Let’s move to…
The tiniest village you’ve never heard of, Ladywell is in south east London, hidden between Brockley, Crofton Park and Lewisham. When I was flat-hunting this is where I most wanted to be, and though I now live up the hill, I still watch developments on the mini-high street with interest. There was already and excellent house clearance shop (source of my bathroom mirror), a florists, a great chippy and Oscar’s Cafe. But in the last few months they’ve got a swanky deli, and now a super-cute homeware/gift shop.
It was previously some weird empty video shop…
…and the mystery refurb seemed to go on for months. So how delightful that it’s turn into this. They’re selling the usual mix of design-hip cards, tea towels and general stuff, but also have a nice range of vintage furniture, bus blinds and these lovely little tea and dining sets.
Please excuse my woeful photography. It was a gloomy winter afternoon. The plan is to open the basement soon as a workshop for more furniture up-cycling, and a bigger shop online.
NEWS JUST IN… Just been Googling and look who else has been lurking in Ladywell this week. Yes it’s lovely Phil, off the leash while Kirsty hangs umpteen artisan hand-blown baubles on the Christmas tree she grew herself. He’s been filming something on empty property in Ladywell, to be screened on Wednesday 7th, Ch4, 9pm.
Good to read. Went to visit friends who had just moved to Brockley and pronounced it a fab area. Having always lived around north London it was great to see “the other side”. Will check out Ladywell on next visit.
Yes do – although be warned it’s titchy. Just the essentials on a tiny high street, but with a lovely park and super cute houses in the little surrounding roads. Love the phrase ‘the other side’ to describe the beautiful South!
Can’t wait to pay Slater & King a visit. I think it’s just great to see horrible old empty neglected shops revitalised and opened as independent businesses.