marge

Doubt that LL is becoming new BL! Brick Lane has a large resident Asian population in proximity which is why there's a variety of establishments - style, quality, authenticity,accesibility, price bla bla. Not sure that this is the same in East Dulwich albeit an enthusiastic market.

honk...That's v. good. Thinking of doing this commute by bike myself - what time of day do you go and are you fearless - for it to take 30 mins or could anyone do it?

Ah, but the coffee will be the telling point for me, especially en route to the station! How much for a medium cappucino? Dare you to undercut the chains, motherash...

Boris Karloff lived on Forest Hill Road and there is a blue plaque above Beauty Plus/Si mangia - hence Si Mangia/2 trees lounge site was called Karloffs under old mgmnt.

So... you lot, a long time ago, on Forest Hill Road, there was a lovely bakery. It closed. And not so long ago there was a cafe called two trees that expanded into two trees lounge on a second site before it got converted into si mangia. These businesses closed because the rents were high and they didn't get the daily (and daytime) business from the locals to make it work. Chicken/egg/chicken...if you want local resources you need to support them. The businesses on the other hand need to identify what locals want. We go to Anatolia at least twice a month when they are open. We like it. Might be a bit cheesy for some people but it's loads cheaper than the Herne or Si Mangia. Point is, you won't get what you want by whinging about the lack of it. Support the local businesses rather than slagging them off - they'll listen and improve, I'm sure.

I think the thread about teenager trouble at East Dulwich Station and Dog kennel hill should be lounged - it has become a debate on youth/behaviour generically rather than relevant to original thread subject or indeed the local issue if there is one. Consequently the issue which was serious/interesting/relevant for local parents and residents is blurred and other visitors who may have joined late in the thread may not pick up the pertinent points.