Hop and a skip to Hopscotch for a burger

Hopscotch on Honor Oak Park has really grown on me.

The first weekend they opened, I got as far as the door, then ran at the sight of buggies and screaming kids through the steamed up windows.

Since then, it seems to have settled into a more adult affair. Not that kids aren't welcome, but adults are welcome - so many places round here seem to have to chase the buggy crowd for midweek revenue - but lets face it, if I want a quiet cup of coffee with a read of the paper, I wouldn't go to a creche.

It has more recently opened up on Thu, Fri & Sat evenings. I have passed a few times when it has been crowded, but last Friday it was just me & hubby. We both had a drink and a burger, and they were superb. The burger with stilton and bacon hit the spot for me. (The lager hit the spot for hubby!). Despite the fact that the place was empty on this visit, the music and ambiance honestly meant I didn't notice.

I hope this becomes a winner for the area, cos it sure is for me.

Looks like they are on twitter @hopscotchbar - I'll be following.

Forest Hill Society

It's funny, when I moved to SE23, I rather thought the Forest Hill Society (FHS) was a bunch of old fuddy duddies - which may actually be down to the logo and the odd things I picked up from the SE23 forum (which it turns out has nothing to do with FHS).

Last year, I decided to go along to their AGM to find out a bit more. Having spoken out (on what topic I can't even remember - ah yes, may have been internet communications and blogs...), Richard Hibbert, the Chair, suggested I get involved. I was adamant I was too busy, but he has a way of getting you involved, just a bit.

The aims of the society are set out in their constitution, which roughly translates to an interest in:

- promoting public interest and civic pride

- planning

- amenities

Whilst it may sound dry, depending on your area of interest, it is quite easy to get involved and actually do something. I have limited interest in planning or transport from FH (I use HOP or Catford Bridge), but I am keen on more amenities in the area and lets face it, I love bars, restaurants and shops!! For all of these, I think SE23 has plenty of room for improvement.

So far, I have helped organise the Burns Night at the All Inn One and the Royal Wedding Party by the Old Post Office. I've really enjoyed both. If anyone else is interested, I seriously suggest getting in touch. The FHS is a broad church and really is only limited by its resource pool - ie active members.

Ironically, the bit I think I still need to work on is there internet presence (lets see if I can sort my own first eh).

Stag and Bow Officially opened this weekend

I've popped into Stag & Bow a couple of times since its doors opened quite some time back. They have a cookie but on trend make up of craft and haberdashery goods as well as some small housey antiques. Over the last few months, the shop has 'filled out' so to speak, and now looks and feels like a proper store.

I am keen to sample their craft workshops. They do all sorts from crochet to leather work. This seems like it is quite a trend too. I recently went to a Homemade London open evening, who do similar things at their store in town - though fairly well advertised in SE London as the business is run by Mrs 'Brockley Nick' (creator of Brockley Central). Hopefully the concept will also work in Forest Hill, though I imagine there is some risk involved to get enough footfall.

Immediately noticeable at Stag & Bow, is the lovely shop front. This is a great addition to this stretch and hopefully becomes one to set a trend on Dartmouth Road. I do hope that with the onset of the Pools and the opening of Sylvan Post, footfall will be forthcoming. I'll certainly make it to one of their workshops.

Be serious woman.....!

OK, I really haven't been trying have I?

Commitment then for the next 2 months to get 2/week posts up.

I've written and posted that now.

No promises that they will be 2 per actual week - but lets say 16 posts in 8 weeks.

The challenge is set.

Burns Night 25th January at All Inn One

I am very much looking forward to Burns Night on 25th January. It isn't every year that I find somewhere to go. As a Scot I have been to a few events over the year and I have had a supermarket haggis at home - but for a few years now there has been one on the doorstep - and this year I can make it!

For £14.95, you get 3 courses and a wee dram to toast the bard. From all accounts from those who have been before, this is a good do. Ostensibly run by the Forest Hill Society, it is for anyone who fancies being cheered up on a Tuesday night in January. That will definitely be me.

You need to book - 020 8699 3311 - it's at the All Inn One on Perry Vale right next to Forest Hill Station. Maybe see you there?

Caring Christmas Trees

Last year, I came across caring christmas trees. This is a charity that links sales of Christmas trees to local charities. Most are based in Scotland, but one option is to buy a tree in SE London.

You can buy a tree, for the standard price, and profits in this instance go to the Jericho Road Project to help the homeless. (The project is attached to Kings Church on Catford Hill.)

Ordering online is simple. Last year, I ordered this from overseas - this year from the office. I collect mine from the Bromley Road Retail Park, but you can pay to get it delivered.

The best thing by far, was that this was the nicest tree I have ever had. Few needles fell and it stayed lovely and green throughout the season. I'm already excited about getting this years!

Forest Hill Pop Up - A great night, despite the weather!

So last night was Pop Up night. Businesses around the town centre held one off 'pop up' events. Kids were making Christmas cards, Campervantastic were showing off one of their vehicles, a new walking club met at the Q bar, there was 10% off at Bunka and the Fitting Studio, Thai veg carving, curry specials and a quiz - to name but a few of the goings on.

The biggest success had to be the pop up bar at the Old Post Office. The Sylvan Post will open as a new bar in the new year, run by Antic, the people who run Jam Circus in Brockley. There is a piccie above - last night it was still a Post Office with a few chairs and tables, shabby chic standard lamps, a very cool 1950s (ish) bar and cheap beer.

I was determined to go, and managed a DLR/ bus journey. Due to the snow, trains were cancelled and there was concern that it wasn't going to be a success. I'm sure it would have been busier if the weather had been more clement, but it was a really good evening and great to see Forest Hill's community making the most of their town centre. I am sure there will be calls to have another in the Spring/Summer. I can't wait!