My name is Fraser Crawford. I work down the road in East Dulwich as a family lawyer but my real passion is for painting!
How long have you lived in the area?
I have lived in South London for seven years, previously at Peckham Rye. I have been in SE23 for just over a year.
What brought you here?
It was convenient for work in SE22 at Glazer Delmar Solicitors on North Cross Road.
What has changed most during that time?
South East London has changed so much in this time – there are Hispters everywhere, which must mean it’s got trendy.
What do you most value about the area/street you live in?
I really like the sense of community. I lived in North London for years and never knew my neighbours. I can’t walk down the street now without bumping into someone I know now.
Do you know your neighbours?
Yes – as I say SE23 is a very friendly place and I am lucky to have good neighbours on either side.
The most famous person you’ve seen or met?
I have met quite a few – the nicest one was Kathy Burke. We spent a long journey together on the train to Cornwall once and she was slightly hungover. She was visiting Dawn French and texted her to get out of her car at the station. Dawn French blew kisses at me from the platform whilst Kathy Burke smoked an overdue fag.
Describe your perfect weekend
Getting up a little late, painting all day then going for perhaps one (or two) drinks in the evening. I am a great fan of going to art galleries up in town and more locally, like Something Gallery in Honor Oak which is worth a visit.
What’s your favourite place for a night out?
There are lots of lovely bars locally – the champagne bar in Brockley is quite good fun. My clubbing days are behind me though.
Where are you likely to be found on Saturday?
At the easel or in the pub.
What is your favourite place to eat?
Rocca in Dulwich village is great for an Italian. Babur in Honor Oak is the best Indian I have had and would recommend it to anyone.
The best meal I’ve ever had…
It was in New York and I ordered a steak. Not sure what part of the animal it was supposed to be, but it looked to be about half a cow. I didn’t manage the lot but I made a good dent in it. It was a bit of a celebrity hot spot. I was sitting under pictures of Ronald Regan and Tina Turner – two separate pictures I hasten to add.
Cafe, pub or bar?
I tend to end up in Donde in Honor Oak, but I gather it is being refurbished at the moment. I am often to be spotted out and about in SE23. The Sylvan Post on Dartmouth Road does a very good Espresso Martini. You can’t drink lager all the time.
If money was no object..
I would live in a massive house with lots of animals and I would paint all day.
The book I’m reading at the moment…
I like my history books – The origins of the Second World War by AJP Taylor.
My perfect holiday…
I used to live in Barcelona and have lots of friends there so I do like to visit as often as I can to keep my Spanish up. I am a big fan of anywhere in Spain that is a bit off the beaten track.
My secret ambition…
Winning the lottery is a bit obvious isn’t it? To be honest I would quite like fame as well as fortune, but I will keep playing the lottery in the meantime
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