High Street Wishlist

[Steveofsyd]

I haven't yet had a good think about what I would like but how about everyone listing their 5 to 10 most wanted additions to the High Street. You can
- add to something already present (another cafe)
- modify something (suggest a refurbishment to an existing business)
- suggest something entirely new
These are only suggestions but it would be interesting to see what we all want rather than what seems to be the norm "what we don't want".
Also lets try suggesting a prime location to make your nominations work i.e. the top of the road would work well for a cafe culture.

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[Micromel]

Great idea for a post. I wish for
1. Kirkdale books to be bigger do that I can browse with pushchair.
2. A dolphin type pub to move into The Greyhound
3. A wine shop selling nice wine - on the row of shops near Kente would be nice.
4. A bunka style gift shop with a reasonable range of gifts for adults and children
5. Somewhere to buy nice chocolates
6. A cafe / restaurant like Canvas and Cream - in a big venue so (again) being with pushchair is ok.

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[stone-penge]

More Cycle stands

[Steveofsyd]

More Cycle stands

Still thinking...but you know what...I'd quite like a really good little cycle shop that does repairs etc. like Deans in Beckenham.

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[Rachael]

Great idea for a post. I wish for
1. Kirkdale books to be bigger do that I can browse with pushchair.
2. A dolphin type pub to move into The Greyhound
3. A wine shop selling nice wine - on the row of shops near Kente would be nice.
4. A bunka style gift shop with a reasonable range of gifts for adults and children
5. Somewhere to buy nice chocolates
6. A cafe / restaurant like Canvas and Cream - in a big venue so (again) being with pushchair is ok.

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Maybe you should just move to Forest Hill

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[Steveofsyd]

Funny thing is that I was in East Dulwich in the 70's 80's then moved to Forest Hill because it was nicer in the early 90's then again to Sydenham as it was nicer still in late 90's .
What's happened since?
East Dulwich is now ranked top with Forest Hill high st. a distant 2nd and Sydenham High Street a light year behind. C'est la vie!

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[Robin Orton]

A cinema.

[Steveofsyd]

A cinema.

Would love one, but where? Maybe they'll put one in the new shopping complex in Bell Green but that's not really the High St.
Having a tiny nostalgic picture house won't cut it with the younger folk so it has to be big, digital, 3D etc etc.

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[leenewham]

West Norwood are getting a 3 screen Picture House cinema, not to mention an Antic pub and a leisure centre bang in the middle of the high street. Shame Tesco et al put up the rents making smaller shops struggle.

Picture houses are really popular.I'd love one. I hope they get the KICC place in Crystal Palace.

OK, my go:

A proper bistro. You know, french onion soup, rustic food, candles in wine bottles. A bit like this amazing place: http://cafegourmand.com

Art shop/gallery/cafe.

Organic wholefoods supermarket (in the old sorting office or snooker hall at Cobbs Corner?).

Waitrose (in the old sorting office or snooker hall at Cobbs Corner?).

Indoor market (in the old sorting office or snooker hall at Cobbs Corner?).

Theatre/cinema (in the old sorting office or snooker hall at Cobbs Corner?).

Pub that does comedy nights, great food but no overpriced burgers (Greyhound?)

Antiques/curio shops (like Kirkdale used to be).

[Nigel]

As many trees as possible please.
Good morning
Nigel

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[hairybuddha]

1. Cycle shop and more cycle parking
2. Convert the area from Mayow Rd to Cobbs Corner into shared use with with no through traffic except for access.
3. A decent coffee shop - Sorry Kente but you're just not very good.
4. A better bakery
5. An M+S foods
6. A nice deli or mini bistro type place
7. Generally more public and green space away from the noise and pollution of traffic
8. Fix the ridiculous junction into Newlands Park

[Eagle]

Hairy B
High ideals and no problem with all but 3. However think most pie in the sky.

Kente is an excellent coffee shop and George and excellent host. Shame on you.

[hairybuddha]

Shame? Really?

I'm sure the owners are lovely and it's great that we have a local, independent business. However, as coffee shops go, it's about 10 years behind the time. The coffee is below average and the pastries are flabby and disappointing.

[Rachael]

Each to their own - I know a lot of people like Kente, but I would have to agree with hairybuddha. I don't like the coffee in there at all and the place lacks a bit in atmosphere and decor. The garden at the back is very nice, but not enough to entice me back.

The last item on hb's list will be addressed with the high street redesign being carried out now.

[sugahill cafe]

I'm sure if you search around a bit in Sydenham you can find a place that sells good coffee.

[hairybuddha]

Each to their own - I know a lot of people like Kente, but I would have to agree with hairybuddha. I don't like the coffee in there at all and the place lacks a bit in atmosphere and decor. The garden at the back is very nice, but not enough to entice me back.

The last item on hb's list will be addressed with the high street redesign being carried out now.

Hi Rachel - Do you have an easy link to the plans? Would be interesting to see what they're doing with it... My main concern is the need for an adequate pedestrian crossing option going up the hill.

[leenewham]

Yes, I like Kente because of Charles and the garden in the summer, but it's not a top end coffee shop.

Sugahill is excellent and I like the Blue Mountain, but recently we have been going to Forest Hill, they blow everything in Sydenham out of the water I'm afraid. Sugahill still do the best hot chocolate though.

I'd like to add to my wish list:

In addition to a proper french bistro…
A good Mexican restaurant that does Sopa Terrasca, preferably run by Mexicans
A good Turkish or Greek restaurant, preferably run by Turks or Greeks
A good Thai Restaurant, preferable run by (you get the picture)

Hopefully all will be inviting places, that look good from the outside and on the inside, that make you feel special, offer great service and amazing food that makes you talk about it on the way home.

Hopefully they would be near the Dolphin/Trattoria to have a stretch of choice with restaurants with tables and chairs outside and awnings all at the same height.

[sugahill cafe]

Lee we are about to get a new Turkish restaurant next to the new Pavillion (it'll always be the 'Railway' to me) pub, interior looks complete they have been working on it for ages opening cannot be far away now.

[Nigel]

Good point made by Suga Hill - in our wishlist let's not forget what we already have and appreciate but would like more of.
I for one would welcome more of the welcoming and stylish coffee establishment that is Sugahill-especially if they had room for outside seating too.
whilst i am , Blue Mountain has much to offer too.
Good afternoon
Nigel

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[jonekt]

I'd like...
More trees
The lewisham bins to be replaced by newer/ nicer ones.
Street furniture removed & grass/flowers in the roundabout & pocket squares.
Couple of nice restaurants.
A deli/ cheese shop.
Shops to remove the neon flashing lights in the windows
The removal of the mobile phone kiosks.

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