For the ten years I’ve lived in South London, the triangle (made up of Westow Hill, Westow Street and Church Road) has been the go-to place for a day of pottering that stretches seamlessly into the evening.
to eat
I stood in a 45-minute queue for a passionfruit milk bun Chatsworth Bakehouse It was totally worth it last week at Anerley Road. I also rate its sourdough bread and pizza slices (sold at its sister shop two doors down). You can pre-order sandwiches for pickup but if you queue, you’ll be treated to tasters while you wait.
For a good sourdough pizza under £15, Four hundred rabbits All the classic toppings plus seasonal specials (Walnut & Hot Honey and Miso Mushroom are now on the menu). I am glad Palazzo BarAnother Italian, for its checkerboard floors, leather booths and zucchini fritti (crispy fried courgette).
My birthday dinner was the venue of choice Alma The pub’s Sunday roasts are exceptional, the menu changes with the seasons and attention is paid to where the ingredients come from (it also serves a good selection of London craft beers). For brunch and lunch, parent I have a visit. It serves good coffee, does a good selection of regular eggs, and changes its freshly made salads weekly.
Pick up charcuterie, olives, cakes and breads from independent vendors at Food market inside Crystal Palace Park. It is every Sunday.
to drink
When the day calls for something nice and a glass to eat, go Crystal Palace Wine Club. It’s good for a quiet weeknight drink, with a lively weekend vibe. The menu is refreshingly simple: good wine and cheese, charcuterie boards and cheese toasties. white heart, The Alma has an equally impressive craft beer selection across the street. Mondays are quiz night and live Entertainment on Friday.
For fresh, local draft beer, I gravitate a little further to microbreweries. their industrial Internal Make it a casual affair for groups of friends to get away for the afternoon. i like Gypsy Hill Taproom (approximately a 30-minute walk from Crystal Palace Station) and Southey Brewing Company (a 20-minute walk in the other direction from the station) and you can order a yard sale pizza with your pint at both places. Craft and Courage The Triangle has more of a pub feel.
Shopping
Crystal Palace is known for its vintage purchase And Crystal Palace AntiquesA Victorian warehouse is overflowing mid century Pieces and vintage furniture, at all prices, are usually my first port of call. Its stock turnover is fast so when I’m looking for something, I visit weekly. There is also Bambino, a small vintage furniture store, which also sells clothes and records.
chemical While there is a fine selection of clothing, homewares and gifts from Japan and Korea Mrs. Robinson There is an upscale interior shop selling furniture and furnishings as well as trinkets. For homemade crafts, ceramics and jewellery, there is the Handmade Palace Art and the craft market in the Crystal Palace subway.
green space
You can spend consecutive days at Crystal Palace Park and it will all be a completely different experience. There is a boating lake, fishing lake, skate park, maze, museum, farm, ‘Rusty Laptop’ music stage and dinosaur statues that have been in place since 1854. But if you feel like you’re done exploring, Beckenham Place Park with its swimming Man Wood Lake is 3 minutes away. Both parks are lively events calendar
