Tom

Just so I don't make a mistake, what makes an area cosmopolitan? I was under the impression a 'cosmopolitan' area reflected all cultures, countries and people. In this respect, I would like to sugest that East dulwich reflects a very wide range of British, European and Global cultures and societies (or levels of society). In addition, an area which has boutiques that sell product sourced globally, gastro pubs that serve global as well as British food and residents who are open minded and well read / travelled (regardless of social status) would have a claim to be cosmopolitan. When I lived in ED as a student about 15 yrs ago, I can promise you it was not cosmopolitan. In fact it was a depressing a*hole, in parts populated by whores & drug dealers. ED of today is a marked improvement in terms of facilities, enviroment, housing, transport and entertainment. Hence the reason many people wish to move here and bring children up here. The village is lovely to drive through, but have you eaten there recently? Sorry, but they are falling behind. Piaf is awful, Beauberry is ok, but not exactly superb, and the chains - well, they are italplastic.

Fattypuffs no, but the once gym honed, buff young things of Clapham would apprear to be setting into their middle years quite well.

Am I alone in noticing the increasing girth of ED residents? Are we all completely food obsessed? I must admit my waist has increased by 3" since I moved here 1 yr ago... maybe we need to sell Dulwich eating to a wider London market?? Gastro capital of London? Those poor souls in the village must be feeling terribly left our with all these lovely shops which put theirs to shame!

In 2005 planning was granted to make the building into a gym type complex. In 2006 planning was applied to turn the ground floor and basement from light industrial into financial / retail units and to develop the upper stories into what sounds like 'luxury' flats (lots of glass, balconies etc). The applicant isn't listed and is represented by an agent. You can see all details on the Southwark planning site.

Balham is the nearest i've found (but 2 courts are currently shut for refurb). Dulwich Squash Club does seem to be run by a snotty wunch of bankers.