Hello my name is Joy Bradshaw. I run a hair salon in Brockley called First Glance with my brother Roan Bradshaw. It’s a small, friendly, family business. We do all aspects of hairdressing – European, Mixed, Afro hair, male and female. This year we are celebrating 30-years in business!
How long have you lived in the area?
I have lived here all my life as my parents moved from the Brockley end of SE15 (Nunhead) to Forest Hill in the early 1960’s and I absolutely love it!! I think because its surrounded with a choice of parks and greenery it makes a difference and it’s also so central. Luckily, I know my lovely neighbours and they are all so friendly and we do the neighbourly thing to respect each other and look out for each other.
What do you most value about the area/street you live in?
I just love the fact that it’s so accessible to the city and into town, The bus stop is not literally on my door step, but within walking distance so I don’t hear the noise of the traffic, which is great! Having Honor Oak Park and Crofton Park train station within walking distance and now with the Overground is so great!! All means no driving needed or stressing about parking at the station, unless of course I am running late! Also I’m very fortunate to have nice neighbours in my street!
The most famous person you’ve seen or met?
Many, many years ago coming out of a club called Stringfellows I saw George Michael and I also met Ian Wright during his Crystal Palace and Arsenal days.
The best meal I’ve ever had…
My Jamaican mum and dad with home-cooked Sunday dinner, which was a tradition to have rice and peas with either chicken or curry goat, roast potatoes, salad and homemade coleslaw followed by mum’s homemade apple crumble with custard or vanilla ice cream! Absolutely delicious. It brings back fond childhood memories just the thought and smell of it.
What’s your favourite place to go for a drink?
Brickfields Bar in Brockley because it’s small and intimate.
The best kept secret…
Dulwich Park, because of its peacefulness, it’s so pretty with all the flowers and the little lake. It has an area for everyone and you never feel as though it’s overcrowded.
Where’s your favourite place to walk?
Along the Southbank where you can discover the arts and culture of the various street acts and if you’re tired, sit and admire the river Thames, then get a bite to eat at Gabriel’s Wharf.
When I want to relax…
I take a good book and go and have a conditioning treatment and a blow-dry at First Glance Hair Salon in Brockley as it always makes me feel better once my hair’s done and it relaxes me too. Or maybe a massage at ESPH in Lordship Lane, SE22.
What was the last thing you bought in my favourite shop?
A long black jumper which also doubles up as a cape. It’s so lovely, as it can hide a multitude of sins as well as it can be dressed up or dressed down. It always looks nice, feels soft and warm, great to travel in and also to go out in. Sadly, this one off boutique closed down this year. We miss you ‘Sugar’, which was on Lordship Lane.
Best bargain you’ve ever landed…
Oh my goodness, years ago you could get a last-minute holiday bargain on Teletext! Now I’m not so sure. Back then I managed to get a bargain going to Kenya for £199 and it was all inclusive. I even remember the hotel, it was Southern Palms. It was such a lovely hotel and had wooden four-poster beds. I thought they had made a mistake when I got there, it really was a great experience and holiday coupled with great sunshine, beaches and safaris in tow.