I love this time of the year. From the longer nights and the changing colour of the trees to wrapping up in warm coats, kicking leaves in long boots and snuggling up on the sofa with a big glass of wine.
September always symbolises the start of a new year for me. It is when I first open the pages of my crisp new school year diary and when – after the excesses of summer – I adopt healthier habits (drink less rosé). Well, for at least a week anyway.
Looking at how many new businesses popped up on our high street last month, it would appear I am not alone in choosing this month to launch something new.
Following the successful opening of the M&S Food Hall on Lordship Lane was the long awaited for ED branch of Meat Liquor serving burgers, beer, fried chicken and cocktails.
Over on Forest Hill Road, Lorenzo’s Restaurant moved into Si Mangia’s previous site. Most of the old fixtures and fittings remain, but the restaurant now offers the same menu as their Crystal Palace branch. Fans of pasta and pizza will not be disappointed, however, sadly for me, Si Mangia’s freshly made gluten free pasta did not make the cut.
It is not just our local food establishments that have been branching out either. Bells Bathrooms and Kitchens opened a new kitchen showroom in their Lordship Lane premises, while Daisy Lets & Sales launched a new offering in Forest Hill.
In the heart of Dulwich Village, The Groom Room rebranded as Porters Barbers, providing classical and contemporary grooming for today’s modern gentlemen.
But in with the new does not necessarily mean out with the old.
Push Studios celebrated 10-years of keeping our community fit and on their ballet pumped toes with classes ranging from Pilates, Zumba, yoga and ballet.
Meanwhile, local resident, Fiona Nott, hosted her popular annual Macmillan coffee morning for the 11th time, raising over £11,000 for the charity to date.
Temperatures may be dropping, but there are still some fantastic things going on around Dulwich to warm you up this autumn.
Blue Patch opened the first pop-up sustainable department store at St Barnabas Parish Hall on 1st October. This event showcased the best of Britain’s ethical small businesses and in true department store fashion there will be something for everyone on the day.
Plans for the next Herne Hill Music Festival (7-16 October) are also taking shape. This year’s programme offers local people the usual range of music from jazz, folk and blues, to family and children’s concerts.
If you haven’t already seen it, October half term will be your last chance to visit the Dinosaurs: Monster Families exhibition at The Horniman Museum and Gardens.
And lastly, the streets of Dulwich will get a spooky makeover as October draws to a close and a sea of ghouls, ghosts and green-faced witches will trick & treat their way from door to door. We will be following the pumpkin trail in the village again this year – it’s lots of fun!
You can find details of all local news, events, and ticket information over on our website. You can also find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @arounddulwich.