How do you percieve East Dulwich?

[Cassius]

I've lived here more than 20 years - I've seen lots of changes, some of which I like and some of which I am not so fond of. The old East Dulwich Tavern used to be a bit of a dump as indeed were the Forresters, the Lord Palmeston and the old Magdala - so in that respect I prefer what we have now. On the other hand there are IMO too many chi-chi shops. However it is still a lot better than many other places - although the past couple of days have made me realise just how dependent we are on our few bus routes and one train line.

[TradingDownFromE8]

Is it a nice place to live, if so why is it better than surrounding areas?

It's ok, easy to live in, a bit smug. Better than some areas, worse than others. Quite average TBH.

The mix of pubs and shops could be better. A few more peaks and troughs would be welcome as aside from the excellent butcher and florist, they are all a little bland. I like nice food and a drink so don't mind the 2000 (approx) gastro pubs. I also like a standard drinkers pub and there are hardly any of these. Does anyone know anywhere that still has a pool table?

What makes East Dulwich stand out from other areas? Is there a strong sense of community and neighborhood in the area? More than other areas? Why?

Smugness. ED has it in spades. Slightly misplaced smugness though IMO. It's ok, but not as interesting as some of it's residents believe. No massive sense of community as far as I can make out, outside of the mother and baby groups at least.

Does East Dulwich have a local Identity? How would you describe the place?

White upper working/lower middle class. Smug.

As you may have gathered, the air of smugness rankles a little. But still, my girlfriend lives there, and now so do I. Plus it has an excellent butcher.

(JojoMamanAAaaaaaarrrrghhhhhh!!!!!!).

[Cassius]

Does East Dulwich have a local Identity? How would you describe the place?

White upper working/lower middle class.

How dare you!!! - just getting that in before Dulwichmum does!

[honk]

> Does anyone know anywhere that still has a

> pool table?

>

The Gowlett. Has the added bonus of technically not being in ED.

Wishing Well and Prince Albert on Bellenden Road both have them too.

As for ED, the Uplands might have one, but they're thin on the ground.

[Brendan]

The Castle has one. I think the FHT has one too.

There are plenty of ?drinking? pubs around. Just not along the high street. Get your boots on and take a look around.

[*Bob*]

My commiserations RE your new home, TradingDown. I'm sure you'll be very unhappy here.

[Asset]

It must be awful after Hackney

[Brendan]

Now, now *Bob* don?t be too hard on them. It must be tough, all those aspirations of trading up to N1 and then ending up in the obscurity of SEsomethingorother.

[Ted Max]

Gastro Pubs in ED? Let's count 'em.

Palmerston.

Franklins (at a push, though really a restaurant).

Er... that's it.

[will dex]

Trading down from E8 (Hackney). Methinks someones a little confused (,or amused).

[TradingDownFromE8]

Honk - Thanks but they're not in ED. I'm near the police station FWIW.

Brendan - Thanks for the info. I suspected The Castle might have one. Will give it a go as it's quite near.

Bob - I'm far from unhappy, thanks. I've just moved in with my beautiful girlfriend of 2 years and we're now getting a decent amount of rental income from my flat in E8. I just miss some of the style and individuality from the area I previously inhabited. ED is fine, it suits our needs for now.

That ED comedienne Josie Long clearly ain't in love with The Smug either, she's upping sticks for a place in Hackney I believe. Although I've lived here on and off only in the last 2 years, I had a mate down here in the 90s so have seen how it's changed.

[*Bob*]

Beautiful girlfriend.. dream postcode.. you had it all.

Women.

[will dex]

i percieve east dulwich as a great place to get a beer both in terms of selection ansd quality.

I think some of the other posts look a little too deep into the question. And some are just wierd.

innit (thats how they say it in Hackney?)

[TradingDownFromE8]

's ok Bob, I'm not proud, I can slum it from time to time. I even lived in Clapham once! ;-)

I've gven my honest answer to the OPs question. Some defensive replies, some helpful. All good stuff.

This thread is by it's very nature going to be centred around postcodes (not that I hold much store in them) and is obviously going to out some of the more parochial attitudes.

As I say, ED is alright, for South London. ;-)

[Brendan]

TradingDownFromE8 Wrote:

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> I even lived in Clapham once!

Oh dear. I hope you have got better.

[TradingDownFromE8]

It was over 12 years ago, I was but a simple country boy, just moved to the big city. How was I supposed to know?!

[honk]

TradingDownFromE8 Wrote:

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> Honk - Thanks but they're not in ED. I'm near the

> police station FWIW.

>

The Gowlett is worth a special trip if only for the pizzas.

I walk further than you would to get there, I rarely drink anywhere else (except on saturday, when people with kids decide to turn it into some sort of creche that sells booze)

[Brendan]

Tell me about it. I've still got a bit of a twitch and the limp only went away last year.

[*Bob*]

TradingDownFromE8 Wrote:

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> 's ok Bob, I'm not proud, I can slum it from time

> to time.

Then let South Slumdon be your oyster..

Perfect for someone who holds no store in postcodes, TradingDownFromE8.

[TradingDownFromE8]

Glad you like the user name Bob. I was worried it might be too subtle. ;-)

I'm off to read more about nappy changing in wine bars now. Rock on! (tu)

[Reg Smeeton]

Fortunately the East Dulwich I know is not like Abbeville Village The Party's Over (from Radio 4 this morning). Maybe the crunch came just in time...

[Huguenot]

TDFE8, I love a username that shows your neighbours how better you are. You must be very very clever ;-)

It has a sort of timelessness, in that it will work not only today, but also in many years. You will remain so clever. I am, naturally, awed.

I take it from your use of 'smug' to refer to the general level of happiness in ED, that you are somewhat resentful of this state? I feel for you. I find the best approach to new acquaintances is to barely disguise your contempt.

To hell with this 'a stranger is a friend I haven't made yet'. A stranger is doubtless a foil for one's anxieties, and the object of considerable scorn.

I admire too, your willingness to use a neghbourhood forum as a vehicle to express your distaste. It empowers you to not only disapprove in the abstract, but also to repeat 'w*nker, w*nker' in your head as you stroll down the street and peer at the smiling innocents from under your hooded lids.

I continue to be impressed by the way you demonstrate your local knowledge. Your pool table enquiry was a masterstroke, pretending that you hadn't been to the pub at the end of your road in order to demonstrate local shortcomings.

Similarly your observation that ED is only 'alright for now' subtly communicates that you, unlike these local t*ssers, are on the move. You are mobile and capable, bound not only geographically but also socially. Heading up. To better things.

Finally, let me congratulate you on your consistency. Like a true social leviathan you don't ameliorate your excellent views when faced with the unworthy response of your victims, you broaden your targets and sneer your way to victory.

I trust your girlfriend considers herself not so much partner, but acolyte and disciple.

[Tony.London Suburbs]

Asset Wrote:

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> It must be awful after Hackney

:)):))...must be a real "downer" after Hackney..

[Tony.London Suburbs]

TradingDownFromE8 Wrote:

Bob - I'm far from unhappy, thanks. I've just moved in with my beautiful girlfriend of 2 years and we're now getting a decent amount of rental income from my flat in E8.

Well, at least, no-one can accuse you of being "smug"B)

[Pierre]

...to repeat 'w*nker, w*nker' in your head as you stroll down the street and peer at the smiling innocents from under your hooded lids.

In your head! So that's why I percieve (sic) ED as a place full of people throwing things at me...

: P