For us, none other than the amazing tradition of Christmas markets is what gets us in the Christmas spirit, and so we have gathered some of the fantastic Christmas markets in South London that are definitely worth checking out in your local area this year!
As the sun finally begins to show its face, we’re bringing you a list of the best spots to don your sunnies, slap on the suncream and settle in for an afternoon of cold ones in the London sunshine. From riverside sundowners to boozy lunches on the terrace, Putney’s got an exciting little assortment of al fresco possibilities and we’ve rounded them up just in time for the Bank Holiday.
With the gradual, yet steady closing-down of local cinemas and theatres that has been happening in Britain for decades, we thought it a good idea to use our platform to pay homage to one of the oldest theatres in South London that has survived this unfortunate decline in entertainment venues, and continues to showcase cutting edge theatre and events to this day....
Season's greetings! There is no better way of getting into the Christmas spirit than by attending your local christmas markets. Wrap up warm with the family or a few friends, stroll down to your local market and enjoy the rich warming smells of mulled wine and mince pies, whilst trying to remember the lyrics to your favourite carols. We've got the round-up; check out where your local market is happening and make sure you're there!
Run your fingers along their spines, cast your eyes up and down the shelves, flick through the pages and sit cross legged on the floor engrossed in the words resting in your lap. Escape the dull, uniform, needlessly clean chain bookshops that are a stalwart part of any high street or soulless shopping centre. South London has its fair share of independent bookshops where hidden treasures can be found, prices are right and the shelves hold countless stories to lose yourself in.
So maybe you’ve finally made a start on your new year’s resolution and want to reward yourself? Finding a treasure in an independent clothing store or boutique is always satisfying, with lots of unique products that can make you feel special. Whether you’re looking for something for yourself or want to treat a friend, here’s 7 Dulwich clothing stores and boutiques.
The music industry has been profoundly changed by multinationals, the internet and online streaming. In a time where we can listen to practically any track we like at the click of a button, it is amazing that independent record shops are able to survive. Yet surviving they are, thriving in fact - with hundreds more being opened in the past five years. This is a testament to community and Record Store Day is an annual celebration of this unique and global culture. We've compiled a list below of South London's best-loved independent music spots, and whether they're participating in Record Store Day.
South London has always been known for having a strong culture in the creative arts. From famous musicians and songwriters through to artists and architects, the creative arts sector has always been strongly supported in South London since time anon. None of this could be possible if it wasn’t for the great support that the sector has had through various institutions. Not least of these are the vast array of independent art galleries that exist all over the area, that help to promote and showcase work of artists living in South London. We happen to know quite a few of these, and thought it good to share with you some of them to check out if you are into buying art or are an artist and are looking for the perfect place to showcase and sell some of your work...
Ah the silver screen! Romance, drama, comedy, horror, sci-fi - we've all got different tastes. Some of us like watching movies at home, curled up on the sofa with loved ones, or on our own, becoming absorbed in a world away from ourselves, that's cool, we understand. A lot of us though, we love going to the cinema, to see films in a special setting, and to make an evening of it. What do independent cinemas have over, say, your Odeons? Let's just tell it straight - character. These places are unique on the inside and out, and if you're going on a date, then surely it's better to go somewhere a little different, rather than the flat-pack, business park cinemas littered all over the country. Anyway, we thought it would be nice to compile a list of the 10 independent cinemas in South London. Before you moan at us for not including Picturehouse, they're owned by Cineworld and have been since 2012, so they're no longer independent in our eyes.
Do you enjoy the bright lights, breathtaking music and awe-inspiring sights of a great theatrical production?Independent theatres, however, range greatly in size, type and frequency of events/performances. Some are large, with famous actors and playwrights vying for artistic prestige in purpose-built theatres to audiences of up to around 1,000 people, while others take the form of a church hall or community building that is transformed into a set for young, developing actors, performers and writers To make things easy, here’s our list of the best 22 independent theatres in South London.
The Brockley Jack is so synonymous with the area of Brockley and Crofton Park, that it has its own bus stop. There is good reason for this. A pub of that name has stood on that spot since 1863, though the current building, as the date at the top states, has stood there since 1893. There is, nevertheless, a more intriguing history to be told here...
Run your fingers along their spines, cast your eyes up and down the shelves, flick through the pages and sit cross legged on the floor engrossed in the words resting in your lap. Escape the dull, uniform, needlessly clean chain bookshops that are a stalwart part of any high street or soulless shopping centre. South London has its fair share of independent bookshops where hidden treasures can be found, prices are right and the shelves hold countless stories to lose yourself in.
For the real coffee lovers amongst us, you will know that there is something special about knowing where and how your coffee has been sourced. Supermarkets flirt with cheap mix-blends and eye-catching names for the sake of convenience. However, there is a thriving community of independent roasters in this city, working away to find real quality and supplying many independent coffee shops all over London. We've sourced out 6 of these great companies working in South London, and each is worth trying out if you get the chance!
A local discount card to support South London's local businesses while saving you money!
We aim to help you discover and explore all that South London has to offer, from hidden gems to the best-kept secrets!
The South London Club Card will take you on a tour of South London that you've never experienced before, showcasing our fantastic local businesses that are the lifeblood of our communities.
With 850+ local businesses to choose from, including gift shops, bike shops, restaurants, and roofers, our pocket-sized card is full of value.
Join us and let's work together to make South London even better.
