'Duke of Edinburgh' plans released

Back in May, we mentioned that the the Duke of Edinburgh pub on Malpas Road was being redeveloped as flats. Here's an image of what it will look like when done.

Its small size and off-the-beaten-track location meant that the pub (not especially cherished according to readers' comments) was never going to be a prime candidate for redevelopment as a gastropub, 'trendy wine bar' or even a decent local boozer, but it's always a shame when handsome pubs pass away. At least the rennovation should be reasonably sensitive.

The flats are on the market with Acorn.

Any comments?

Dear Anonymous

This blog doesn't restrict anyone from posting anonymously because we want to keep it as easy as possible for people to have their say. If you feel more comfortable posting anonymously, for whatever reason, then fair enough. However, threads with lots of comments on can become quite confusing if too many people choose to post without giving a name - it's not clear who people are agreeing or disagreeing with. So please use a name if you can - even a made-up one will do.

Thanks - and thanks for all the messages - they're very entertaining and informative.

Nick

Jam Circus - a reappraisal

Jam Circus has discovered flavours other than salty, since our last visit.

We went there this weekend and had the tuna steak and haloumi skewers. Both were delicious and neither was drenched in brine - despite the risk inherent in both choices. The waitress was really friendly too and the comfy chairs by the sliding doors are a lovely place to while away a couple of hours on a sunny day.

Brockley's Cultural Revolution - the Long March

Brockley resident Richard Elliot (who we hope won't mind us saying looks uncannily like Mark Dolan from Balls of Steel) wonders on his blog whether, after a five year false dawn since Location, Location, Location chose this as an area on the up, Tesco's planned arrival signals that Brockley has reached a tipping point.

Tesco's Lewisham Way ambition probably says more about their expansion strategy and the popularity of the Tesco Metro model than it does about Brockley's fortunes. However, we believe that there are plenty of other changes that suggest a tipping point has already been reached.

A year ago, Brockley Central was based in Charlton - an area truly untouched by regeneration. House prices rose, though at nothing like the pace they have in Brockley, but literally nothing else changed for two years, despite its proximity to Greenwich Peninsula and the Jubilee Line. It would have been very difficult to write Charlton Central.

Brockley, on the other hand, has changed noticeably in the few months that we've been writing this blog. Ecosium, The Broca, the Tea Factory and the encouraging plans for the Wickham Arms and the Talbot have all emerged in recent months, while the Brockley Cross Action Group has greatly improved Brockley Common and Coulgate Street. Relatively modest progress, perhaps, but definitely green shoots of recovery. Five years ago, the East London Line extension was still no certainty. Today, it's on schedule and will form part of a new orbital overland network for London. There's still no deli, sadly and no Foxton's, thankfully - although James Johnston has set up shop in Crofton Park.

The popularity of all of the local cafes suggests there is already a critical mass of people who want to spend time and money locally. If we knew how to run a bar, we'd be putting together a business plan right now.

There are still big challenges of course - the ugly high street, the way car 'showrooms' hog every scrap of available space, the lack of a free cash machine and the hideous double roundabout at the heart of Brockley Cross. It's a shame there doesn't seem to be a coherent vision from the Council about how to address any of this (more on that another time), but the impetus created by the East London Line will ensure that plenty happens regardless. It just takes time.

And let's face it, what area hasn't been tipped by Phil and Kirsty as being "on the up?" It's the same euphemism they applied to Hull, shortly after labelling it the worst place in Britain to live.

Babur fronts Good Curry Guide 2007

Local Indian restaurant Babur has celebrated its 22nd birthday by making the front cover of the 2007 Good Curry Guide.

Babur has already been namechecked several times here as one of the best places to eat in the area (even though it's on Brockley Rise in Forest Hill) and is definitely one of the bright stars in a relatively dark firmament.

The founder Emdad Rahman explains:

"We have four chefs who, between them, produce authentic food with a twist from all corners of the Indian sub-continent."

"Our wine consultant is the Master of Wine to a host of famous west end restaurants including the Cinnamon Club, Chez Gerard, Moro and the Dorchester Hotel."

The restaurant's 22nd anniversary has also been marked with expansion:

"This year we have already redesigned and refurbished the restaurant and have expanded the seating to take 72 diners.

"To mark our birthday we have created a special tasting menu, based on old favourites as well as the top dishes from the a la carte, to give diners the chance to sample the best of everything."

'Leaves on the Line' at the Brockley Jack

Last night Brockley Central's Jon Godsell was lucky enough to be at the opening night of new musical 'Leaves on the Line' at the Brockley Jack Theatre in Crofton Park:

Criminally after 18 months in the area, this was our first time inside the Brockley Jack. What looks like a local footy pub from the outside, is actually rather pleasant inside - spacious and brimming with period charm, and the bar staff were chatty and attentive. The food was standard pub grub, which we downed in a matter of minutes since the bell was ringing for the start of the performance...

I suppose it was to be expected, but we weren't quite prepared for the size of the theatre - this is a properly intimate affair, with probably no more than 50 seats. Sitting in the front row, as we were, is literally like staring the actors in the face. This takes a little getting used to - especially when, in the first moments, Anita Adams as Anna starts belting out a song at the top of her voice!

The musical aspect was something of a novelty at first, and others in the audience had trouble keeping themselves together for the first few scenes - the man behind was practically falling off his chair in fits of giggles, but the actors took this in their stride, even on this opening night. The performance was flawless to my untrained eyes.

As the play flowed from scene to scene and song to dance (there was actually only one dance) the script draws you into the characters and gradually they start to link up. Without giving too much away, Leaves on the Line cleverly entwines narratives and periods - quite a feat on such a small scale. The script, music and accompanying lyrics, by award winner Matthew Knowles, were fantastic, and had us singing all the way home. Memorable performances here included waitress Hazel's 'Another Cup of Coffee' and philosophic train announcer Olive's glorious 'The Girl Who Was Perpetually Late'.

All in all, Leaves on the Line comes thoroughly recommended. Act quickly if you want to see it though, as sadly it only runs until the 28th July. Who knows where the play might go after that? Just remember you heard it first in Brockley.


Leaves on the Line:
24th - 28th July, Brockley Jack Theatre.
Booking is advised. Box office: 020 8291 6354.

Tesco turf war

Traders on Lewisham Way have welcomed a new member in to their fold in predictable fashion, according to this article about Tesco's plan to build a Metro store on the street:

Traders are furious at Tesco plan
Jul 24 2007
By Kate Gould

TRADERS in Lewisham are angry that a supermarket giant is trying to muscle in on their patch.

Tesco has applied to open a Tesco Express store in Lewisham Way, Brockley, in a vacant former furniture store.

If approved, the store would open between 6am and 11pm every day. Traders have reacted angrily, saying it could put many of them out of business.

Rose Ali, who runs the One Step Ahead Dry Cleaning shop at Lewisham Way, said: "There are already two Tescos nearby and we don't need any more.
"There are also two independent supermarkets on this stretch of Lewisham Way so why do we need another one?"

Sivarajah Shriram, who owns and runs Gogif's Convenience Store two doors down from the proposed site, said Tesco's arrival would be bad news.

He added: "I have only been here since September last year and have invested a lot in building this business up. If Tesco comes I will have to close as I can't compete. I won't be the only one. We have to fight this application, otherwise it will kill off this parade.

"If it's approved there will be more noise, cars and pollution. There is also nowhere for shoppers to park and there is a bus stop right outside the shop, so where are the delivery lorries going to park? It's going to be a nightmare."

A petition with more than 450 signatures opposing the plans was handed to Lewisham council last week.
A Tesco spokesman said: "We have got 700 Express stores throughout the country that trade alongside other traders.

"For Tesco it's about offering choice and value to customers and attracting new business to the area. We have found our stores have a positive effect on other retailers."

A decision on the scheme is due to be taken by council planning bosses in the next few months.
We can see why a convenience store owner might feel a little threatened (although we're of the view that shops should serve their customers, and if they want to shop at Tesco, then the shopkeeper needs to adapt) but why a drycleaner should be worried by the arrival of a food shop is anyone's guess. The argument about the nearby presence of two other Tescos is misleading, since one is just a glorified petrol station and the other is a supermarket in Lewisham.