Butchers Shop
Butchers Shop
For anyone who’s interested, the butcher who used to work at the shop near Bell Green, which closed about a year ago, is opening a shop at the Plough near Dulwich Library. The shop is just along from the DIY shop and was a butchers shop many years ago. I think he is due to open any day, but when I passed yesterday they were still working on the shop but it looks as if it’s almost ready to go. A 176 takes you right outside or the 197 outside the library. He was a Sydenham based guy, so some of you may know him. It's not the previous owner of the Bell Green shop as I know he retired but I believe one of the guys who worked with him.
I'll pass, literally and metaphorically.
Given the state he/they kept the shop in Bell Green [very Lower Sydenham] in and where it was I imagine his view of Sydders residents is as tainted as mine of he.
I'm told he had a good product but didn't have the first clue about the important things like advertising, enticing shop frontages, correct citing for correct footfall...
Seems like some lessons have been learnt but William Rose have that area all sewn up, I fear.
It's too far away for me.
Given the state he/they kept the shop in Bell Green [very Lower Sydenham] in and where it was I imagine his view of Sydders residents is as tainted as mine of he.
I'm told he had a good product but didn't have the first clue about the important things like advertising, enticing shop frontages, correct citing for correct footfall...
Seems like some lessons have been learnt but William Rose have that area all sewn up, I fear.
It's too far away for me.
I know the one you mean savvygirl.
It's hard not to sound like a jilted lover here and I am well aware I do.
The thing is I'm a bit of a snob. If it isn't the type of meat that they would serve up in Waitrose or, say, Borough Market then I shan't touch it.
There are a few threads scattered about here titled 'Home Park butchers/Bell Green/Sargeants/' lamenting the fact he was a good butcher but closed down.
I don't know how often you go to Bell Green? If it's anything like I then not very often. No offense to anyone who lives nearby but only if I am visiting the GP practise there will I ever go there.
It turns out though that his meats were from the same place as William Rose. Nobody knew this and judging from the state of the shop, you wouldn't have guessed it. I never once had a leaflet through the door...and trust me I'd have been there like a shot.
Thanks for the post though. Interestingly I've some family visiting and we'll be at the Horniman then the Dulwich Picture Gallery on Sat (all by foot) so if he's open I might pop in!
Who'd a thunk it? He goes all the way to Dulwich to finally get my trade!
It's hard not to sound like a jilted lover here and I am well aware I do.
The thing is I'm a bit of a snob. If it isn't the type of meat that they would serve up in Waitrose or, say, Borough Market then I shan't touch it.
There are a few threads scattered about here titled 'Home Park butchers/Bell Green/Sargeants/' lamenting the fact he was a good butcher but closed down.
I don't know how often you go to Bell Green? If it's anything like I then not very often. No offense to anyone who lives nearby but only if I am visiting the GP practise there will I ever go there.
It turns out though that his meats were from the same place as William Rose. Nobody knew this and judging from the state of the shop, you wouldn't have guessed it. I never once had a leaflet through the door...and trust me I'd have been there like a shot.
Thanks for the post though. Interestingly I've some family visiting and we'll be at the Horniman then the Dulwich Picture Gallery on Sat (all by foot) so if he's open I might pop in!
Who'd a thunk it? He goes all the way to Dulwich to finally get my trade!
Well Ulysses I don’t go to Bell Green very often only to visit the Savercentre occasionally. I usually walk down the High Street to get there and sadly it does look a bit run down as you near the lower end. I too am particular about the meat I buy, so will know instantly if it’s my kinda place. I shall judge him on his sausages – if they’re not up to scratch then he won’t get my custom. Sausages are so important! 
I know Wm Rose produce a vast array of sausages which are very good indeed. I may try some chops too, but they’ve got to be better standard than supermarket. I wonder why he didn’t choose Sydenham – maybe he feels ED is the place to be now that it’s been gentrified! Somehow I don’t think Sydenham will suffer that fate.
I know Wm Rose produce a vast array of sausages which are very good indeed. I may try some chops too, but they’ve got to be better standard than supermarket. I wonder why he didn’t choose Sydenham – maybe he feels ED is the place to be now that it’s been gentrified! Somehow I don’t think Sydenham will suffer that fate.I'm going to gloss over the double entendre...or is that the product of the sewer that is my mind?
As for gentrification I think you'll find there are already clear signs of Sydders being re-gentrified. Dare I whisper it but JH Skincare on Kirkdale has recently defected from Lordship Lane to Kirkdale. We are starting to see independent coffee shops, delis and gastropubs (they've been listed many times on other threads so I won't labour the point here) and we hear M&S Simply Food is going to be in the Greyhound re-development.
All exciting stuff but I'm not deluded enough to think we haven't got aways to go to catch up with East Dulwich. East Dulwich was never well-heeled but it has become trendy and hip. Sydenham was well-heeled but for various reasons has been in the doldrums. I am hopeful this re-gentrification continues apace.
Of course Dulwich 'proper' where the new butchers is bests mostly anything London has to offer, I'm a real fan of Dulwich Village...very exclusive. The new butchers should do well where they are - right on the border of Dulwich Village.
I guess what I am trying to say is that our High St isn't really representative of our area. Take a walk off the High St at many points and you 'll find yourself in a completely different Sydenham to the one you might think you know or prejudge. There are lots of really expensive roads here [all things being relative], and yes, some estates.
As I said previously I doubt he was in the right premises here in Sydders. Bell Green is dominated by cars and the savacentre. I wish he'd found somewhere near the station. After all one other thing (aside from views, space, greenery and housing stock*) that Sydders bests East Dulwich in is transport links. And with the ELL this will continue to be the case.
* Admittedly alot of this housing stock needs to be extensivley renovated once what is a fairly elderly population passes on.
As for gentrification I think you'll find there are already clear signs of Sydders being re-gentrified. Dare I whisper it but JH Skincare on Kirkdale has recently defected from Lordship Lane to Kirkdale. We are starting to see independent coffee shops, delis and gastropubs (they've been listed many times on other threads so I won't labour the point here) and we hear M&S Simply Food is going to be in the Greyhound re-development.
All exciting stuff but I'm not deluded enough to think we haven't got aways to go to catch up with East Dulwich. East Dulwich was never well-heeled but it has become trendy and hip. Sydenham was well-heeled but for various reasons has been in the doldrums. I am hopeful this re-gentrification continues apace.
Of course Dulwich 'proper' where the new butchers is bests mostly anything London has to offer, I'm a real fan of Dulwich Village...very exclusive. The new butchers should do well where they are - right on the border of Dulwich Village.
I guess what I am trying to say is that our High St isn't really representative of our area. Take a walk off the High St at many points and you 'll find yourself in a completely different Sydenham to the one you might think you know or prejudge. There are lots of really expensive roads here [all things being relative], and yes, some estates.
As I said previously I doubt he was in the right premises here in Sydders. Bell Green is dominated by cars and the savacentre. I wish he'd found somewhere near the station. After all one other thing (aside from views, space, greenery and housing stock*) that Sydders bests East Dulwich in is transport links. And with the ELL this will continue to be the case.
* Admittedly alot of this housing stock needs to be extensivley renovated once what is a fairly elderly population passes on.
Oh you naughty person Ulysses! Yes indeed, it’s your mucky mind!
I shall be absolutely delighted if gentrification happens for Sydenham – perhaps this is where estate agents come into their own! Give the area the big sell. Victorian houses are what are loved by the trendies and I’m sure Sydders has plenty of these, places to park their 4x4s. Schools are another factor – there is of course Sydenham Girls School and the area isn’t a million miles from Dulwich with its posh and swanky schools. Once the ELL is up and running, this should boost things no-end and an M&S Simply Food will surely pave the way for better things – hell I’m beginning to sound like an estate agent! I do think though that the empty shop units on the corner of Dartmouth Road and Kirkdale look a bit awful. There used to be a nice little parade of shops along that part years ago. I seem to recall a place that sold quite trendy furniture, I think it was called Gino’s, it was where the Windmill now is and of course that lovely old antique shop. I was always down there browsing. That’s what’s needed, shops that draw people into an area. JH Skincare could be the start, I hope so.
I shall be absolutely delighted if gentrification happens for Sydenham – perhaps this is where estate agents come into their own! Give the area the big sell. Victorian houses are what are loved by the trendies and I’m sure Sydders has plenty of these, places to park their 4x4s. Schools are another factor – there is of course Sydenham Girls School and the area isn’t a million miles from Dulwich with its posh and swanky schools. Once the ELL is up and running, this should boost things no-end and an M&S Simply Food will surely pave the way for better things – hell I’m beginning to sound like an estate agent! I do think though that the empty shop units on the corner of Dartmouth Road and Kirkdale look a bit awful. There used to be a nice little parade of shops along that part years ago. I seem to recall a place that sold quite trendy furniture, I think it was called Gino’s, it was where the Windmill now is and of course that lovely old antique shop. I was always down there browsing. That’s what’s needed, shops that draw people into an area. JH Skincare could be the start, I hope so.
Bell Green Butchers were no gtreat loss.
No Signage/poor presentation
wrong location
random opening hours
i can't see why they've located to close to Dulwich Library.
Higher shop rent
Half a mile from SE Londons most famous butcher
A pending Sainsburys opposite.
By comparison,Sydenham offered.
Premium High St locations
(i would think competitive rent)
Pending road improvements
no competition
still, i wish them well
No Signage/poor presentation
wrong location
random opening hours
i can't see why they've located to close to Dulwich Library.
Higher shop rent
Half a mile from SE Londons most famous butcher
A pending Sainsburys opposite.
By comparison,Sydenham offered.
Premium High St locations
(i would think competitive rent)
Pending road improvements
no competition
still, i wish them well
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CaptainCarCrash
- Posts: 2852
- Joined: 23 Jun 2009 20:04
- Location: Even further than before
I disagree about that location, I think some locals in the area are crying out for an alternative to the over priced butchers down the road, he will be under the spotlight when the shop opens but he could have played a masterstroke in regards to the location and he will have to deliver because the se22 post code is full of some very tough critics. If I were him on day one I would over deliver for the first while and bend overbackwards, before he knows it he could have queues going right down to the roundabout at EastDulwich Rd.
If Sydenham does become gentrified then lets hope that the arrogance that comes with it does'nt turn up. ED is a bit stuffy but then again I was dragged up on a council estate so dont take my word for it.
If Sydenham does become gentrified then lets hope that the arrogance that comes with it does'nt turn up. ED is a bit stuffy but then again I was dragged up on a council estate so dont take my word for it.
I agree with you both AliB and mikecg. I daren't reply again to savvygirl...I'm borderline misogyny and frottaging as it is! 
Bell Green butchers wasn't a great loss. He didn't see the best of us nor us of he. All I know is he kept a run down shop that never opened and I wouldn't use it and all he knew is Sydders is chock full of stationary traffic heading home or to the Sainsbury's. Doubt either would have much glowing to say about the other.
I think his spot is something of a masterstoke also mikecg. He's slap bang in the middle of Forest Hill/E.Dulwich and W.Dulwich. I'm right in thinking the deli opposite 'the Dog' in Dulwich Village sells meat but that's about it? He's going to also have those of a discerning palate from Sydders (moi, amongst many others*) walking there plus passing trade from the S.Circular.
However, presumably there was a reason it hasn't been an open butchers for some time?...perhaps it's not all we think it is? Time will tell.
As for your other point about Sydders being re-gentrified. I'm seeing the mind-set you speak off increasingly here in SE26 already. I used to have a place off Point Hill in West Greenwich (near the park on the 'correct' side). I hated all the 'effected' people in Greenwich and moved here as it was more 'real'. At the time I didn't realise Sydders was as nice in parts as it is.
ANYWAY: If this regentrification continues apace and this trickle turns into a torrent I might have to head off again. I think I'll definitely be safe in Penge or Catford!? Only joking, I cannot wait for Sydders to be the new Hampstead [Aim high!]
@ savvygirl, do you mean the posh Sydenham High [for Girls]? The public school on Westwood Hill? Or do you mean the one on Dartmouth Road...the one on Dartmouth Road which I think is a comprehensive is not so good from what I can tell?
* Sorry mikecg, couldn't resist the pretentious moi.
Bell Green butchers wasn't a great loss. He didn't see the best of us nor us of he. All I know is he kept a run down shop that never opened and I wouldn't use it and all he knew is Sydders is chock full of stationary traffic heading home or to the Sainsbury's. Doubt either would have much glowing to say about the other.
I think his spot is something of a masterstoke also mikecg. He's slap bang in the middle of Forest Hill/E.Dulwich and W.Dulwich. I'm right in thinking the deli opposite 'the Dog' in Dulwich Village sells meat but that's about it? He's going to also have those of a discerning palate from Sydders (moi, amongst many others*) walking there plus passing trade from the S.Circular.
However, presumably there was a reason it hasn't been an open butchers for some time?...perhaps it's not all we think it is? Time will tell.
As for your other point about Sydders being re-gentrified. I'm seeing the mind-set you speak off increasingly here in SE26 already. I used to have a place off Point Hill in West Greenwich (near the park on the 'correct' side). I hated all the 'effected' people in Greenwich and moved here as it was more 'real'. At the time I didn't realise Sydders was as nice in parts as it is.
ANYWAY: If this regentrification continues apace and this trickle turns into a torrent I might have to head off again. I think I'll definitely be safe in Penge or Catford!? Only joking, I cannot wait for Sydders to be the new Hampstead [Aim high!]
@ savvygirl, do you mean the posh Sydenham High [for Girls]? The public school on Westwood Hill? Or do you mean the one on Dartmouth Road...the one on Dartmouth Road which I think is a comprehensive is not so good from what I can tell?
* Sorry mikecg, couldn't resist the pretentious moi.
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CaptainCarCrash
- Posts: 2852
- Joined: 23 Jun 2009 20:04
- Location: Even further than before
Your alright Ulysses, I don't really want to live in a place where every other house is a pile of bricks, burnt out cars and disgarded white goods are the norm either. I like the civility of an area where we all have common goals for the good of our community. It's just at the moment I cant help but give a little dig to gentrification I'm sure it will pass. A new year is looming ever closer and I cant wait to see the back of this one and the incredible strain it has dealt us all.
So I propose a toast to 2010, may it be a good one, lets face it it could'nt be any worse.
So I propose a toast to 2010, may it be a good one, lets face it it could'nt be any worse.