Insider’s Guide to… The Electric Cafe
Feast season is in full swing again. And so our reporter is back on the streets of West Norwood getting the inside track on local traders.Presenting The Electric Cafe, a West Norwood institution with a reputation that punches way beyond the area… This renowned eatery sits modestly in a parade of shops on Norwood Road […]
Insider’s Guide to… Buywise Pet Supplies
For this edition of the Insider’s Guide our FEAST reporter went to the beating heart of Norwood Road to visit long standing West Norwood business – Buywise, the pet supplies shop. Pushing open the door, you are greeted by an Aladdin’s cave of pet wares accompanied by a distinctive waft. A first glance reveals bags […]
Insider’s Guide to… The Fruit & Veg Stall
Featuring the Fruit and Veg stall, which straggles a double pitch on the corner of Chestnut Road and Norwood Road. This familiar site to locals has been part of the fabric of the area since Victorian times. Our FEAST reporter chatted with owners Ross and Tina as they served a steady flow of regulars. Ross […]
Insider’s Guide to… Emmaus Lambeth
Winter rain and cold; but the FEAST team has regrouped to prepare for the year ahead. And so our intrepid reporter is back pounding the streets of West Norwood to meet more local traders. Presenting; Emmaus Lambeth, a homelessness charity with a cluster of shops along Knights Hill selling a variety of second hand goods. […]
Insider’s Guide to… B’s Balloons
Introducing B’s Balloons, West Norwood’s very own balloon and party suppliers, nestled on the corner of Bloom Grove opposite the cemetery. Our intrepid FEAST reporter stepped through the cheery bright-pink door to talk balloons with owner Bev and business partner Julie.
Insider’s guide to… The Clockworks
In Nettlefold Place near Cenci Vintage, featured previously in this blog, there is an unassuming door marked number 6 and signed The Clockworks. The converted Victorian industrial building, with on-trend grey paintwork, could be mistaken for the offices of an architect’s practice or media company. Instead, behind the entrance door there lies a nationally unique […]
Insider’s Guide to… Wear Abouts!
Introducing Wear Abouts, a family business selling children’s fashion and school wear in West Norwood’s high street. The owner Bashir and his son Yusuf warmly greeted our intrepid FEAST reporter and offered a tour of the premises. Towards the back of the shop, you can see an open stockroom with shelves to the ceiling […]
Insider’s Guide to… Hobby’s
It’s Spring and FEAST is back! And so our intrepid reporter set off once more to explore the streets of West Norwood, meeting local traders. Presenting Hobby’s, a family business for model makers and hobbyists since the 1950s. Stray behind Knight’s Hill into the quiet streets of the industrial area to find their large warehouse […]
Insider’s Guide to… Mosaic Workshop
Turning into Chestnut Road, just past the fruit and veg stall, our Intrepid FEAST reporter found Harry Day Mews. This handsome former furniture warehouse built in 1922 is now flats. Once you’ve buzzed the intercom, metal gates glide open and the Mosaic Workshop, London’s only specialist mosaic shop, is across the courtyard. If making […]
Insider’s Guide to… Floral Hall
Presenting Floral Hall, a longstanding West Norwood business with deep roots in the community. Entering the shop you are greeted by a central explosion of colour and a subtle fragrance of flowers; along the edges are displays of seeds, bulbs, chocolates, candles and vases. And there’s more… for tucked around the corner on Lansdowne Hill, Floral […]
Insider’s Guide to… Maddison’s
If you are a dedicated bargain hunter with a passion for second hand goods, then Maddison’s is a treat. The forecourt is a jumble of furniture. Inside, the shop is crammed with bookcases, chest of drawers, desks. The odd chair dangles from the ceiling. All of this is interspersed with bric a brac. It’s the […]
Insider’s Guide to… Studio Trap
Presenting… Studio Trap, West Norwood’s very own tattoo parlour, just off Norwood Road on Chatsworth Way. The shop frontage is eye-catching with a tall billboard of Marilyn Monroe, tattooed. If your idea of a tattoo parlour is a seedy, dark room, think again. Owner Donnie has worked hard to create a bright, inviting space, including […]
Insider’s Guide to… Goodways Electronics
Presenting… Goodways Electronics; a humble gem of a workshop hidden away in Dalton Street. Here a whole range of repairs are undertaken by owner John. Our intrepid FEAST reporter squeezed into the space in front of a counter dominated by flat screen TV’s. Through the gap framed by this line of TVs, you can glimpse […]
Insider’s Guide to… Cenci
Cenci is tucked away in Nettleford Place, the street behind the post office. Appearances can be deceptive; there’s an unassuming warehouse facade, but ring the bell and you are buzzed into a vintage treasure trove. Bags, shoes, jumpers, hats are stacked up high on shelves above bulging clothing rails. The business originated in Florence, Italy […]
Insider’s Guide to… Baron Deli
Introducing Artur and Neade, owners of Baron Polish and Brazilian Deli, a husband and wife team from Poland and Brazil. Baron is an established West Norwood shop, which for 3 years was near Floral Hall. They moved to their current larger premises 8 months ago. Baron sell mainly Polish and Brazilian foods and have a […]