I’m Caroline Newte Hardie, owner of Peace + Riot, mother of two, wife of one. An education consultant by day and a comedian by night for many years. However, after more than half a decade as parent, she decided there had to be a better way to do ‘family friendly’ and decided to open Peace + Riot: a kitchen, bar and workspace – with childcare on Croxted Road in West Dulwich. It’s not family friendly – it’s parent friendly.
How long have you lived in the area?We moved to Sydenham in April 2009 – so pretty much bang on 12 years!
What’s your favourite place for a night out?
I absolutely love 161 Kirkdale in Sydenham. It’s just perfect. And Sparrow in Lewisham is a treasure. I’m only just getting to know SE21, and I can’t wait to try out the restaurants right on our doorstep – Dulwich Lyceum is currently doing take away and I shall be ordering something delicious to take home for a lockdown date night. I have already made use of our proximity to the excellent deli at La Gastronomica. Poor me.
Cafe, pub or bar?Pubcafebar…? Wish we did composite nouns.
The most famous person you’ve seen or met?
For a period of time I was a comedian – not full time; my day job was v safe. The two most jaw dropping moments were meeting Dawn French backstage at her gig, and meeting Jennifer Saunders after my gig. Will never be bested. Ever.
Where are you likely to be found on Saturday?
At the moment, a park, where I’ll trying to tire out two small humans, and then supporting local restaurants by meeting up with friends to tell them all about how my youngest kept making a bolt for the tallest tree he could find (he’s 3). I’ll hopefully have better stories soon.
The best kept secret…Comedy clubs. People think they’re just for die-hard comedy fans- they’re not! Gone are the days of a man and a mic and avoiding eye contact so you don’t get picked on. Two of the best bookers there are have set up in South East London – head to the Poodle Club in Sydenham and Stanley Halls for their Nice’n’Spiky nights the minute they are open.
What is your favourite shop?Mabel’s Five and Dime is fantastic – I have never ever walked in and not bought anything. Max Made Me Do It is a riot of colour, as you walk in it feels like you’ve walked through the wardrobe into Narnia – if Narnia were a beautifully decorated tropical island. Last but not least, The Dulwich Trader is the ultimate gift shop. I drove past Jo Partridge the other day on Rosendale Road and was suddenly pulled back in time; I had had my trial bridal hair and make-up done at their sister site in Wandsworth nearly 15 years ago!
If money was no object..I’d sort everyone out.
My perfect holiday..
A small cottage with a big garden, near the coast so I can hear the sea and the sounds of my kids giggling their heads off as they play chase whilst calling each other unfeasibly disgusting names.
My secret ambition..Well, it’s not so secret now – www.peaceandriot.co