfully committed staff and tremendously loyal customers. We’ve really valued your business and greatly appreciated your support through the highs (Christmas trading & wine tastings!) and the lows (the bloody road works!).
It’s been an amazing experience being such a pivotal part of Ladywell and we’re very sad that El’s Kitchen will no longer be at the centre of the local community. We’d like to thank our customers and staff for coming with us on such an exciting journey, and we’re really hoping that someone can take over the reins and carry it on so that Ladywell gets to keep its deli.
El’s Kitchen is solvent and is not being liquidated. The lease and assets are for sale of this perfectly positioned property, which comes with an A3 restaurant licence, an on & off sales premises licence and a very friendly and accommodating landlord. Any interested parties should contact el@elskitchen.co.uk.
It is with great regret that we have to inform all our lovely customers that El’s Kitchen will be closing for good on Thursday 31st October. Unfortunately El is unable to carry on running the business and there is no succession plan in place. It’s been a really hard decision for us to make and we’ve given it an enormous amount of consideration, and, although we have looked into other options, none are viable given the circumstances.
We’ve spent a fantastic three years bringing you delicious food & drink in Ladywell and we couldn’t have done it without our wonderfully committed staff and tremendously loyal customers. We’ve really valued your business and greatly appreciated your support through the highs (Christmas trading & wine tastings!) and the lows (the bloody road works!).
It’s been an amazing experience being such a pivotal part of Ladywell and we’re very sad that El’s Kitchen will no longer be at the centre of the local community. We’d like to thank our customers and staff for coming with us on such an exciting journey, and we’re really hoping that someone can take over the reins and carry it on so that Ladywell gets to keep its deli.
El’s Kitchen is solvent and is not being liquidated. The lease and assets are for sale of this perfectly positioned property, which comes with an A3 restaurant licence, an on & off sales premises licence and a very friendly and accommodating landlord. Any interested parties should contact el@elskitchen.co.uk.
Peter James opens longer
From the 22nd of October, Ewhurst Road butcher Peter James will open five days a week (rather than three) and will have new opening hours:
Tuesday 9am to 6pm
Wednesday 9am to 6pm
Thursday 9am to 7pm
Friday 9am to 7pm
Saturday 8am to 6pm
Sunday and Monday closed
Tuesday 9am to 6pm
Wednesday 9am to 6pm
Thursday 9am to 7pm
Friday 9am to 7pm
Saturday 8am to 6pm
Sunday and Monday closed
310 NX Road
Peter Austin from Goldsmiths writes:
A pop-up record shop in the heart of New Cross will open on Saturday (19 October) in association with NX Records, a collaborative independent label from Matthew Herbert’s Accidental record label, and Goldsmiths, University of London.
Launched just six months ago as a platform for Goldsmiths students from the BMus in Popular Music, NX Records has already hosted live shows, produced an acclaimed introductory mix-tape and is now proud to announce the opening of the NX Records Pop Up Shop.
The first venture of its kind in New Cross, the shop will be open until Saturday 23 November, and will offer a unique record-buying experience in a lively, friendly atmosphere.
The most desirable new vinyl and CDs from a range of labels, limited edition releases from NX Records artists and friends unavailable elsewhere, and unique handcrafted releases and zines will also be on offer.
From mainstream to underground, the BMus in Popular Music at Goldsmiths embraces popular music in its many forms: rock, pop, folk, urban, jazz, experimental and commercial. It is also the programme that produced Mercury Prize 2011 nominee Katy B, and James Blake – also nominated for the Mercury Prize and a 2012 Ivor Novello award.
Honouring Goldsmiths' commitment to the local creative community and to a new generation of upcoming artists, the shop will also host talks, workshops and Q&A sessions from industry experts, and one-of-a-kind, intimate in-store performances from NX and other local artists including Holy Milk, Thefft, Buffalo Ink and Crewdson.
Goldsmiths recently announced it will be creating new recording studios at 286 New Cross Road for the use of its students from the Department of Music. Once completed, it is hoped the professional-level studios will be available for public hire.
For more information about the pop up shop visit http://310nxroad.tumblr.com/
Autumn Ice Cream at the Broca Food Market
The Ladywell Discount Day - Saturday, 12th October
El of El's Kitchen in Ladywell writes:
The Ladywell traders have come together to help drive footfall back to our shopping parade by holding Ladywell Discount Day on Saturday 12th October. There will be special offers, great discounts and bargains galore in anticipation of Ladywell Road being re-opened. Come and support your local businesses and bag yourselves a bargain – look out for the red posters at participating stores!
Many thanks to BC readers who responded when they heard about the plight of the Ladywell traders – we really appreciate the show of support you have given us.
The Ladywell traders have come together to help drive footfall back to our shopping parade by holding Ladywell Discount Day on Saturday 12th October. There will be special offers, great discounts and bargains galore in anticipation of Ladywell Road being re-opened. Come and support your local businesses and bag yourselves a bargain – look out for the red posters at participating stores!
The Broca Food Market's big move
Erin from the Broca writes:
We are moving the Broca Food Market over to Brockley Cross, to the shop currently occupied by Birds Dress Agency on Malpas Road.
We're aiming to be in and open by middle of December. The Birds ladies are having a sale now and will be leaving on November 22nd.
The Mantle Road property is being advertised to let but will be run as a community space to hire for pop ups, workshops, classes, children parties, art shows and son on, from the end of October until the new tenant is approved.
For the time between between Broca Food Market closing and reopening in the new space, we will be selling our bread, eggs and bits of the organic veg in the Broca cafe. Phew!! All change!
And just in case anyone was wondering, the plan was in place even before the Sainsbury's opened, so no-one need worry about mung beans being chased out of the area by the supermarkets.
The move is great news for Brockley Cross, which is overdue some new businesses, although it's a pity to lose Birds, rather than fill one of the vacant units.
We are moving the Broca Food Market over to Brockley Cross, to the shop currently occupied by Birds Dress Agency on Malpas Road.
We're aiming to be in and open by middle of December. The Birds ladies are having a sale now and will be leaving on November 22nd.
The Mantle Road property is being advertised to let but will be run as a community space to hire for pop ups, workshops, classes, children parties, art shows and son on, from the end of October until the new tenant is approved.
For the time between between Broca Food Market closing and reopening in the new space, we will be selling our bread, eggs and bits of the organic veg in the Broca cafe. Phew!! All change!
And just in case anyone was wondering, the plan was in place even before the Sainsbury's opened, so no-one need worry about mung beans being chased out of the area by the supermarkets.
The move is great news for Brockley Cross, which is overdue some new businesses, although it's a pity to lose Birds, rather than fill one of the vacant units.
Magi Decoupage
The Brockley Road fruit stall
The guy who runs it promises to be there every day, during the middle of the day.
We bought a punnet of white grapes for £1.50 and some peaches for £1. Both were nice.
Given the limited options at nearby Costcutter, this is a bonus.
Birds Dress Agency up for sale
Adjoining two storey mid terrace property comprising an inter-communicating vintage clothes shops on the ground floor level with a self-contained entrance to the upper parts. There is a garden at the rear of the two buildings and there is also rear access to the properties via Shardeloes Road. The upper parts comprise 2 self-contained 1 bedroom apartments.
Brockley Sainsbury's delayed
The new Sainsbury's Local on Mantle Road, which was originally due to have opened by now, will not open until the summer.
A BCer with some inside knowledge of the project who asked not to be named says: "The store opening date has been pushed back to a likely date in July as a result of building work delays."
A BCer with some inside knowledge of the project who asked not to be named says: "The store opening date has been pushed back to a likely date in July as a result of building work delays."
The Hill Trader
The Hill Trader Community Shop is an exciting new pop up shop in the Hill Station Café, run by local people for local people.
As part of what we’re doing at the Hill Station, Kitto Rd, SE14 we have opened this shop as a pilot for 4 months, selling locally handmade things as well as bread and milk.
We are working with local people who are giving us some of their products to sell, and in return will volunteer at the shop for a session a week. This means we all get lovely things to buy and they get valuable retail experience without the financial risk of renting a stall or shop.
Our vision is to provide a space for people to both buy and sell locally produced goods, share skills and inspire others who want to create things to sell. We have aimed to be as inclusive as possible and are trialing a range of different items produced by people of all ages and backgrounds.
We’re excited about starting this new venture and we are keen to hear whether you agree a shop like this would be a great resource for our community. Please do also get in touch if you have something you would like to produce for the shop.At the end of July if there is enough interest and support from both local customers and suppliers we will consider how best to continue this bold vision!
So wish us luck, come and support this initiative and let us know what you think.
Please feel free to talk to one of the volunteers running the shop, Stephen, Jacqui at the Hill Station Cafe counter or Sarah Bickers directly at sarah@thehillstation.org
Utrophia: Things to Come
Utrophia, the itinerant arts collective currently based in Deptford, is leaving its home on Deptford High Street, to make way for an Antic pub called The Jobcentre, which the Deptford Dame reports is currently going through the planning process. They write:
We're leaving the High Street at the end of April and packing up the Utrophia project as we've known it for the past ten and a half years to return as something a little different. Keep your eyes peeled for what happens next.
There'll be a party of course, and prior to that we'll be in the space selling off a lot of good stuff on market days (Weds, Fri, Sat), so come down, say a fond farewell and pick up something wonderful, useful, or both.
Utrophia's extension, "trading post" Extra Bones also has to make way.
With thanks to Sophie for the story.
We're leaving the High Street at the end of April and packing up the Utrophia project as we've known it for the past ten and a half years to return as something a little different. Keep your eyes peeled for what happens next.
There'll be a party of course, and prior to that we'll be in the space selling off a lot of good stuff on market days (Weds, Fri, Sat), so come down, say a fond farewell and pick up something wonderful, useful, or both.
Utrophia's extension, "trading post" Extra Bones also has to make way.
With thanks to Sophie for the story.
Brockley Sainsbury's - work begins
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| Sainsbury's will occupy the unit being refurbished (right) |
Work has begun on the new Sainsbury's Local that will replace it. The new store will be larger than its predecessor and is due to open within weeks.
The Milliner's Sale
Nicky, from Crofton Park clothes shop The White Room, writes:
On Thursday, April 25th at 7pm, we are hosting a 'Hat Chat' and book signing with local Milliner & journalist, Mary Jane Baxter. The event will be an 'evening social' where people can book their place to come and join us for a glass of wine and listen to MJ discuss her work as a Vintage style, couture hat maker.
Mary Jane's hat workshops currently sell out at the Victoria & Albert Museum and Liberty's store in Regent Street and she regularly features in magazines such as Homes & Antiques.
We will be passing round and trying on MJ's hats and will also be able to buy signed copies of her new book 'The Modern Girls Guide to Hat Making'. We are charging just £5 for this event as we hope people will come along and enjoy the informal, fun atmosphere we promote.
Following this event we will be running a one day Hat Making course with Mary Jane on Sunday 19th May when people will be able to make their own 'Downton Abbey' style Cloche Hat to fit.
On Thursday, April 25th at 7pm, we are hosting a 'Hat Chat' and book signing with local Milliner & journalist, Mary Jane Baxter. The event will be an 'evening social' where people can book their place to come and join us for a glass of wine and listen to MJ discuss her work as a Vintage style, couture hat maker.
Mary Jane's hat workshops currently sell out at the Victoria & Albert Museum and Liberty's store in Regent Street and she regularly features in magazines such as Homes & Antiques.
We will be passing round and trying on MJ's hats and will also be able to buy signed copies of her new book 'The Modern Girls Guide to Hat Making'. We are charging just £5 for this event as we hope people will come along and enjoy the informal, fun atmosphere we promote.
Following this event we will be running a one day Hat Making course with Mary Jane on Sunday 19th May when people will be able to make their own 'Downton Abbey' style Cloche Hat to fit.
Gently Elephant wins Best New Business Award
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| The GE team with the Mayor. Photo copyright Toby Allen. |
The shop has added to the vitality of our high street and now attracts regular customers from as far afield as Bromley, East Dulwich and Greenwich, helping to increase local footfall for the benefit of other businesses.
The award will go in their trophy cabinet, together with the 2012 Brockley Central Best Newcomer Award.
Le Delice, Ladywell Road [UPDATED]
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| French enough for you? Photo courtesy of Richard Elliot. |
Malaysian Deli, 338 Brockley Road
Sids Social
Sids, the Brockley Road bathroom supplies shop, has shown you don't have to spend a lot of time or money on social media engagement to spark online conversation about your brand. You can just stick a picture of Sid James on a bath and put that bath above your front door and someone in Singapore will spot a Tweet by @shitlondon about it and RT this to a hyperlocal blog in your area and soon the whole world is talking about you.
Anyway, Sids is a good shop. More of this sort of thing in Brockley please.
With thanks to b. who tweeted us about this.
Benoval, Brockley Cross
