Ciao Bellenden – A Saturday Shopping in Bellenden

Ciao Bellenden – A Saturday Shopping in Bellenden. Lawrence Roullier White samples the many delights of one of London’s most vivacious areas. Getting to Bellenden is easy; a train to Peckham Rye, the station is moments away, or a stroll from East Dulwich or Camberwell. Many buses serve Rye Lane and parking is not a problem with ample cheap parking available at Choumert Grove Car Park.
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Nestling between Peckham, East Dulwich and Camberwell is Bellenden, one of London’s most unique neighbourhoods. Were you suddenly dropped in Bellenden you might plausibly imagine you had been deposited in New York’s West Village, such is the variety and quaint creative charm of these leafy few crossroads. You half expect to see Edie Sedgwick sipping a cappuccino at a ‘sidewalk’ café. This image is compounded by the gorgeous Greenwich Village feel of the terrace of houses opposite always buzzing café Petitou. Petitou is the perfect place to start your trip to the area with a robust repast, there is so much to do you will need to keep your energy levels up.

Petitou was one of the first breed of new businesses to open in the area. Also leading this advance was trailblazer and visionary; the fashion-forward Maria Fenton. Fenton Walsh is an award-wining fashion store beyond compare; the carefully curated collection is a testament to Maria’s talented and knowledgeable eye. Special vintage pieces sit beside the work of ground breaking new designers, Maria has a skill for honing in on the next big thing and her stellar selection is the focus of the fashionista firmament. There is fashion for the fellas too, elegantly sported by super-stylish fashionmista Alex. Look out too for accessories from local designers and makers.

An equally talented retailer is Roz at Review Bookshop, you cannot fail to leave without purchasing, the selection of books speaks volumes of Roz’s book buying skills. Local interest books and books by local authors mingle with thoughtfully chosen titles that are a joy to stumble across. Look out for literally gifts and a great range of children’s books too.

Newly opened Quaint and Belle is a welcome addition to the area with gorgeous glassware, gifts, cards and candles. I was taken by the Paddy Wax range of city tinned candles.

BIAS on Bellenden is a fashion store worth watching too, where owner Sally places the emphasis on ethically produced garments mixed with esoteric objets and gifts. The beautifully dressed shop, with its stop-you-in-your-tracks window displays, is full of fabulous finds.

Threads is a must for all followers of vintage fashion, it is a mecca for the style-savvy including Florence Welch who wore a Diana Von Furstenberg bought from Threads in the front row at the Kenzo show in Florence in January. The store has some wonderfully unique children’s items too.

If all the clothes buying is getting a little out of hand, when it finally does become time to pack up the winter woollies why not stow them away Ralph Lauren style in a pile of old suitcases or trunks. Second hand store Worn Not Torn seems to have a never-ending supply of old cases, chests and trunks, all of which double up as great coffee or occasional tables.

Lunch in the Begging Bowl is a must and a great place to meet friends, as is the Victoria Inn opposite, where incidentally if you have an overspill of house guests the rooms are good value and well appointed. Check out the Montpelier and their wonderful cinema club.

Casa has an ever-changing selection of architectural salvage from doors to chimneys as well as restored old radiators and a staple selection of replica restoration items. Casa is an invaluable resource to homeowners wanting to restore period detailing to their previously butchered homes.

Talking of which, free-range butchers Flock and Herd is a relatively new, but indispensable, addition to the area. Try their succulent chicken breasts and you will never buy from a supermarket again. Rolled lamb breasts at just £2.50 each are great for a flavoursome and simple Sunday lunch. I am delighted to see this shop doing so well. Anderson and Co is a café par-excellence and a gourmand treasure trove, filled with delicious breads and other foodie finds. General Store across the road promises to be equally indispensable for groceries and provisions, I was delighted to see my favourite Campbell’s Tea and pizzelles amongst the many delicatessen delights.

I think Isabel at Le Melange crafts some of the best chocolate in the world, so if you are flagging make a pit stop there and top up the blood sugar in bar or mug form. A few bars taken away will come in handy whilst cosily curled up watching a movie on Sunday afternoon.

Paul’s Custom Cycles offers same day, friendly servicing whilst Dog About Town makes similar promises for your pooch! Phone both ahead or pop in to book.

On Choumert Road Ellie’s Bakehouse is a shrine to sugar and a temple to delectable delights, selling prêt-à-porter cupcakes, bespoke celebratory cakes and off-the-baker’s-rack artisan bread. Or watch the world go by and review your wonderful purchases next door in the calming environment of groovy Café Viva.

Lawrence’s monthly shopping column appears in the SE Magazines group of publications.