I’m Shona Chambers, I have lived and worked in the SE London for almost 20 years; (Deptford, Lee Green, Nunhead and currently Forest Hill). I have always loved the strong sense of community to be found in this area and have participated in many aspects of it from the Tulse Hill & Dulwich Hockey club to running the SE15 Tea Group (Mums & babies social group) – it’s a great place to live!

What’s the one thing you couldn’t do without?

At present the song track from The Greatest Showman on my MP3 player, I challenge anyone to listen to it and not be hooked.

The most famous person you’ve seen or met?

I met quite in my former business, a cafe. Including Shirley from Eastenders (Linda Valiris) Mike McShane – who played Friar Tuck in Robin Hood Prince of Thieves, Joel Dommet (I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here) and others who are actually really nice locals and I’d rather not name drop!

Where are you likely to be found on Saturday?

If not running one of the children to a kids party, or at my own venue, Space at 61, with clients, you will probably find me on my bike cycling around the area via the excellent parks we have. Blythe Hill Fields has gotten a lot more appealing since Perlant & Press arrived serving Redemption Roasters coffee (you see a theme) from a vintage VW van. Highly recommended.

Coffee or tea? Where?

Always Coffee – Having set up my own coffee shop I’m a tough crowd, but I absolutely love No 41 in Brockley Rise, for a great example of a hard working family who also happen to make a brilliant cup of coffee.

The best meal I’ve ever had…

My husband and I got married at West Stoke House in West Sussex in 2006 – it is the dower house to Goodwood Estate – that sadly has since turned back into a private residence, but the meal they served us on night of our wedding was the best I’d ever had.

Where’s your favourite place to walk?

The Thames Path is amazing, so much to discover & manageable legs so you can choose how much you do.

When I want to relax…

I head for the beach. As soon as I see the sea all thoughts of business/stress/outside life evaporate.

What is your favourite shop?

The Mulberry Factory shop is one I’ve spent a lot of time in as it is in my home town in Somerset. A dangerous place for the credit card.

What was the last thing you bought there?

A weekend bag many years ago, but it has lasted.

The book I’m reading at the moment…

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn.

My perfect holiday…

To go back to Belize which was where we had our honeymoon, and spend the time diving & island hopping.

My secret ambition…

I’m an utterly useless dancer, but I’d love to be able to learn a complicated dance routine, maybe one day.


Founded in September 2016, the vision for Space at 61 was to provide a space for creative use. The venue may be used by Artists working on their creations, supper club hosts trying out new menus, work shoppers holding interesting craft projects, families hosting gatherings, including birthday parties & baby showers & pop up retail events. Owned & run by Shona Chambers, Space at 61 is a great place to make connections & meet interesting people.