Julia Salisbury is a local massage therapist and reflexologist working from Bellenden Therapies in SE15 and Dulwich Therapy Rooms in SE22. She’s also the former owner of ‘Neroli’ in Honor Oak Park, which many locals still remember fondly.
How long have you lived in the area?
I had my business, Neroli, in Honor Oak Park from 2008 to 2016, and I’ve lived nearby in SE15 for 24 years (yes, I’m officially part of the furniture now). We’re in the Bellenden Regeneration Area, which has changed a lot over the years — mostly for the better!
What do you most value about the area you live in?
The small independent shops, cafés and restaurants. They give the area its edge and keep things interesting.
Do you know your neighbours?
A lot of them! And quite a few have been here as long as we have. Many are the type who will drop everything to help. Case in point: when our modular garden sofa wouldn’t fit through our front door… or our neighbours’! Six households teamed up to lift it over a wall and five fences. Local teamwork at its finest.
What’s the one thing you couldn’t do without?
My glasses. Without them, life is basically an impressionist painting.
The most famous person you’ve seen or met?
King Charles — though he was still Prince Charles when I met him in Turin in 2008 at the Slow Food Exhibition Terra Madre. I was working with my dad, representing foods from the Northwest of England, and he popped by our stand to try the potted shrimps. He seemed to approve!
Describe your perfect weekend.
Waking naturally, followed by breakfast in bed, watching Laura Kuenssberg, then a long walk with Dele, my miniature dachshund, usually around Peckham Rye. A browse around a market or car boot, a late lunch with friends or our godson, then home on the sofa with a comedy or psychological thriller. Bliss.
Where’s your favourite place to walk?
Anywhere with water — I’m originally from Ulverston in Cumbria, so I head back often to visit family. Two favourites: High Dam in Finsthwaite, which has a serene and enchanting feel, and Gunners How — a steep climb, but the views over Lake Windermere at the top are unforgettable.
When I want to relax…
It depends on what I need! Sometimes it’s gentle stretching on the yoga mat, deep breathing and a chapter of a book. Other times it’s soaking in an Epsom salt bath with a candle… or sharing a glass of wine and plenty of laughter in my friend Renée’s hot tub.
What is your favourite shop?
Liberty’s, without question. I could lose hours among the perfumes, candles, jewellery counters, and home accessories. And the building itself — mock Tudor outside, wood panelling inside — is just magical. Closer to home, it has to be Jumping Bean. I shopped there when I had Neroli and still do. It’s my go-to for gifts of all ages — one of those rare shops where you always find the perfect thing.
This article first appeared in the October issue of SE23.