And the Oscar for best supporting customers goes to...

Tony writes:

Cafe Oscars, which has been run as Ladywell's neighbourhood cafe since 2008 by local resident Petra Reekers, has been sold. The new owner Saner Gursel, who lives in Brockley and is a baker, will take over after Saturday July 25.

Petra said: "Running the cafe has been great fun. But after seven years - and most of that seven days a week - it is time to try something else. I shall miss many of the regular customers ... but to be really honest I'm looking forward to a Sunday lie-in!"

Oscars was set up when Ladywell's high street was at a low point. Geddes, the hairdressers, had just opened but many of the other shop units were boarded up or empty. "I think Oscars helped bring a bit of life back to the high street. I wanted a neighbourhood cafe where people could come and chat. I think it worked," says Petra

Since 2008, El's Kitchen, now the Larder, has opened, Slater & King moved in next door to Oscars, Delice took over Masons, and the Tavern has had a new lease of life. The new shops and cafes combined with the streetscape improvements have helped give Ladywell a much needed lift. Long may it continue.