Saturday Shopping In Honor Oak

The most marvelous and unique thing about our glorious part of South London is that one can walk a mile or so but feel like one has traveled to a completely different town, such is the varied nature of our lovely local neighbourhoods.

Nothing demonstrates this more for me than a Saturday jaunt to Honor Oak, via the truly magnificent One Tree Hill. Since a child, where my school friends and I would play, the wooded hill has always been one of my favourite places; an escape to the countryside but seconds away and with an enormous reminder of how close you are to town with the spectacular views..

One Tree Hill is named after the Oak of Honor which once stood on its peak, So named as beneath it Queen Elizabeth I rested during her journey to Eltham Palace on May Day 1602.

The original oak was struck by lightning in 1888 but an equally majestic off-shoot stands in its place. This wooded nature reserve is home to much fauna and fauna, I am delighted to regularly see, but more often hear, woodpeckers on my early morning strolls. Join the Friends of One Tree Hill. 

The Blotched Emerald Moth’s first recorded sighting was on One Tree Hill and accordingly the species was originally named the Maid of Honor.

Not only important historically and naturally, One Tree Hill has important political significance too. In 1886 the hill was annexed by a local golf club and angered residents rose up in opposition. In 1887 15,000 objectors met and tore down the golf club's fences singing 'Rule Britannia' as they did so. Underestimating the strength of people power the golf club ignored the local mood and six days later more violent demonstrations resulted in a near riot of around 100,000 people, It took the slow moving wheels of the then Camberwell Council almost eight years to compulsory purchase the land and in a fitting piece of symmetry the park was opened to the public on May Day 1905. The episode is rather wonderfully recorded in the annals as the ‘Agitation’. Victorian Honor Oakians rocked!

Pause for a minute at the top, on the former World War I gun emplacement and by the beacon erected to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of King George VI in 1935, from where once London would have been advised of any invasion threats from the Spanish or French. The view of London really is breath taking.

On the way down the other side you will pass the beautiful St Augstine’s Church, I cannot think of a prettier church, this grade two-listed building is being restored thanks to grants from English Heritage and donations, a busy calendar of performances also brings in much needed cash. You can show your support by attending one of the many events. See what is going on by clicking here.

It is a gentle meander past the station down to the shops and cafés of Honor Oak. Now wonderfully served by the London Overground Line no one has an excuse not to visit Honor Oak. 

After all this exertion you could do with a break, so stop off at Hop Scotch for a beverage of the alcoholic or soft variety. The bar has a programme of live music and a bistro style menu in the evenings.

At Vaidas Bicycles you can buy a bike, have a commissioned bike custom built, have a bike repaired and even hire one. Owner, and wheel builder supreme, the charming Vaidas, will ably aid you with all or any of your biking issues. Pop in, you'll really enjoy it. If you have a cyclist friend you can awlays buy gift vouchers from Vaidas if you are stuck for a gift idea.

The Honor Oak Florist provides beautiful bouquets of fresh flowers and offers same day local delivery, worth remembering. Go in for a lovely chat and walk out with an arrangement that will be the envy of your friends and the talking point of your evening's dinner party.

The Honor Oak Gallery offers picture framing and sells original work by artists. I love the watercolour ‘Gossip’ by English artist, June Berry, whose work is charming and fresh.

Across the road Jumping Bean is a stylish store full of fabulous frocks and heavenly homewares. It is a great one stop shop for gorgeous gifts. I love the Scrabble coasters, stacking spotty mugs and this pretty butterfly tea light holder. If you are rushing to meet a friend in anyone of the wonderful bars and cafes of Honor Oak, Jumping Bean will gift wrap for you too! 

Tapa Tisserie is a great spot to while away an afternoon grazing on delicious Spanish delicacies.  Chorizo in heather honey caught my eye as did the bottled beer from Spain’s largest brewery Cruz Campo – with its delightful red logo. You might want to pause for a moment with a Crema Catalana, their remarkable crème brûlée ice cream. Tapa Tisserie supports local businesses, I was delighted to see the sausages in their ciabatta sausage sandwiches are supplied my one of my favourite stores; Flock & Herd.

Hills and Parkes is a wonderful, wonderful  enterprise which us locals are lucky to have and non-locals would be advised to visit. The groovy café offers a range of deli delights including, I have been told, the best sausage rolls . ever. I adore their salmon and broccoli quiche, any of which you can eat there or take away

The lovely owners, duo Jacqui and Emma, source wonderful local produce (hurrah), which is a real remedy to the horrible homogenised grocery chains. They will cater your event, cook you dinner in your home and you can even pop in for a wholesome prepared meal to heat through later.

They have a range of quirky ambient foods too; I bought a jar of John and Dolly Smith’s Scotch Bonnet Pickle and Birchall Great Rift Single Estate Tea, which I shall be taking as gifts to my dinner hosts tonight. Hills and Parkes even share their recipes with you, whilst I was there I picked up a gorgeous one for roast leg of lamb with seasonal veg.
Keep up the wonderful work ladies!

Neroli, the beautiful beauty salon, offers a host of treatments for both him and her. It is also packed with wonderful health and beauty products, including Eminence Bamboo Firming Fluid, the delicious sounding Strawberry and Rhubarb Dermafoliant and complexion evening; Stone Crop Serum. Any of which would make a much appreciated gift.

Further down the road and around the corner is the wonderful Babur Restaurant, listed by both Zagat and the Michelin Guide, and from which I borrow the following;

‘Good looks and innovative cooking make this passionately run and long-established Indian restaurant stand out. Influences from the south and north west feature most and seafood is a highlight - look out for the ‘Treasures of the Sea’ menu’.

This thriving eatery gets busy so be sure to book, I can guarantee you will not be disappointed. The landmark restaurant has been operating since 1985 and attracts diners from all over the world. Guests I take always ask if they can go back when they return and of course I am more than happy to oblige. But don’t take mine and Michelin’s word for it check out this jewel in South London’s crown yourself. 

Please shop local. Doing so helps to preserves our communities upon which we all depend. 

Lawrence's shopping page appears monthly in the SE Magazines group of magazines. Please click here to read online.