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Living in Catford 5.10.2018
Catford: A Proper Community
London is one of those odd places that often feels over-crowded and yet lonely. That’s why it’s so important (especially for young families) to find a place which can still retain that community vibe. Catford is one of those untouched gems which really owns its neighbourly feel, with the added bonus of also being a short journey to the city centre. Many families have remained here for generations and are proud to show off their community to the new families flocking to the area looking for a London community.
Photo credit: Entoptika Photography
Community Events
Catford is home to Southeast London’s longest running festival with 25,000 visitors annually. Whilst still growing year on year, Lewisham People’s day remains a community festival through the astounding involvement of the Catford people. Spread across seven stages, music, activities and entertainment are organised and performed by the locals and enjoyed by those beyond. As well as entertainment, there is a fantastic range of food and drink to enjoy, and plenty for the kids. Best of all – it’s free!
Photo credit: Lewisham Card
We all love a market
Once a month a new foodie market comes to Catford to fill the streets with the tempting smell of South East London’s top street food vendors. There’s also lots to entertain children, with live music and free craft events open to everyone. With a strong focus on good quality food, it’s the ideal place to find locally sourced fresh ingredients. Every month can see in a new stall selling anything from fairtrade coffee, to the famous Catford Pale Ale and even Catford’s own Gin!
Photo credit: Lewisham Gov
Ladywell Fields Orchard
The community has been busy in tending to its ancient orchard that was once a mere relic of a Victorian garden. Now, thanks to the green-fingered friends of Catford, the place is once again thriving with fruit, veg and lots of wildlife. If this is your thing, the community welcome in new volunteers twice a year, all you need are a pair of garden gloves and the urge to get a little dirty.
Photo credit: Lewisham Gov
Family Businesses
Catford is yet to be hit by an influx of chain stores, and so still retains the charm of how London was before all of the family run businesses were hit by big corporations. Here’s some of our favourites:
The Proud Sow – One of East London’s oldest butchers, operating since 1908. They strive to only serve traceable, high quality, English meat and always have impeccable service.
Photo credit: South London Club
Bottle Bar & Shop – Passionate mixologists husband and wife team have built this beautiful bar serving home made cocktails, craft beers and a fantastic selection of wine.
Photo credit: South London Club
Good Food – An organic haven of artisan pastries, local beers, British Charcuterie and independent produce. Good Food are on a mission to bring local quality food back on the map in Catford.
Photo credit: Timeout
St Dunstan’s Sports Club – A huge 28 acre compound comprising of football pitches, tennis courts, cricket nets, a gym and an indoor swimming pool.
Catford Library – Not just a quiet sanctuary for book lovers, it is great at entertaining children. The library hosts a variety of events from sing-a-longs to storytimes to Baby Bounce days.
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References
http://www.catfordcentral.com/
https://www.lewisham.gov.uk/news/Pages/Peoples-Day-festival-2018.aspx
https://www.weekender.co.uk/event/lewisham-peoples-day-festival-2018/
https://www.catfordfoodmarket.com/
http://ladywellfields.blogspot.com/
https://lovecatford.co.uk/category/community/
https://www.kfh.co.uk/south-east-london-and-north-kent/catford/
https://natureconservationlewisham.co.uk/tag/iona-close-orchard/
https://www.southlondonclub.co.uk/discount/brockley-and-crofton-park/butchers/the-proud-sow
http://lovecatford.co.uk/category/business/
https://www.timeout.com/london/bars-and-pubs/bottle-bar-and-shop
https://www.timeout.com/london/shopping/good-food
https://www.lewisham.gov.uk/contact-us/Pages/contact.aspx?directoryid=177
Blog author
Roxanne Pratley
Culture seeker, writer, foodie, explorer. Specialising in blogging and digital marketing.