IanSE22

Bloody ‘Poundland’ on Lordship Lane! Another deathknell for the independents. What a shame that what made East Dulwich special is swiftly becoming like every other high street. Really sad for the neighbourhood

I can recommend Robert at Starbuck Upholstery for beautiful Plantation Shutters. The finish and workmanship and service was second to none, there is a ten week lead time but the order was fulfilled in that time and the quality and finish is superb. 020 8692 1763 starbuckupholstery-shutters.com

Errol did a wonderful job for me. Himself and his assistant Richard, arrive when they say they will, work so hard and total perfectionists. Don't look past them 07796 152901

Errol and his assistant Richard are just finishing off my floors. The quality of finish is superb and they work sooooo hard and turn up when they say they will. Really nice guys and I can't believe how wonderfully the floors have come up. Couldn't recommend them highly enough. 07796 152901

I've been twice, the first time because it was new, although the produce is very fresh the pasta portion feels more like a starter than a main. my second visit I left feeling very resentful at the cost for the amount we had. I think the price point would be fine if the mains were bigger but I suspect the reason its not full in East Dulwich is because it doesn't represent value for money. A different clientele than their Shoreditch branch. I like to support my local restaurants but the price here doesn't make me want to be a regular.

I don't think it's over the top, if you charge those kind of prices you expect a bit more than a tracing paper thin piece of transport cafe paper. Besides if you're homing in on the comment about the napkin rather than the quality of the food and service you've really missed the point!

Yes I was

Went to this long awaited and anticipated cafe for lunch today. What a disappointment! Met two friends there for lunch at 2.00pm, a pitiful choice. I asked if they had soup? They said they'd have it on Saturday, I said I'd be too hungry to wait that long! So my pal had the last quiche which was served runny, more like scrambled egg inside. My other friend opted for the hot dog brioche, myself bacon in brioche. We were then both told no brioche, but ciabatta instead. The bacon arrived, streaky with the rind still on so indigestible, once rind removed very little left to put in the very substantial 'artisan' bun, the hot dog was a single over cooked sausage that had been sliced untidily down the middle, both only served with a side of ketchup. No other filling with it. The coffee was excellent, but so it should be for the price. The service was indifferent and disorganised although clearly not short staffed. The food arrived no condiments, cutlery or napkins brought. We asked for each, the napkins are horrible little transport cafe type cheap and thin. With the money that has clearly been spent refitting this place, surely more attention to details would improve the dining experience? This place really needs to up its game, the menu is limited and pretty pathetic that main options sold out by 2.00pm. The waitress wouldn't let us run a tab, so if we wanted to add anything later we had to pay each time we ordered. In the end after the very poor sandwich we went to Boulangerie Jade for excellent cake and coffee and almost certainly won't return to Gymboree. I hope they can improve drastically before they ruin their reputation before even getting going. Next to the Rye it would be a potential gold mine. But you don't get a second change to make a first impression! I doubt we will return in future to give them a second chance.

Easytiger, no I never worked there. However I believe the rents were close to ?3000 per mth before business rates or wages, bills etc even taken in to account. The shop was doubled in size and improved by the lady who ran MooToo, she converted the dilapidated back stockroom into a usable retail space at her own expense, but of course that improved usage meant then the rental rates increase. Cashflow wasnt an issue, sadly most local people would pitch up during sale time when stock is half price but not patronise the shop the rest of the time. Its very tough at the moment when small businesses are closing at the rate of one in three shops. Mary Portas and her desire to boost UK High Streets with diversity has a long road ahead if locals dont support their shops and only businesses left to thrive will be chains, more Lordship Lane Bars aimed at younger drinkers, or Indian restaurants. Landlords are in a win win situation really, the tenants foot the bill for all improvements and dilapidation costs. I feel sorry for other independent businesses though like Mon Petit Chou or Toast which will be nearest rivals to a chain such as Starbucks.

To be fair James the shop that was there hardly failed, it had been there for almost ten years, but the rent increases were mainly instrumental in its demise. Also note several businesses have closed along the lane over last few months, ie Black Cherry, Draft House, Green and Blue, Lush Designs, Old Villa (due to go), Grace & Favour (well established), Soup dragon etc etc. the pattern is the rents are out of control and the independent businesses just cannot compete with chains. E Dulwich is rapidly losing its individuality

Am very saddened if any foundation in the rumour that this lovely shop will be taken over shortly by another big chain coffee shop. What a shame this is another nail in the coffin to the independent local businesses in Lordship Lane, turning the street in to just another bland UK high street given over to corporates. What a pity the LL landlords are so greedy that their rents preclude the eclectic businesses that originally gave ED its own identity the chance to thrive and prosper and keep ED original and special.

EPB there's now SewEastDulwich where Moo Too used to at 45 Lordship Lane, they run classes too

Maggie at Seweastdulwich 45 Lordship Lane, makes excellent roman blinds, also she gives classes in how to make them yourself too.

Sorry only seen your thread asking where, it is the new Moo Too, at 45 Lordship Lane, same lady owns it, but she runs their classes which are really good, she's very patient and knowledgable

Great news that SewEastDulwich are starting their classes again, if they're as good as the ones before held in MooToo, they'll be really inspiring. I know they were very popular and booked up. SewEastDulwich is at 45 Lordship Lane, but you can follow them on twitter too.