The South Londoner - June 2026

SOUTH LONDonER

About us

―

We’ve been producing independent, balanced and community-focused journalism in south London since 1987. We are proud to be a London Living Wage employer.

Our flagship publication, the Southwark News launched in 1987 and is now London’s only independent, paid for newspaper.

We also publish the South London Weekly and Greenwich and Lewisham Weekender every week, as well as the quarterly Bermondsey Biscuit and Rotherhithe Docker

We use 100% recovered paper from the Ortviken papermill in Sweden, a green energy provider who use biofuel instead of oil and provide heat for 10,000 single family homes.

We're based in Bermondsey Square

- we'd love to chat if you want to pop in for a cup of coffee and tell us about your business!

www.southlondon.co.uk

Editor Kevin Quinn

Editorial Manager Katherine Johnston

Writers Evie Flynn, Flora Bigham, Myfanwy Flemming-Jones, Francesca Papp, Romilly Schulte, Tom Appleny

Design Dan Martin, Ann Gravesen

Marketing Clarry Frewin, Katie Boyd, Mandy Stong

Media Partnerships Anthony Phillips

Finance Emrah Zeki

Managing Directors Chris Mullany and Kevin Quinn

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Contents

5 HOME SECRETARY -

Silk dyeing in Vauxhall, Forest Hill matchbox painting & experimental songwriting in Nunhead

9 CULTURE -

Queen visits the Fan Museum in Greenwich, to launch exhibition and make founder dedication

7-13 WHAT'S ON -

Summer rooftop cinema in Peckham, immersive theatre in Dulwich, Bubble show in Woolwich, street theatre in Sydenham & the South Norwood Community Festival

14-23 COMMUNITY -

Puppets and storytelling in Bermondsey, pub crawls around SE15, our guide to summer swimming & inside the Dulwich Lawn Tennis Club. Southwark Pride celebrates its fourth year & the South London Wine Fair.

25-26 WORLD CUP -

Our guide to where to watch the World Cup

28-37 FOOD & DRINK -

National pizza winner opens in Peckham, Banook Bagels to open in Dulwich, Champagne + Fromage's newest bistro, last summer for Mercato Metropolitano

38 COMMUNITY -

Celebrating the Windrush generation

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What’s on

By Evie Flynn, Francesca Papp and Flora Bigham

PORTRAIT OF A CITY: A CENTURY OF AMERICAN PHOTOGRAPHY

This exhibition explores one hundred years of American urban life through the people who lived, worked, and moved through its streets. Featuring works by 34 influential photographers from 1907 to 2012, the exhibition traces the evolution of photography in the modern city, capturing individuals and communities shaping their environments.

Dates: July 28 - October 4

Time: Tuesday – Sunday, 10:00-5:00pm

Price: Adult with donation: from £20 Student / Disabled visitors with donation: £10 Under 30s with donation: £10

Universal Credit / Pension Credit: £1 Under 18s: free

Location: Dulwich Picture Gallery, College Road, SE21 7AD dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk

FEMINIST

SCI-FI BOOK CLUB

Feminist, queer, women-led book club at London’s only community-owned pub, the Ivy House, Nunhead.

Dates: June 30, July 28, September 29

Time: 7:30pm

Location: The Ivy House 50 Stuart Road SE15 3BE ivyhousenunhead.com

AK’CHAMEL

Elephant and Castle promoter Baba Yaga’s Hut presents Ak’chamel at Peckham Levels. The mysterious Texas duo have built a solid reputation as a compelling stage project. Wearing nightmarish costumes and engaging in hallucinatory rituals. Expect fictional folk-music, post-apocalyptic sounds and desert-scorched psyche.

Date: September 4

Time: 7:30pm

Price: £20

Location: Peckham Multi Story Car Park, Level 6, 95a Rye Lane SE15 4ST peckhamlevels.org

NATURAL SILK SCARF DYEING WORKSHOPS, VAUXHALL

Head to Bonnington Cafe in Vauxhall for a series of workshops led by London-based artist Grace Frogley, whose work explores silk and ceramic marbling, ink, and natural dyes.

Participants can create their own naturally dyed silk scarf using botanical pigments derived from plants, flowers, roots, and spices.

Dates: Sat May 2, May 16, June 6, June 20

Time: 11am-1pm

Price: £40 pp (used code SPRING5 for £5 off)

Location: Bonnington Cafe, 11 Vauxhall Grove, SW8 1TD gracefrogley.com

MATCHBOX

PAINTING WORKSHOP AT BETTER THINGS LONDON

Create your own set of three mini matchboxes in a boutique workshop at Better Things London. With complimentary cocktails and snacks, it will be a fun evening complete with all the materials needed to paint your own matchboxes.

Dates: May, 27

Time: 6:00-8:00pm

Price: £35pp

Location: Better Things London, 8 Dartmouth Rd, London SE23 3XU - 3 minute walk from Forest Hill station betterthingslondon.com

ASTRA FORWARD

The Ivy House presents an intimate evening of experimental songwriting and alternative soundscapes. Southeast London’s Astra Forward brings her full band for a performance of ethereal, immersive songs exploring nature, grief, mysticism and human connection. A former member of Diagrams (Sam Genders / Tunng) and collaborator with Erland Cooper, Astra’s haunting voice and expansive arrangements promise a deeply moving live experience.

Date: July 12

Time: 7:30pm

Price: £8

Location: The Ivy House 50 Stuart Road SE15 3BE ivyhousenunhead.com

KNIT TO COMMIT

Free knitting and crochet classes. All welcome: beginners, improvers, social fibre crafters. Neurodiverse group.

Dates: Every Thursday

Time: 7:00-9:00pm

Price: Free

Location: Bells Gardens Community Centre, 19 Buller Close SE15 6UJ tinyurl.com/bdzcjsw8

Summer screenings

Live music, cult classic films and flowing drinks are coming to the rooftop of the Bussey Building this summer

By Evie Flynn

London events organiser Sofar Sounds is joining forces with Rooftop Cinema Club in Peckham to bring a blend of cinema and live music to South London in July and August.

The concept combines golden hour film screenings on the open-air rooftop of the Bussey Building with skyline views and curated live music sessions.

Music performances will begin shortly before each screening, with guests encouraged to arrive early to grab a drink and a slice of fresh pizza to enjoy during the film.

The cinema space on the roof is equipped with laid-back comfy seating and viewers are connected to the action via wireless headphones.

The partnership launches on Tuesday, June 2, with a screening of  The Breakfast Club, accompanied by an alternative-rock, new waveinspired music set.

Coming to the Bussey Building on Thursday, July 23, is Baby Driver, featuring a rock and soulthemed silent disco live band performance before the screening. The 2017 film stars Ansel Elgort and Lily James as a young couple caught up in the world of crime while searching for a way out.

On Thursday, August 13, the 2000 film Almost Famous, starring Kate Hudson, Frances McDormand and Patrick Fugit, will take to the rooftop screen. The accompanying music will lean into Britpop and post-punk influences, while the film follows a teenage journalist writing for Rolling Stone magazine during the early 1970s.

There will also be screenings and live music over the water in Stratford, including Baby Driver on July 22 and 10 Things I Hate About You on August 12.

Alison White, head of marketing, communications and sponsorships (UK), said: "At Rooftop Cinema Club we’re all about

creating shared experiences that bring people together through film, music and atmosphere - so partnering with Sofar Sounds this summer felt like a natural fit.

“We have two like-minded brands coming together for audiences passionate about enjoying great live music and iconic films in unforgettable settings.

“We’re excited to bring a new series of special rooftop screenings to London this summer, pairing live performances with cult favourites and crowd-pleasers such as The Breakfast Club and 10 Things I Hate About You. Add skyline views, golden hour and you’ve got a pretty special night out."

Tickets cost £34 for the music and movie screening and are available to book via sofarsounds.com

UPCOMING DATES IN PECKHAM:

Thursday 23 July – Baby Driver Thursday 13 August – Almost Famous

Roof A, Bussey Building, 133 Rye Ln, London SE15 4ST

EVERY SATURDAY · LEWISHAM

African & Caribbean · Black-owned

WAKUDA MARKET

11AM – 6PM · Free Entry

Lewisham Shopping Centre

SCAN ME

Unlock your discount and stay updated

A royal fan

Queen Camilla visits the Fan Museum for founder dedication and exhibition launch

By Evie Flynn

An exhibition showcasing centuries of royal fans has opened at the Fan Museum in Greenwich – featuring decorative fans and royal souvenirs once owned and used by monarchies across Europe.

The exhibition, which runs from May until September, was officially opened by Her Majesty Queen Camilla on May 7. The Queen, who has been a patron of the museum since 2008, even contributed two fans from her personal collection to the display.

Situated in a Grade II Listed early Georgian townhouse, there are over 7,0000 fan-related items on display in the museum – spanning across different decades and cultures.

Fans have long been used as status symbols throughout history, with some fans in the new exhibition being unique commissions made for members of royal courts. Others are mass produced memorabilia celebrating royal events, from coronations to royal weddings.

During the Queen’s visit, she dedicated two rooms to the 93-year-old founder of the

museum, Hélène Alexander MBE, recognising her decades of work building one of the world’s most significant collections of fans.

The exhibition includes loans from His Majesty the King / Royal Collection, The Worshipful Company of Fan Makers and the loan of a special late 19th century dress from a private collection.

Many of the featured items have been, or continue to be, owned by members of British and European royal families and date back as far as the 18th century.

This exhibition is a snapshot of the sorts of fans that royal ladies used as accessories to their costume, as well as giving a glimpse into the

world of how others believed their monarchies should be portrayed.

Hélène Alexander has served as the Fan Museum’s Director for more than thirty years. Born in Alexandria, Egypt, she studied History and Art at the Lycée Français d’Alexandrie, before a varied career working in theatre, teaching history of art and lecturing.

In 1991, she founded the museum alongside her late husband, A. V. Alexander, CBE, and has been striving to be ‘a museum unlike any other’. The only other dedicated Fan Museum is in China.

Tim Barnes KC, MBE, the chairman of the Fan Museum, said: “As well as many items from the Museum’s extensive collection, the present exhibition has benefited from loans from The Royal Collection Trust, the Queen’s personal collection and the Worshipful Company of Fan Makers.”

The Museum is a registered charity, with accessible ticket pricing and a small gift shop. Entry to the museum costs £5 for adults and £3 for children (under 7s go free).

The exhibition is running until Saturday 26th September, Wednesday to Saturday from 11am to 5pm.

12 Crooms Hill, Greenwich, London, SE10 8ER thefanmuseum.org.uk

Summer Open Day & Open Evening

Thursday 18th June 2026

Graveney School is holding its Open Day for Yr 7 pupils on Thursday 18th June throughout the school day & in the evening from 5pm-8pm. We will be offering the opportunity for families to have tours of the school accompanied by our current students. Further details regarding our Open Day are now available on our website.

Graveney benefits from a beautiful, leafy campus, comprising eleven buildings including a former Georgian stately home, a Victorian school building, several architecturally interesting blocks built in the 1960s, a prizewinning new block which opened in 2016 and a second new block was completed in September 2019 with ten humanities classrooms and an observatory. This second block was

awarded the New London Architectural Award in 2020.

In 2025 we had our best ever GCSE results - 89% of our students achieved 4+ in English and Mathematics, 78% received 5+ in both and an incredible 52% of all grades were 7 or above.

The school’s overall attainment score places it in the top 10% of schools in the country. Graveney has also been deemed ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted on six occasions. Each year, Graveney’s results remain not just consistent but consistently exceptional, providing further evidence that our mantra of ‘Committed

to Excellence’ is reflected in everything we do.

Graveney’s Yr 7 pupils are drawn from a wide number of local schools, the vast majority of pupils living locally. In addition to a rigorous academic curriculum, a wide range of sports, musical and cultural extra-curricular activities are offered to ensure that pupils are well rounded and encouraged to excel in a variety of different walks of life. There is particular emphasis on outdoor education, the school is one of the largest Duke of Edinburgh centres in the country and all Year 7 Graveney pupils participate in a weeklong trip to Wales. Both of these outdoor pursuits help students to build confidence, resilience and a tight-knit community within the school.

Graveney looks forward to welcoming you to the school’s Yr 7 Open Day which will provide an excellent opportunity for prospective pupils and their parents to have a tour of the school’s facilities, to visit subject departments and see our exciting approaches to teaching as well as to find out the answers to the many ‘frequently asked questions’ that we receive.

Further information regarding our Open Day are now available on our website. Visit www.graveney.org and click on ‘Admission.’

By Evie Flynn, Flora Bigham, Francesca Papp

WHIPPERSNAPPERS IMMERSIVE

THEATRE,

DULWICH:

Dive into a magical Cornish adventure featuring Fairies, Pixies, Pirates and Mermaids. This immersive theatre event is designed for children aged 3-7 years and siblings. Baby and toddler only sessions will happen on July 7 & 8.

Dates: Saturday June 13 - Sunday July 26

Time: 10.45am & 2.15pm

Price: Adult tickets £17.50, Child tickets £28.50, discounts on group bookings

Location: College Lodge, Dulwich Park, SE21 7BQ whippersnappers.org

THE BUBBLE SHOW, WOOLWICH:

Mr Bubbles will be heading to Woolwich Works to perform "The Bubble Show". Children ages 3 and above can enjoy watching him conjure whimsical soap bubbles in all shapes and sizes. Mr Bubbles is an actor, storyteller and Guinness World Record Holder, renowned as one of the foremost bubble artists in the world.

Dates: Sunday 14 June

Time: 2pm – 3pm

Price: £16.50 per ticket

Location: Woolwich Works (Fireworks Factory), 11 No.1 Street, Royal Arsenal, Woolwich, SE18 6HD woolwich.works

TOWER BRIDGE COLLECTIVE FOODHALL, TOWER BRIDGE:

Taste delicious meals from around the world at Tower Bridge Collective foodhall while your kids enjoy a dedicated play area, complete with a sandpit. Their Kids Eat Free deals offer one free kid’s meal with every adult meal purchased.

Dates: Ongoing

Location: 1 Shad Thames, Horselydown Ln, London SE1 2LJ

Price: No entry fee towerbridgecollective.co.uk

SOUTH NORWOOD COMMUNITY FESTIVAL:

Family friendly South Norwood Community Festival returns for the 14th year running, with music, fairground rides, food and drink, and arts and crafts.

The centre-stage will boast a genre-shifting line-up from 1950s cover bands to local jazz ensembles and DJs - so bring a pair of dancing shoes.

With a whole day of activities for the kids, families are encouraged to bring a picnic blanket and camp out for the day.

Date: Sunday, July 5

Time: 11am - 7pm

Price: Free

Location: South Norwood Recreation Ground, Cargreen Road, South Norwood SE25 5AD. sncfest.org

STREET THEATRE SHOW, SYDENHAM:

Sydenham-based theatre company Spontaneous Productions are hosting a free ‘walkabout’ theatre show ‘Sydenham’s Big Cat Safari’ for all ages this summer. Since 2005 rumours have swirled of a black panther prowling the streets of Sydenham. Children can watch as legendary Swedish cryptozoologist Bjorn Bjornsen and his eccentric team embark on a mission to find the panther.

The event is free but donations are welcome.

Dates: Friday 31 July to Sunday 2 August

Time: Keep an eye out on their website for exact times

Price: Free

Location: The Greyhound Pub, 313-315 Kirkdale, London, SE26 4QB spontaneousproductions.co.uk

Puppets in the Blue

-

BERMONDSEY IS SET TO COME ALIVE THIS SUMMER WITH A SERIES OF FREE STORYTELLING EVENTS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY IN SE16 THROUGHOUT MAY TO JULY.

By Evie Flynn

Bermondsey Puppet and Storytelling Festival will be running across schools, community venues and public spaces every week from 16 May - and it will be led by a group of renowned artists, puppeteers and storytellers.

Designed to transcend ‘cultural and generational boundaries’, the workshops will give people of all ages and abilities a chance to make puppets and listen to stories from a range of storytellers.

Alongside drop-in workshops and performances at The Blue Market, the festival will also feature Let’s Make Music & Dance (30 May), Bermondsey & Beyond Literary Festival (19 - 28 June) and Okinawa Days (20 June).

The summer will culminate in a final show in Bermondsey Spa Gardens on Sunday 12 July, where local and international artists will gather with residents to share stories inspired by Bermondsey and South London.

Connection With Wonder, Collaborative Arts CIC and Southwark Cultural Celebration Fund

All events are free and you can reserve a spot on the Bermondsey London Eventbrite page.

THE FULL PROGRAMME:

Storyteller Rez Kabir & Marionnette Workshop

When: Saturday 16 May: 12 - 3pm

Where: The Blue Market, South Bermondsey SE16 3UQ

When: Saturday 23 May 2026: stories at 12 - 3pm

Where: The Blue Market, South Bermondsey SE16 3UQ

Jumping Jack workshop & Let’s Make Music & Dance

When: 12 - 3pm Saturday 30 May 2026

The festival will kick-off on 16 May with Bangladeshi-born storyteller, Raz Kabir performing in the Blue Marketplace - sharing a story blending myth and legend. Then, Sarah Sparkes will be sharing how to make tree spirit marionette puppets.

On 23 May storyteller and poet Baden Prince Jnr will bring his live literature to the Blue with “traditional” tales from the Caribbean and all over the world. Families will then be able to make their own Big Cat hand puppet with Frog Morris to bring along to the finale date on 12 July.

Sarah Sparkes will be returning to the Blue Market on 30 May to teach the crowds how to make a ‘jumping jack’ puppet – which you can craft whilst listening to live music in the square by Unity Music Arts Trust.

Also heading to the Blue is animation expert Phyllida Hickish on 6 June who will guide participants through a winged bird puppet workshop, with a live performance by Brazilian storyteller Marianna Portella.

On 13 June, there will be a forest-themed workshop with Crooked Timber Theatre, where children and their adults can make puppets using recycled materials.

For older children, aged 11 and above, head to an afterdark workshop in the Bermondsey BID’s brand new railway arch workspace at the Biscuit Factory (18 June). The theme will centre around shadow puppets, ending in a show and tell where you can present your new creation – or, bring your own optical tricks and illustrations.

On 20 June, the Blue will come alive for Okinawa Day, a traditional celebration of the unique culture from Okinawa, the southernmost islands of Japan. You can make Dugongs puppets with artist Miyuki Kasanara whilst enjoying live music, performances and food.

Head to the Rouel Road Community Orchard

For the Bermondsey Literary Festival on 4 July, where local storyteller Bernadette Russell will join Rouel Road Gardeners in their allotment. The special outdoor storytelling session is a collaboration with Bermondsey Literary Festival and will end with an Armed Forces Day in the Blue Market afterwards.

The final preparations for the grand finale will take place at the Blue Market on 11 July, with a puppet theatre workshop. Make last minute props and puppets before loading up the van for the big show the next day.

The festival will end with a large celebration taking over Bermondsey Spa Gardens on 12 July. Described as a ‘day of storytelling and performances’, there will be headline

The festival is brought to SE16 by London Dreamtime Storytelling and Illuminate Bermondsey & Rotherhithe, and supported by Blue Bermondsey Bid,

Where: The Blue Market, South Bermondsey SE16 3UQ

Bird Puppet Workshop with Phyllida Hickish

When: 12 - 3pm Saturday 13 June 2026

Where: The Blue Market, South Bermondsey SE16 3UQ

Animal Puppet Workshop with Gemma Khawaja

When: 12 - 3pm Thursday 18 June 2026

Where: The Blue Market, South Bermondsey SE16 3UQ

Shadow Puppet Show & Tell

Ages 11+ / Adults

When: Saturday 20th June 2026

Where: The Blue Market, South Bermondsey SE16 3UQ

Laura Sampson - Bermondsey Literary Festival

When: 11am - 3pm Saturday 20th June 2026

Where: London Bubble Theatre, 5 Elephant Ln, London SE16 4JD

Tickets available soon

Okinawa Day

When: 12am - 3pm Saturday 27th June 2026

Where: The Blue Market, South Bermondsey SE16 3UQ

Bernadette Russell - Bermondsey Literary Festival

When: 12am - 3pm Saturday 27th June 2026

Where: The Rouel Blue Garden Club, Rouel Community Gardens, Alexis Street, SE16 3XFU

Fairy Puppet Workshop with Kaeridwyn Eftelya

When: 12 - 3pm Saturday 4 July 2026

Where: The Blue Market, South Bermondsey SE16 3UQ

Puppet Theatre Workshop

When: 12pm - 3pm Saturday 11th July 2026

Where: The Blue Market, South Bermondsey SE16 3UQ

Bermondsey Puppet and Story Festival

When: 12pm - 5pm Saturday 12th July 2026

Where: Bermondsey Spa Gardens Spa Rd, SE1 3EU

Communal pub crawling

SE15Nightsis a new, weekly meet-up for pubgoers in Peckham

By Myfanwy Fleming-Jones

Peckham’s growing nightlife scene is being spotlighted through a new weekly pub crawl designed to bring more visitors into the area’s bars and clubs.

Local resident Chloe Lessore, who has lived in Peckham for nearly 30 years, has launched SE15 Nights - a guided experience aimed at boosting footfall on typically quieter weekday evenings.

Running every Tuesday and Thursday, the organised nights take participants through four or five venues across Peckham.

“We want more of Peckham to be seen,” said the 37-year-old entrepreneur. “We want people to experience these places and see how good a night out here can be. The area deserves its moment.”

For £15, ticket holders receive a welcome drink at each stop, along with discounted drinks throughout the evening.

Lessore, who attended St. Francis Primary School before moving to St Joseph’s, said the idea grew out of a conversation with her close friendship group who grew up in the area together.

The group, who work at Peckham Oasis gallery, consists of her partner Jamie Nguyen, his brother Chris Nguyen, and Tony Nteh. They jokingly call themselves “the Four Horsemen” and hope SE15 Nights will encourage more people to explore Peckham midweek and support local businesses.

Each night offers a slightly different experience.

Tuesdays focus on a lively, fast-paced route, beginning on Rye Lane and moving towards Peckham High Street, with shorter stops at more venues. Thursdays take a slower “hidden gems” approach, highlighting lesser-known spots and encouraging a more relaxed atmosphere.

The crawl typically starts between 6pm and 7pm and runs until midnight. Whilst the busier Tuesday events attract between 20 and 40 people, the smaller Thursdays take around 10 to 15.

Participating venues include The Red Bull, The Copper Tap, The Nag’s Head, The Angel Oak and Shorty’s Bar.

“It’s a win-win,” Lessore added. “The venues get more people through the door on quieter nights, and visitors get to discover what Peckham has to offer.”

Reflecting on the area’s changing reputation, she said: “When my siblings and I were younger, people looked down on Peckham. Now it’s seen as somewhere cool. The changes happening here show its value.”

SE15 Nights launched in May and runs weekly. Tickets are available via Eventbrite and through the Instagram page.

“Bring your friends along,” Lessore said. “You’re going to have a good time.”

Follow @SE15Nights on Instagram

Make a splash this summer

By Gabriel Stewart

Struggled to stay with it when London was sweltering in the heat? Don't worry, here's five swimming spots to keep cool over the summer.

The UK's all-time highest May temperature record was broken at Kew Gardens with a whopping 34.8C recorded and the heat is likely to return before long.

It is the kind of weather where being near or in water is essential for many to get by so, we've compiled a list of top outdoor swimming spots for South Londoners to get some relief from the heat...

SURREY DOCKS FITNESS AND WATERSPORTS CENTRE

Swimmers from can now go for a dip at London's oldest riverside dock, Greenland Dock in Rotherhithe.

The dock, built in 1695-99, was introduced as an open water swimming spot in August 2024 as part of Southwark Council's Surrey Docks Fitness and Watersports Centre site.

If you want beautiful views of the capital's skyline whilst you swim then this 300m swimming loop might be the spot for you at just £9 a pop.

The dock is a short walk from Surrey Quays station on the London Overground or Canada Water on the Jubilee line.

Address: Surrey Docks Fitness and Watersports Centre, Rope St, London SE16 7SX https://southwarkleisure.co.uk/watersports/ Cost? £9 a sesson

CHARLTON LIDO AND LIFESTYLE CLUB

Home to an olympic-sized heated outdoor pool, Charlton Lido is open to swimmers all-year round and even boasts a summer sun terrace.

The last municipal lido to be built in London, the 50m pool opened in 1939 but was closed between 2004 and 2012 before it was re-opened by charitable social enterprise GLL

This South London gem includes a childrens pool, gym and cafe for visitors to use in the centre of Hornfair Park.

Address: Charlton Lido and Lifestyle Club, Hornfair Park, Shooters Hill Rd, SE18 4LX https://www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/london/ greenwich/charlton-lido/prices Cost? £11.50 for adults, £5.50 for kids

BROCKWELL LIDO

Ranked London's top outdoor swimming spot by Time Out earlier this year, Brockwell Lido is a favourite for many Londoners throughout the year but especially when it gets hot.

The 50-metre lido first opened in 1937 and was built in an Art Deco style as part of London County Council's initiative to bring "the seaside to the city".

The unheated pool is the ideal summer location to go for a swim, top up on some sunrays and maybe even eat a few sourdough pizza's at the lido's cafe.

Address: Brockwell Lido, Dulwich Rd, London SE24 0PA

https://www.fusion-lifestyle.com/brockwell-lido/ Cost? £9.50 for adults

TOOTING BEC LIDO

After a £4 million revamp, Tooting Bec Lido is open again to the public this summer.

Tooting's pool has been a local favourite since opening in 1906, with its multicoloured changing huts giving it an iconic look.

The largest outdoor freshwater pool in the UK, at just over 90m, it is frequented by swimmers at all times of the year.

There is a paddling pool for the kids and a cafe for any lunches or snacks to get you through the day.

Address: Tooting Bec Lido, Tooting Bec Rd, London SW16 1RU

https://www.placesleisure.org/centres/tooting-beclido/centre-activities/lido-information/ Cost? £9.40 for adults and £5.20 for kids.

RUSKIN PARK PADDLING POOL

Opening over the bank holiday weekend, Ruskin Park Paddling Pool is ready to host families throughout the summer season.

The Lambeth pool has brought joy and summer fun to the local community for generations and will be open until mid September.

Brand new picnic tables have been built by Friends of Ruskin Park this year, with volunteers working with Lambeth Council to run the paddling pool.

Address: Ruskin Park, Denmark Hill, SE5 8EL Cost? Free but you can text SPLASH to 70450 to donate £3 to help with running costs

We

Acing your new workout

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By Flora Bigham

Off a leafy grove in Herne Hill, Dulwich Lawn Tennis Club, or DLTC, is a hidden oasis mixing traditional court craft with innovative, fun new workouts.

Sebastien Blanchon joined as head coach of the club eight years ago. When he arrived there was no website, no list of coaches, and no database. There are now five coaches teaching around 500 people a week, including 350 children and 150 adults. “I built it from the ground up”, he said.

One of Sebastien’s recent introductions is “cardio tennis”. He described the dynamic class as similar to Pilates and Zumba, but instead of exercising inside a studio, participants are outside on a tennis court, hitting balls with a racquet.

The session includes drills, running and navigating obstacles, all to the soundtrack of high-energy music. Many members sign up with their friends, so not only is it great physical exercise, but also a lovely social event. “It might not be as fun in cold and wet January, but when it’s summertime, 17-18 degrees, blue skies and sunshine, there is no better way to start the day”, Sebastien said.

Alongside weekly classes and activities, DLTC is about to hold its annual club tournament. Beginning on Saturday, May 30, every day for the following three weeks there will be matches, 350 in total, before an evening BBQ and drinks.

All age groups take part in the event, from juniors to “veterans” (those aged 55 and over). There are around 20

categories, including mixed doubles, men’s singles and doubles, and women’s singles and doubles - all for every age group.

And the club will, of course, also be celebrating Wimbledon season. The club features a bar with a large flat screen TV which will show all the matches.

The club has capacity for 500 members but has nearly three times that number on the waiting list, with 1400 hoping to begin their membership.

This boom happened off the back of covid, Sebastien explained.  After everyone was suddenly told to stay at home, he believes many re-evaluated their daily habits which included enjoying the outdoors – “You don’t know that you’re missing something until you can’t do it”, he added, and this rings particularly true for the club.

DLTC hosts a range of events for kids. While some of the children have professional ambitions, many are there to learn the sport and enjoy themselves. Sebastien spoke to us after a day spent coaching at DLTC’s holiday camp.

There are three aims for the camp, he explained, that the kids learn to “love the game, have fun and improve… we include a bit of learning, a bit of competition and a lot of fun”.

Sebastien grew up playing tennis in France, but did not explore coaching as a career until he came to London 23 years ago. He first arrived to improve his English, working a 9 to 5 in a Soho-based catering company alongside a 6pm to 9pm night class in journalism.

Living in Streatham, he began coaching on weekends, which revived his love for tennis. He began coaching full time in 2010 before moving to DLTC in 2018 “and I have not looked back since… I have been coming to work with a smile on my face every day for the past 8 years”, he added.

Not only is tennis great exercise but it brings a community together. Everyone has a “busy life in a busy city, taking even one hour where players leave their life behind and have fun is so useful” he said. Particularly

after covid, Sebastien has noticed coaches feel they are “psychologists more than tennis coaches”, providing mental health support to the community.

It is not just tennis courts that are available to members, there is also a cricket pitch, croquet pitch and squash courts. While the club has a long waiting list, non-members can also book lessons at the club.

The club offers coaching sessions, tennis tournaments and more. It boasts five clay courts, four grass and two hard courts, with three new clay courts planned for the next year. Five of these courts feature floodlights, meaning players can continue into the warm summer evenings.

Lessons with a coach start from £45 (private)/£50 (joint) an hour

Dulwich Lawn Tennis Club, Giant Arches Rd, London, SE24 9HB clubspark.lta.org.uk/dulwichlawntennisclub

Diverse, inclusive and proud

Southwark’s Pride celebrations return for the fourth year on Saturday, June 27, with a march from South Bank to Mint Street Park, a free festival, and an after party at The Rising

By Evie Flynn

The volunteer-led event will begin at 12pm at the London LGBTQ+ Community Centre on South Bank before marching through the heart of the borough to Elephant and Castle.

From 1pm – 6pm, there will be a free festival in Mint Street Park with live music, drag shows, community stalls and street food.

The stage will be led by RuPaul Drag Race’s Kate Butch, Southwark Drag royalty Son of a Tutu, and Ada Campe, among others. The day will be hosted by fierce London drag queen, Anna Toni.

After the festival, the celebrations of Southwark’s LGBTQ+ community will continue at an after-party from 6pm at queer-led The Rising SE1 in Elephant and Castle.

The event will combine colour, protest and pride in a powerful day of celebration for Southwark’s local lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer communities and organisers have said that they expect this year's Pride to be the biggest.

Victor Chamberlain, chair of Pride in Southwark, and new deputy leader at Southwark Council, said: “Pride in Southwark started four years ago with a simple idea: to create a Pride rooted in our community, reflecting the incredible diversity, creativity and resilience of LGBTQ+ people in Southwark. Since then it has grown into

something really special which is joyful, grassroots and proudly local.

“Southwark is home to the third largest LGBTQ+ population in the UK, and Pride in Southwark is about celebrating that community in all its diversity. Everyone is welcome to join us, whether you are LGBTQ+ yourself, an ally, a local resident, or simply want to be part of a positive community celebration.

“At a time when LGBTQ+ rights are being challenged around the world, Pride remains both a celebration and a protest. Pride in Southwark is about visibility, solidarity and creating spaces where everyone can feel welcome, safe and proud of who they are. This year will be our biggest Pride yet and I cannot wait to see hundreds of people marching through the borough before coming together for an amazing day of music, drag, activism and community celebration.”

Date: Saturday, June 27

Time & location: 12pm: March from the London LGBTQ+ Community Centre, SE1 9JH. 1-6pm: Festival at Mint Street Park, SE1 1QX. 6pm-2am. After-party at The Rising, SE1 6AQ

Free tickets and full programme: prideinsouthwark.org

Bermondsey chef breaks world record for longest tiramisu

Leonardo Mastrofilippo of Cafe Amisha headed the team of over 100 Italian chefs

By Leah Renz

Achef and restaurant owner from Bermondsey led the team which broke the record for the world’s longest tiramisu.

Leonardo Mastrofilippo of Cafe Amisha said he joined the project as a joke, before taking over as head chef of the operation and creating the world’s longest tiramisu at 440.52 metres.

The team of over 100 Italian chefs smashed the previous 2019 record of 273 metres.

“We were thinking to do 300 [metres] but I said to myself, we can do more, I’m sure we can”, said Leonardo.

The team used 800 litres of coffee, 19,000 eggs, 1,500 kilograms of mascarpone and 150,000 sponge fingers.

He organised the entire team - with chefs from London, Manchester, Birmingham and 20 direct from Italy - to each complete their task and create the world’s longest tiramisu.

The mega dessert snaked across the room in a giant square and was topped with golden letters spelling out “Grazie Your Majesty”.

Upon completing the tiramisu and breaking the record, Leonardo cried tears of happiness.

But whisking up the world’s longest tiramisu did not come without risk.

“During the day, of course everything happens

against us. The machine broke. Actually, we started with seven machines and three of them broke!

“The people making the cream got stressed and shout: ‘we cannot make any more cream!’ but I say, ’no you have to!’ And they put all the experience they had and the knowledge to do the same job with three machines fewer… so it was amazing. I can say one of them was my wife as well.”

The massive Italian dessert was sold to raise money for the anti-poverty charity Esharelife Foundation.

“Nobody makes a profit”, explained Leonardo, “that’s why it was amazing”.

The team started at 5am and completed the world record dessert at midnight, working for 14 hours non stop.

And finally, we asked Leonardo: What’s the secret to making a good tiramisu?

His answer: “Really good coffee - we use Ile coffee from Italy which we found is the best coffee in the world - good quality cream and good quality mascarpone, and finally good quality of people with the passion!”

Go to the Cafe Amisha website to book a table and try their world-breaking tiramisu

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Summer Time at the Southbank Centre

Dive in for art, performance, music, free events and delicious bites, and find a warm welcome at the Southbank Centre this summer

We’re the largest arts centre in the UK and we’re celebrating our 75th anniversary this year! Join us this summer with plenty of outdoor fun and free events for all ages across our 11-acre site on the River Thames. Come to splash in the AppearingRooms fountain, relax in our beloved Roof Garden and soak up sun, shows and art. We’re just a short bus or train ride away!

Our summer programme includes; HarryStyle’s Meltdown (Thu 11 – Sun 21 Jun), RefugeeWeek (Thu 25 – Sun 28 Jun), South Asian Sounds (Wed 1 – Sun 5 Jul), PoetryInternational Festival (Fri 10 – Sun 12 Jul), RoughTrade 50 (Fri 17 – Sun 19 Jul) and Steel Scenes (Fri 24 – Sun 26 Jul). Plus, join a celebration of music and youth, curated by young people for everyone, at our free Riverside Sessions on the Riverside Terrace (Thu 11 Jun - Mon 21 Sep).

Head to the Hayward Gallery for one of this summer’s must-see exhibitions: AnishKapoor (Tue 16 Jun – Sun 18 Oct). The artist behind the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park's sculpture, the ArcelorMittal Orbit, and Chicago’s Cloud Gate (‘The Bean’) is back. Kapoor’s exhibition fills the entire gallery building with a series of works which press against the gallery walls and floors or descend from the ceiling to create an uncanny sensation of awe and wonder. We’ve made it easy to bring the whole family too. Under-12s go free, and if you’re aged 18 to 30, you can grab halfprice tickets by joining our Under-30s Scheme.

If all that fun makes you feel hungry, we’ve got foodie destinations to complete the perfect day out. Head down to the Queen’s Walk for a vibrant selection of food and drink pop-ups for the summer season. Indulge in delicious bites from Truffle

Burger and enjoy returning crowd favourites like TheThirstyFarrier’s seasonal cocktails and sizzling rotisserie chicken from Rotate. For those with a sweet tooth, visit Stacked Dutch Pancakes for a pile of pillowy pancakes with all the toppings,

or cool down with refreshing Mexican ice lollies at Paletas. For dreamy rooftop sunsets, choose between the luscious QueenElizabethHall Roof Garden where you can relax with a cocktail surrounded by flowers, or the Seventy5th BalconyBar for epic views above the bustle of the city.

If you're visiting at the weekend, don't miss Southbank Centre Food Market for a feast of sizzling street food.

Visit www.southbankcentre.co.uk/summer to find out more about what’s on this summer at the Southbank Centre

Glass

half full

Wine lovers are in for a treat this summer, with the opportunity to taste over 100 samples at South London’s very own wine fest

By Evie Flynn

The South London Wine Fair is returning to Crystal Palace Park’s iconic ‘Laptop’ stage on Saturday, August 22, bringing wine makers and enthusiasts together for an afternoon of tasting.

Founded by South Londoner Tom Grater, the festival is back for its fourth year this year and there are over 20 exhibitors to choose from, which he sums up as: “an amazing way for winemakers to connect with the consumers.”

Upon arrival, guests receive a glass and a wristband, before heading off to taste over 100 wines, made by wineries from all over Europe. Bottles will also be available to purchase – so guests can take their favourites home .

“It’s definitely beginner friendly,” said Tom. “Most people coming to the fair are not wine experts.

“Because it’s not an all-day event, it’s great for people who know a little bit about wine, enjoy wine and are keen to expand their knowledge –rather than it being too information heavy.”

Tickets cost £51.50 and there are three 1 hour 50 minute slots available throughout the afternoon.

Tom, who was born and raised in Clapham and now lives in Crystal Palace, began his career importing Spanish wines into the UK before moving into hospitality.

He later opened Crystal Palace Wine Club in 2022, followed by Brixton’s Vining Street Wine Club in 2024. Alongside the bars, he and his wife now run regular tasting events across South London.

The event takes place at the restored Crystal

'It’s really gratifying seeing people discover wines through our bars and tastings, then come to the fair to meet the wine makers in person'

Palace Park Bowl ‘Laptop’ stage – a historic venue which previously hosted legendary artists including Bob Marley and Pink Floyd before falling into disrepair. The Crystal Palace Park Trust renovated the venue in recent years as part of the park’s wider regeneration.

The fair can welcome up to 450 guests across the day, with around 150 people attending each session.

“It’s really gratifying seeing people discover wines through our bars and tastings, then come to the fair to meet the wine makers in person,” Tom said.

Reflecting on past success, he said the standout wine from last year’s fair was a sparkling Pinot Noir from the Mas de la Sabatera winery near Barcelona – the first time the wine had been tasted outside Spain.

Once each session is finished, guests can use their provided wristband to receive 50 per cent off a glass of house wine at either of their bars: Crystal Palace Wine Club (44 Anerley Hill, SE19 2AE) and its sister venue Vining Street Wine Club (1 Vining Street, SW9 8QA).

Date: Saturday, August 22

Time: Slots from 12 – 1:50pm, 2:10 – 4pm and 4.30pm – 6.20pm

Location: Crystal Palace Bowl, Crystal Palace Park, London, SE19 2BA

Tickets: £51.50 each, available on southlondonwinefair.co.uk

It’s coming home!

By Evie Fynn and Tom Appleby

HERE’S WHERE TO WATCH THE WORLD CUP, FROM JUNE 11- JULY 19, INCLUDING THE BOOZERS WITH BEER GARDENS AND MULTIPLE SCREENS…

THE PLOUGH, DULWICH, SE22:

The local pub on Lordship Lane is now taking bookings for every match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in a lively pub atmosphere. Expect big screens, flowing drinks, and classic pub food.

England’s group-stage fixtures have now been confirmed, and with evening kick-off times expected to attract big crowds, early table reservations are strongly encouraged to avoid missing out.

Address: 381 Lordship Lane, Dulwich, London, Greater London, SE22 8JJ

THE CROWN AND GREYHOUND, DULWICH, SE21:

The newly refurbished pub has limited space, but are now taking bookings for all fixtures. The Grade II listed building has been fitted out with heritage details and they will also be offering pub food, celebrating seasonal British produce.

Address: 73 Dulwich Village, Greater, London SE21 7BJ

PRINCE OF PECKHAM, PECKHAM, SE15:

A Peckham staple just round the corner from Rye Lane, the Prince of Peckham sports bar will of course be streaming the action on multiple flat screen TVs. The bar also boasts an outdoor seating area, perfect for those

game days. They also do food – from light bites to hearty meals.

Address: 1 Clayton Rd, London SE15 5JA

PECKHAM LEVELS, PECKHAM, SE15:

Peckham Level is hosting a live screening of the World Cup on Levels 5 and 6 of their Rye Lane venue. They also have a Happy Hour from 5pm – 7pm on game days (Monday to Friday) with pints and wine for just £4. Booking is recommended.

Address: Peckham Levels, 95a Rye Lane, SE15 4ST

THE OLD NUN’S HEAD, NUNHEAD, SE15:

All games are set to be screened on two large screens downstairs at the queer-run Old Nun’s Head – making it an ideal choice for group viewing. The team have said that booking is advised for all England games.

Address: 15 Nunhead Green, Nunhead, London, SE15 3QQ

VINEGAR YARD, LONDON BRIDGE, SE1:

Vinegar Yard, the pop-up events space right next to London Bridge, will be screening all the games this summer. The outdoor garden has street food and bars,

ELECTRIC BRIXTON, BRIXTON, SW2:

Electric Brixton offers a bit of a different viewing experience with major fixtures accompanied by a Britpop-driven soundtrack and '90s aesthetic.

Referencing the famous crossover between football terraces and British guitar culture, the space keeps a high-energy club vibe during the match.

Address: Electric Brixton, Town Hall Parade, Brixton Hill, London SW2 1RJ

BETWEEN THE BRIDGES, SOUTH BANK SE1:

Between The Bridges will be showing every World Cup game – but be quick because they sell out every competition. The space, nestled on the Southbank has three giant video walls, multiple bars, and seven street food traders on site,

Address: Between the Bridges, The Queens Walk, Southbank, London, SE1

FLAT IRON SQUARE, LONDON BRIDGE, SE1:

MARQUIS OF WELLINGTON, BERMONDSEY, SE1:

Flat Iron Square describe their World Cup coverage as 'London's liveliest fan hub', with 19 screens, DJs and live entertainment.

They will also be holding pre and post match celebrations, encouraging people to arrive early and grab a bite before the game.

You can buy a ticket for just £2 to reserve entry.

Address: 45 Southwark St, London SE1 9HP

Located right in the heart of the Bermondsey beer mile, the Marquis of Wellington will be combining every match with their freshly-made pizza offering. They are also offering bottomless brunch to start the match day, which includes two hours of cocktails, prosecco or pints.

Address: 21 Druid St, London SE1 2HH

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THE BLUE ANCHOR, BERMONDSEY, SE16:

The Blue Anchor traditional sports bar is down the Blue in Bermondsey and will be showing every World Cup game this summer. To combat the crowds, they will be providing extra outdoor seating for socialising when the matches are not on.

Address: 2551 Southwark Park Road, SE16 3TS

REDWOOD, LONDON BRIDGE, SE1:

The London Bridge sports bar will have multiple TV screens over two floors, including a 145-inch LED screen. They have an outdoor terrace and the kitchen will be serving traditional pub grub and Korean food.

Address: Redwood, Bridge Station, SE1 9SP

THE SALT QUAY, ROTHERHITHE, SE16:

The Salt Quay is a historic old warehouse-style pub sitting on the edge of the Thames. They will be showing every game this summer with a large terrace, selection of traditional pub food and drinks –plus they are dog friendly.

Address: 163 Rotherhithe St, SE16 5QU

BERMONDSEY BIERKELLER, SE1:

The 300-seat venue is London’s biggest German beer Hall – nestled beneath London Bridge. With a wide range of beers on offer, alongside games like axe throwing, table football and pool, there are ‘televisions everywhere you look’.

Address: 2 – 4 Tooley St, London SE1 2SY

THE LAST TALISMAN, SE1:

The Last Talisman, a pub and bar on Bermondsey Street, are offering a world cup deal – with a burger, chips and a pint for £20. They will be screening every single game, with pre-booked tables throughout the whole tournament.

Address: 171-173 Bermondsey Street, SE1 3UW Recommended to pre-book online.

THE GEORGE, SOUTHWARK, SE1:

The historic George Inn on Borough High Street is the only remaining galleried coaching inn in London, dating back to at least the 16th century. They will be showing every game in the courtyard, with additional screens inside. Pub grub will be on offer too.

Address: 75-77 Borough High St, Southwark, SE1 1NH

THE BRUNEL, SE16:

The Brunel in Rotherhithe, just East of Southwark Park, offers wall-to-wall coverage of live sports – and there’s no need to book. There’s a beer garden, and pub snacks on offer whilst the games happen.

Address: 47 Swan Road, SE16 4JN

THE LORD CLYDE, BOROUGH, SE1:

For a more traditional pub setting, Lord Clyde near Southwark Bridge will be showing every game across multiple screens. The Edwardian, family-run pub will also be serving pub staples like fish and chips. Address: 27 Clennam Street, SE1 1ER

At the end of their 10-year stint in Mercato Metropolitano, German Kraft Brewery are setting up huge screens around their beer garden for every World Cup game this summer. They have a 20sqm screen with capacity for up to 700 guests on a free entry, first-come, first-served basis. The best part –you can grab food from any of the 40 food vendors surrounding the brewery.

Address: 42 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6DR

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Bitesize

By Evie Flynn, Francesca Papp and Flora Bigham

A CULINARY JOURNEY THROUGH THAILAND IN PECKHAM

Much-loved Bellenden Thai restaurant The Begging Bowl has launched a monthly rotating sharing menu celebrating four culinary regions of Thailand. The menu runs from May through to the end of August, starting with aromatic and mild flavours from Northern Thailand and ending in August with sour and spicy flavours from Central. The restaurant is offering a cocktail pairing as part of the deal with the intriguing name, Sabai Sabai twist. Min 2 people, £30 per person

Pre-Order at: thebeggingbowl.co.uk

PREVIOUS NATIONAL PIZZA CHEF WINNER OPENS RESTAURANT IN PECKHAM

Led by two-time National Pizza Chef winner Davide Parato (2019, 2022), Pizza Nerds opened this April on Bellenden Road in Peckham. The restaurant features two pizza ovens, one dedicated to authentic Neapolitan pizza, the other designed to craft a perfectly crispy, thin London style base.

182 Bellenden Rd, Peckham, London SE15 4BW @pizzanerdsuk on instagram

PIZZAROVA’S BRIXTON DEBUT

Handmade sourdough pizza sensation Pizzarova debuts in London with a recently opened restaurant at Pop Brixton. With four locations already in Bristol, the iconic pizza spot is set to make its mark on the London food scene. Pizzas include the Double chorizo hot honey, Veggie deluxe and Miso Mushroom, featuring miso-marinated oyster mushrooms.

Pop Brixton, 49 Brixton Station Rd, London SW9 8PQ pizzarova.com

THE HOUSE BAR OPENS AT BRIXTON HOUSE THEATRE

Opening on the 30th of April, The House Bar is co-curated by Reggae, Reggae Sauce creator Levi Roots and owner of Brixton-based barbecue restaurant The Joint, Karma Sherpa. The LatinAmerican themed menu will change depending on shows at the theatre, offering audience members an immersive experience. A range of traditional pastries from local Portuguese bakery Madeira alongside specialty Arabic coffee blends will feature on the daytime menu.

385 Coldharbour Ln, London SW9 8GL brixtonhouse.co.uk

BANOOK BAGELS SET FOR DULWICH EXPANSION

Cult favourite Banook Bagels plans to open a second store in Dulwich this summer. The beloved Peckham bagel spot first opened in 2023 with a recipe co-founder Ashley created during lockdown. Her technique blends New York style fluffiness with Montreal inspired density and crispness for the perfect South London bagel.

Coming soon to 40 East Dulwich Road banookbagels.com

French Fancy: Afternoon tea gets a makeover

Meet the owner of Champagne + Fromage’s newest bistro

By Flora Bigham

Champagne + Fromage has launched a French take on the famous British afternoon tea, featuring brioche rolls filled with four artisanal cheeses, a cheese scone, and fresh pastries and gateaus.

It’s the latest offering on the bistro’s menu, and is available at their newest venue in the heart of Crystal Palace, at number one Westow Street.

Known for their champagnes from independent vineyards - including classics, vintages, blanc de noirs, rose and blanc de blancs, and high quality cheeses and charcuterie boards, Champagne + Fromage first opened its doors back in 2011 in Covent Garden, later expanding south to Greenwich.

The new Crystal Palace franchise is owned and managed by Elise Noble. She explained the independent vineyards produce small quantities of high-quality champagne, known as “grower champagnes”.

Each champagne is then matched with cheeses imported weekly from France by Une Normande à Londres, which also runs a popular Borough Market stall.

Elise took us through one pairing. She firstly picked out the delicate blanc de blanc champagne Colin Castille, which she described as “floral with hints of butter and brioche”.

The cheese pairing typically features a cow’s, sheep’s and goat’s cheese. “For this pairing, we would go with the hard comté eighteen-month matured cheese, which is milky and slightly fruity” Elise said.

For the sheep’s cheese, she chose Tomme de Brebis. Lighter than the comté, it is “very tangy, so goes really well with the zestiness of the champagne”.

For the final cheese pairing, Elise chose Pyramide which is a soft goat’s cheese, “very oozy, it is sweet and rich, which complements the freshness of the champagne”, she added.

Customers can also opt for a charcuterie board pairing. Elise paired the Colin Castille with a garlic saucisson, smoked ham and a rosette, which is a large kind of French salami, the champagne perfectly cutting through the richness of the meat.

The restaurant also serves hot food, including raclette, fondue and montbéliard sausage.

Non-alcoholic drinks are also on the menu, such as the tart and floral “Highland” mocktail, featuring Everleaf Mountain, cranberry juice and elderflower tonic.

The restaurant includes a deli, so customers can take home the cheeses they have just tasted and a bottle of their favourite champagne.

Elise said the new restaurant had been well-received by the Crystal Palace community, “there is nothing else around us that is similar, so we do stand out and we have had lots of lovely feedback”.

Elise also enjoys forming a community within the restaurant, “we have created a lovely team here and have started to build up real regular customers.”

While Elise now commands an in-depth knowledge of all things French food and drink, her background is not in the hospitality sector.

Before opening the restaurant in December 2025, she

spent over twenty-five years working in finance.

“I just decided I had had enough. I was always into food and drink and the opportunity for a franchise popped up on my Instagram. I decided to have a conversation and see where it went. By February 2025 I was searching for a venue and within a few months we found the perfect place”.

The restaurant also includes an upstairs space which can be hired out for private events and is used to host tastings and events organised by Champagne + Fromage.

In July one of the restaurant’s champagne producers will be leading a guided tasting of their main cuvées and a women’s networking event in collaboration with First Glass is happening this August.

The restaurant has also been involved in local fundraising, “it’s really nice to be able to give back to the community,” Elise explained. They have donated prizes to schools for raffles and summer fairs, such as vouchers or two for one on afternoon tea.

“I was just a tiny cog in this massive corporate environment, now I feel I am really making a positive difference,” she said. “It’s a bit of a dream come true.

OPENING TIMES:

Tuesday - à la carte: 5pm to 10pm

Wednesday - lunch: 12pm to 2pm, afternoon tea: 2pm to 4pm, à la carte: 12pm to 10pm

Thursday to Saturday - lunch: 12pm to 2pm, afternoon tea: 2pm to 4pm, à la carte: 12pm to 11pm

Sunday - afternoon tea: 2pm to 4pm, à la carte: 12pm to 8pm

1 Westow St, London SE19 3RY champagneplusfromage.co.uk

Broomwood celebrates recordbreaking scholarship success

Pupils in Year 6 and Year 8 at Broomwood, one of Clapham’s leading prep schools, are celebrating another record-breaking year for scholarships, after being offered an exceptional 47 scholarships, the highest number in the school’s history.

Nearly half of the scholarships awarded were for academic achievement, alongside awards across sport, music, drama, art and all-round excellence, reflecting both the breadth of talent within the year groups and Broomwood’s commitment to nurturing every child as an individual.

Scholarship offers came from some of the top senior schools in the country, including Alleyn's School, Brighton College, JAGS, Dulwich College and Epsom College, further strengthening Broomwood’s reputation for preparing children to thrive at the next stage of their education.

Alongside the scholarship success, Broomwood pupils also received more than 230 offers from a wide range of leading senior schools, including academically selective London day schools and prestigious boarding schools outside the capital, reflecting the breadth of opportunities available to families and the school’s tailored approach to supporting every child’s next step.

Speaking about the news, Principal and Head of the Broomwood Boys, Michael Hodge said: ‘We are incredibly proud of all the pupils who have achieved scholarships this year. To receive a record-breaking 47 scholarships is a remarkable accomplishment and reflects the hard work, ambition and character of our pupils, alongside the dedication and expertise of our staff.

‘Nearly half of the scholarships awarded were academic scholarships, which is a tremendous achievement for our pupils and teaching staff alike. Over the last five years, scholarship offers at Broomwood have increased by more than 50 per cent, reflecting the strength of teaching, pastoral support and individual encouragement across the school.

‘Just as importantly, the wider range of offers received by our pupils demonstrates the success of our personalised approach. Every child’s journey is different, and we work closely with families to ensure pupils move on to schools where they will truly flourish.’

Louisa McCafferty, Head of Broomwood Girls, added: ‘This has been a truly exceptional year for scholarships and senior school destinations, and we are delighted to celebrate the achievements of our pupils. From academics and music to sport, drama and the arts, the range of awards highlights the many different strengths that are nurtured and celebrated across the school community.

‘We are committed to ensuring every child is known, encouraged and challenged to achieve their very best, and it is wonderful to see our pupils recognised in this way as they move on to the next stage of their educational journey.’

The scholarship success continues Broomwood’s strong tradition of preparing pupils for a wide range of senior schools, while ensuring children benefit from a broad and balanced prep school education.

Through specialist teaching, extensive co-curricular opportunities and a strong focus on individual growth, Broomwood aims to develop confident, capable and well-rounded young people ready to flourish both in school and beyond.

This success comes at an especially exciting time for Broomwood, which was recently included in Talk Education’s prestigious ‘Talk Education 250’ list of the best schools in the country, and was named Independent Prep School of the Year in London for the second consecutive year at the Private Education Awards 2026. Last month, Broomwood also announced it would be expanding its Pre-School (3+) provision to include an additional class, further strengthening its early years offering.

Broomwood also operates a bus service across London, with routes serving areas including Pimlico, Wimbledon, Battersea and Tooting Bec, making the school accessible to families across the capital.

The main entry points to Broomwood are Pre-School, Reception, Year 3 and Year 7, although the school may have places available in other year groups. For more information, please visit www.broomwood. com or contact their admissions team at admissions@broomwood.com

She found fame as the first chef to win both MasterChef: The Professionals (2022) and Great British Menu (2026). Now trailblazing Nikita Pathakji has opened her first restaurant in Clapham this May - and it’s a true family business.

The new Abbeville Road restaurant builds on Pathakji’s series of sold-out supper clubs and is a familyled venture created in collaboration with her mother Rima and sister Isha.

Named after Rima, MAAI, which translates as ‘Mum’, reflects the family’s approach to cooking at home. The menu is rooted in seasonal British produce, shaped by global influences and designed for a relaxed but refined dining experience in the heart of South London.

Pathakji said: “MAAI was always meant to be an extension of our home, so opening here in Clapham is the dream. So much of it was born here through our supper clubs, gathering friends around the table and testing dishes together.

“Professionally I trained in Michelin kitchens, but the food I love to cook has always been shaped by heritage, travel and London itself. South London, particularly Clapham, has really become home for me.”

Diners can expect a laid-back atmosphere alongside tasting and set menus ranging from £32 to £85.

The menu also boasts smaller plates such as sea bream with kalamansi ponzu and the octopus “tako yaki” doughnut, a signature creation that has followed Pathakji since her MasterChef appearance,

You can also dig into Pathakji’s favourite, the pan roasted halibut with Malaysian fish head Currywhich also won her the ‘Champion of Champions’ title on Great British Menu.

If after all that there is space for more, dessert options include Strawberry and Elderflower Choux, Banana Pudding, and of course what is British inspired dining without a selection of British cheeses?

The drinks programme, developed by her sister Isha, features cocktails described by Pathakji as an “absolute must”, with her personal favourites being the house martini or the salted melon daiquiri. The restaurant also features a distinctive wine list influenced by their community values by working with family run businesses.

On Sundays, MAAI will serve a roast inspired by Pathakji’s Great British Menu main course, offering a

A family affair

Champion of Champions Nikita Pathakji launches her first solo restaurant in Clapham

By Myfanwy Fleming-Jones

refined interpretation of a British classic.

Reflecting on the decision to open in Clapham, Pathakji said: “South London feels incredibly diverse and open, and as a chef that’s hugely inspiring. You’re constantly surrounded by different cultures and ideas.”

That sense of community runs through the restaurant, which aims to combine comfort and warmth with considered, flavour-driven cooking.

Steaking their claim in Clapham

By Tom Appleby

The hugely successful steak house, Flat Iron, will open a new restaurant in Clapham later this year, joining other south London outposts in Borough, the South Bank, and at Waterloo.

Flat Iron, founded by Charlie Carroll as a Shoreditch pop up and now boasting restaurants across the country, is famous for its speciality, the flat iron steak.

This cut is sourced from the feather blade and is renowned for its flavour and tenderness - and more affordable price point.

The menu also features daily Wagyu specials and a burger with beef from their own ‘Flat Iron herd’, based in Thirsk, North Yorkshire.

Flat Iron's 'head of beef', Fred Smith, said: "Opening a restaurant in Clapham, my home, will be special. I grew up in the area and witnessed first hand the evolution of the high street.

"Many years ago, there was a butcher's shop (Moens, now a few doors down), on this site that my family would visit regularly, so to be bringing the beef back has extra meaning. We'll create something special for this new restaurant to mark the occasion, after all it is going to be my new local.

"We are delighted to soon be part of Clapham's

Suppliers include Garry, owner of Moen & Sons near Clapham Common, reinforcing the restaurant’s focus on local relationships and quality sourcing.

MAAI opened on May 20, 2026 after a period of detailed planning and development. Pathakji described the process as both exciting and challenging, crediting her family for their support throughout. “It’s been exciting but definitely a very different challenge. Luckily I have my mum and sister who take on a lot of that responsibility, and none of this would be possible without them. I couldn’t dream of better partners to be in business with.”

With its focus on family, heritage and contemporary British cooking, MAAI aims to become a neighbourhood restaurant guests return to for both its atmosphere and its distinctive approach to flavour.

33-35 Abbeville Road, SW4 9LA

Opening hours:

Monday-Tuesday, closed, Wednesday, 6pm-10pm Thursday - Sunday. 12pm-2pm and 6pm-10pm. restaurantmaai.com

evolution by joining the thriving local hospitality scene and by serving remarkable steak to all Claphamites."

The restaurant, with reclaimed timber panelling, salvaged floors and vintage furniture, will be located at 18-19 The Pavement in Clapham Old Town.

Overlooking Clapham Common, the site has two floors with 114 internal covers, and an additional 16 seated on an outdoor terrace

Sides include beef dripping chips, crispy bone marrow mash, truffled macaroni cheese and creamed spinach.

The drinks menu offers a selection of wines, including Flat Iron's own Malbec, which uses grapes from the Limoux region in southern France's Languedoc. There will also be a variety of draft beers, cocktails and house fizzes.

Flat Iron Clapham opens late 2026

18-19

The Pavement, SW4 0HY

Signature flat iron steak, £15 flatironsteak.co.uk

Celebrating inclusion and independence

The last summer:

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German Kraft brewery and other outlets at Mercato Metropolitano prepare for its closure

By Evie Flynn

Mercato Metropolitano, the food court that opened on the site of a disused paper factory, will be closing its doors in autumn this year after ten years in Elephant & Castle.

The food and drinks market, located on Newington Causeway, spans 55,000 square feet, has space for 3,500 customers and is currently home to over 40 independent traders.

It was always meant to be a temporary space and summer 2026 marks its final one. It is set to be demolished to make way for the new Borough Triangle development – which will build 900 new homes on the site and the surrounding area.

We spoke to Felix Bollen co-founder of German Kraft Brewery, a microbrewery and taproom that has

called Mercato Metropolitano home since it first opened back in 2016.

Best friends, Felix and Anton, built the entire brewery and beer system themselves to make it the space they would see themselves drinking beer in.

Within the first year, they had increased the capacity by 50 per cent. Today, the average customer spends four and a half hours in the brewery.

Ahead of the closure at the end of summer, the GKB team have promised a full summer of events, a rolling programme of live DJs and screenings of the upcoming World Cup matches (11 June – 19 July).

Felix, who is from Hamburg in Germany but moved to London as a boy, studied graphic design at London College of Communications in Elephant and Castle back in 2014.

He said: “I’ve seen the changes in the area, from the demolition of the Heygate Estate to the popularity of Corsica Studios.

“Elephant and Castle has been such a great springboard for our business.”

German Kraft Brewery has a core brand and only sells authentically German beer fresh from the tank.

Before starting his own brewery, Felix said that he worked in “every German pub and restaurant in London”, but felt like no venue captured the German beer he knew and loved.

The Purity Law in Germany dates back to 1516 Bavaria and is the oldest food law still alive in the world. The law states that in order for a beer to be sold as a ‘Bier’ in Germany, it can only water, barley and hops and yeast.

This is the approach taken by Felix and his team. He said: “In Germany, beer is seen as more of a staple food than an alcoholic drink.”

German Kraft Brewery are true to their name and brew all of their beer onsite, which Felix says saves 75 per cent CO2 footprint than any other brewery.

The space soared in popularity over the ten years, with the surrounding food stalls allowing customers to choose from one of forty vendors, before bringing their food to sit in the brewery’s beer garden. Alongside the brewery, there are a wide range of cuisines on offer, including Sri Lankan, Nigerian, Latin American, Indian, Caribbean, Mexican, Italian, Mauritian, Turkish, and Korean options.

“It’s of course going to be sad to leave,” Felix said. “We are all a community here in Mercato and we still work alongside some of the faces that were there when we opened back in 2016.”

Whilst plans for the German Kraft Brewery’s future are yet to be announced, Felix has hinted at the next step for the brand. He said the team have “big plans in

London with a similar venue and vibe” – plus, he said it will be south of the river.

The rest of Mercato Metropolitano’s 40 traders will have to find somewhere else to operate until a new site is built, with Berkeley providing a £200,000 business relocation fund to support some of the 423 workers affected by the scheme.

This summer, they plan to go out with a bang, with music in the garden on Friday, Saturday and Sundays, plus massive screens for the World Cup – all on a firstcome-first-served basis.

Prices: During the World Cup season, they will be offering £10 steins of tank-fresh beer, which is the equivalent to a litre of beer.

Address: Mercato Metropolitano, 42 Newington Causeway, London, SE1 6DR

Celebrating the Windrush generation

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June 22 marks the legacy of Caribbean migrants and their contribution to Britain’s post war workforce and cultural fabric. Here’s our round-up of all the best events celebrating this year’s Windrush Day.

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By Romilly Schulte

LAMBETH

The Windrush generation is at the heart of Brixton cultural make up today. Many of the passengers on HMT Empire Windrush worked and settled in Brixton, as the Coldharbour Lane Labour Exchange was the nearest employment centre to the Clapham South temporary accommodation where some had initially been housed.

The annual Big Caribbean Lunch for Windrush Elders will take place on Sunday, June 28, in Brixton’s Windrush Square, commemoratively named after the ship’s arrival. Follow them on instagram @ bigcaribbeanlunch

In addition, Brixton Library, at Brixton Oval, is hosting two special events. On Thursday, June 18, Beulah ‘Guess’ Smith-Coombs will be discussing her memoir They Call Me Guess with Suzanne Scafe, associate professor of literature at London South Bank University.

In her recently-published book, Beulah, born in Jamaica before moving to Manchester aged eight, narrates her Windrush-era upbringing, and her experience being one of Britain’s few Black teachers in the 1970s. Admission is free. Book online at tinyurl. com/2kveabsc

Also coming to the Brixton library is the “My Mother in-Law’s Dresses” workshop on Monday, June 22. Hosted with Sonia Winifred, this workshop will reminisce on Windrush pioneer Girleyvine’s life through her dresses and photographs. Visitors are invited to share stories by bringing photographs and best dresses, too. Also free to attend, you can reserve a place via tinyurl. com/34trfrsj.

There will be a free Windrush festival in Myatt’s Fields Park on Cormont Road, for all on Sunday, June 21, 12-6pm, where visitors can dance to live DJs, enjoy food from local stalls and browse all kinds of artisanal products. Reserve a space via tinyurl.com/ykztytdx

As a powerful end to the festivities, on Friday, June 26 The Brixton Chamber Orchestra and Pegasus Opera Company are honoring the Windrush legacy with ‘Windrush Migrations’. This celebratory evening of opera will feature Will Todd’s Migrations and Windrush Opera by Des Oliver and Edson Burton, bringing to life the voices of migration through music and storytelling at Lambeth Town Hall.

Tickets via pegasusoperacompany.org, range from £15 - £20.

GREENWICH

With its strong nautical legacy, the borough is home to the National Windrush Museum and the National Maritime Museum, which, on Saturday, June 20, will hold free talks and workshops delving into the over-800 Caribbean passengers who made voyages on the HMT Empire Windrush. For the full line-up, visit rmg.co.uk.

The National Windrush Museum is currently showcasing ‘Windrush Food Culture’, an exhibition tracing how dishes like jerk chicken and patties became a staple on Britain’s national menu. It will explore how the first generation of British Caribbeans brought over the flavours and memories of their upbringing and adapted them to the new environment of post-war Britain. The free exhibition runs Tuesdays to Saturdays until July 30, visit rmg.co.uk. for more information.

LEWISHAM

For a free, all-ages event in the borough, take a look at "Windrush Voices: Then, Now and Next", hosted at Grove Street’s Riverside Youth Club on June 17. With performers, poetry reading and DJs, this intergenerational community event will celebrate the Windrush generation’s ongoing legacy in Lewisham.

Catford’s Broadway Theatre is presenting The Windrush Concert on Sunday, 21 June, a night of retro

British-Caribbean culture and dancing. Hosted by Vibes FM presenter Daddy Ernie and comedian Felicity Ethnic, the show will summon the iconic “Windrush Front Room” atmosphere.

Capturing the music played out of Bluespot radios, a staple in 1950s and 1960s British-Caribbean households, it will showcase the musical influence that the Windrush Generation had on British arts. Expect all the big hits by favourites like Althea & Donna, Dawn Penn and Bob Marley. Tickets range from £24.45-£35.45. Visit broadwaytheatre.org.uk to book.

On Monday, June 22, Deptford’s Barawak - a community organisation supporting African and Caribbean groups based in Kingfisher Square - is holding a screening of ‘Milestone - Streets Paved with Gold’. Milestone is a 60-minute film following the journey of a Windrush passenger’s new life in England.

Adapted from Victor Richard’s acclaimed oneman play, this is a poignant film about determination and triumph. Richards himself will join audiences for a live Q&A after the screening, and guests also get a Caribbean meal with their ticket.

Tickets are currently on sale at £18.04 for adults, £9.38 for under-18s and free for under-10s. Book via tinyurl.com/ysjby53w

SOUTHWARK

For the cinephiles, Peckham Road’s South London Gallery is screening three short films on Monday, June 22 in celebration of Windrush day, which have been curated by director and producer Lauren Gee. Holly Graham, Mia Harvey and Dion Hesson will show their non-fiction works documenting intimate conversations with loved ones while exploring both the fragility and strength of memories.

Tickets are free, but booking is required.

And for the parents and kids, South London Gallery is also hosting the free Windrush Family Day on Saturday, June 27, from 11am-3pm. This community day will offer arts and crafts and storytelling for children to celebrate and learn about the history of London’s Caribbean community. There will be food and dancing on offer, too. Booking required.

For more information about both events, visit southlondongallery.org

Join us for our Year 5

Open Mornings!

Ready to see where your child’s future begins?

We are delighted to welcome you and your family to visit Harris Academy Bermondsey in the summer term to experience our classrooms in action.

We invite you to explore our facilities, meet our dedicated staff, and learn more about how we nurture individual talents and prepare students for a successful future.

Upcoming Dates:

• Wednesday 10th June 9.15 – 10.30

• Wednesday 17th June 9.15 – 10.30