My name is James Edwin and I live in Forest Hill with my wife and our dog, Jackson. I have recently retrained as a reflexologist and practice here in SE23.
How long have you lived in the area?
I have lived in Forest Hill for 20 years
What brought you here?
My then girlfriend, now wife, already lived here and we loved the green open spaces
What has changed most during that time?
There are definitely more interesting independent coffee bars and food places now
Do you know your neighbours?
Yes, unlike other places I have lived in London- we know them, we socialize and it is lovely
Do you belong to any groups?
Well I am a member of the Association of Reflexologists if that counts! My wife is more the person to ask- she is in The Forest Hill Gin Club and a local rock choir…
Describe your perfect weekend
Ultimate Cheese Toastie and coffee at Agas’s Little Deli, food shopping at Beetroot & Beans and Jones of Brockley, a walk in Beckenham Place Park and a beer at Ignition Brewery Taproom. Sunday – lunch at the Dartmouth Arms and a film on the sofa at home.
What’s your favourite place for a night out?
I am currently loving the Fellowship & Star with its great bar and cinema.
What is your favourite place to eat?
In the summer, in the garden with friends
Coffee or tea? Where?
Always coffee, always Aga’s Little Deli
The best kept secret…
SubPlot 57, the bar beneath Leaf and Groove on Dartmouth Road. My wife says they make the best cocktails in London
Where’s your favourite place to walk?
Beckenham Place Park with the dog. Watching what they have been doing there, with the lake, planting and the refurb of the house is amazing. I love it there.
When I want to relax…
I have just been lucky enough to get an allotment and I go there to dig it over and plan what I am going to grow.