The Pick of Penge!

[The Dulwich Raider]

I've written another post for Deserter - this time on the delights of Penge:

http://deserter.co.uk/2014/11/the-pick-of-penge/

TDR

[Townleygreen]

yeah I see the Goldsmiths has just opened, refurbed by Antic. A real boost!

[Otta]

Much more excited about the Alexandra.

Although he was right about it being the worst kept secret in Penge.

[Bovine Juice]

Mighty fine read it is too.

[Townleygreen]

the Alexandra is great too. Can't wait for that.

[MrBen]

There is a hip scene going down in Penge.

Those in East Dulwich who much derided it can but dream....their two garden centres now bulldozed for "luxury" housing.

Oversleeping on the 176 now has a bonus ending.

Big up the Penge.

[rodneybewes]

+1 for the Alexandra Nurseries. There aren't many places in London where you can buy a pint, burger and a bay tree at the same time.

[MrsMcC]

I was at the Nurseries last Thursday with my husband for a few drinks and a great burger, don't normally like ale but I did the Late Knights one :) After strolled to the Goldsmith's for opening night which was busy with a buzzy atmosphere, very shabby sh*te decor though which reminded me a bit too much of our house, after living with building works, but got used to it over a few lagers and ended up quite liking the 'hardcoreness' of it! Will defo be back to both and am excited about the Alexandra.

[Bovine Juice]

MrsMcC Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> I was at the Nurseries last Thursday with my

> husband for a few drinks and a great burger, don't

> normally like ale but I did the Late Knights one

> :) After strolled to the Goldsmith's for opening

> night which was busy with a buzzy atmosphere, very

> shabby sh*te decor though which reminded me a bit

> too much of our house, after living with building

> works, but got used to it over a few lagers and

> ended up quite liking the 'hardcoreness' of it!

> Will defo be back to both and am excited about the

> Alexandra.

I did the same route as you MrsMcC last Thursday. The shabbyness was down to rushing to be open for the xmas lights switch on in the High Street so some frills and basic stuff was left undone. Downside was a leaky roof that saw them having to stay shut on Sunday.

Loving Penge at the moment, I have to say though. After nearly two decades of dullness it really seems to be changing for the better while retaining some of its down to earthness.

[holloway]

once you've been in one antic pub, you've been in them all. the faux distressed look can grate a bit i think. agree with bovine juice though, penge is the place to be.

[Bellenden Belle]

Well me and Mr D_C are leaving Peckham for Penge after eight very happy years here.

There's definitely an exciting vibe there at the moment. For example there's a fantastic group of people trying to set up a community cafe - CanTEEN - that will help train local young people whilst serving delicious affordable meals and another group is working on opening a new community centre. There's a real sense of people getting behind the area and giving it a push in the right direction.

I have a soft spot for areas that are slightly down-at-the-heel. I like it when there is genuine excitement at a new bar opening, rather than cynicism. Otherwise it's easy to take things for granted when you have so much choice in an area. That said, I shall miss Bellenden Road greatly (particularly Flock and Herd's treacle bacon).

[Otta]

Bellenden Belle Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> I have a soft spot for areas that are slightly

> down-at-the-heel. I like it when there is genuine

> excitement at a new bar opening, rather than

> cynicism. Otherwise it's easy to take things for

> granted when you have so much choice in an area.

> That said, I shall miss Bellenden Road greatly

> (particularly Flock and Herd's treacle bacon).

Thing is, Bellenden Road and East Dulwich both used to be exactly like that. I am really liking the direction Penge is going in, but (for ME) I hope it doesn't go as far as ED, because (again, for ME) that's too far.

[Bellenden Belle]

Otta Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> Bellenden Belle Wrote:

> --------------------------------------------------

> -----

> > I have a soft spot for areas that are slightly

> > down-at-the-heel. I like it when there is

> genuine

> > excitement at a new bar opening, rather than

> > cynicism. Otherwise it's easy to take things

> for

> > granted when you have so much choice in an

> area.

> > That said, I shall miss Bellenden Road greatly

> > (particularly Flock and Herd's treacle bacon).

>

>

> Thing is, Bellenden Road and East Dulwich both

> used to be exactly like that. I am really liking

> the direction Penge is going in, but (for ME) I

> hope it doesn't go as far as ED, because (again,

> for ME) that's too far.

Otta - spot on.

[Jah Lush]

Gulp. I was looking at property in Penge last night as I've been giving it a bit of thought about finally upping sticks and leaving Dulwich.

BB... my friend is heavily involved in the new Community Centre thing.

[MrBen]

Everyone is moving to Penge.

[Bellenden Belle]

I know MrBen - I'm thinking we can have a Forum Drinks 2008 Reunion there!

[MrBen]

Things not to say at a Late Knights garden centre bash:

"What this place needs to really kick start it is a Cafe Nero"

"The property here is a bargain"

"Anyone know a decent baby reiki joint?"

[Bovine Juice]

Penge will never be an East Dulwich. It has a nasty council that will continue to starve it of money and dump difficult families from elsewhere.

[Otta]

I don't think a local authority really makes an area.

Agree Bromley are shit though.

[Bellenden Belle]

There is a lot of resentment in Penge towards Bromley Council, being the only Labour ward in an otherwise story Council means the area does get overlooked and there is history of its voice and needs being overlooked.

[scareyt]

The curtain shop on the high street is brilliant.

[MrBen]

Move over Dulwich and Peckham....Penge is the hot ticket now.

[Seabag]

Otta Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> I don't think a local authority really makes an

> area.

>

> Agree Bromley are shit though.

Sadly it can, in some way

I left Gypsy hill and Lambeth for that reason

NEVER to return

Whereas, I rather like Lewisham

[Seabag]

That's a very sweet little nurserie

Nice people too

[Otta]

I liked Lewisham LA to. Wish the border could be shifted just slightly to include Penge East.