It’s been praised for its independent shops, community feel and family appeal
Dartmouth Road is one of the most vibrant areas in Forest Hill now, but it wasn’t always like this, with many units sat empty a decade ago(Image: Facundo Arrizabalaga/MyLondon)
When Lewisham springs to mind, it’s fair to say that thoughts don’t immediately turn to lush green spaces, charming independent shops or a quaint ‘village atmosphere’.
More likely, you’d picture the hectic commuter rush, towering modern apartment blocks and some rather trendy watering holes. Let’s face it, though, those who’ve never set foot in Lewisham often harbour less than glowing preconceptions about the area.
Which is why many will be taken aback to discover that one particular pocket was crowned among London’s finest places to call home in 2024.
The Times bestowed this accolade upon Forest Hill (SE23), a compact neighbourhood that more than compensates for its modest size with bags of personality. The publication highlights how, in recent times and following considerable regeneration, Forest Hill has emerged as a magnet for those taking their first steps onto the property ladder and young families.
The area is full of interesting independent shops, including even a classic DVD store(Image: Facundo Arrizabalaga/MyLondon)
While it didn’t claim the top spot—that distinction went to fellow South London locale Clerkenwell—other areas on the list included the previous year’s winner, Crouch End, alongside Highams Park, Little Venice, London Fields and Wimbledon Village.
MyLondon paid a visit to Forest Hill a few years back to speak with residents and get a genuine sense of the neighbourhood.
The feedback was overwhelmingly enthusiastic, with one local shopkeeper revealing she’d even had ‘FH’ permanently inked on her arm.
The views are pretty great too…(Image: Creative Commons)
The real action unfolds along Dartmouth Road, a stone’s throw from the Overground station, brimming with independent retailers, traditional pubs, cosy cafes and diverse eateries. Anna Kokornacka, the owner of Beetroot and Beans, a zero waste shop on Dartmouth Road, is the one who got the tattoo.
She shared with us: “Forest Hill is the best community I’ve ever lived in.
“I came here in 2001 from Poland, lived here for three weeks and then moved to Tooting. I came back here 10 years ago and I don’t know if I’ll ever leave.”
The introduction of the Overground in 2010 had a transformative effect on the centre of Forest Hill(Image: MyLondon)
She continued: “I live here, I have my business here and my family here, and my heart is here. There’s such a community feel, local people try and do their best to support local people, that’s the main thing I’ve found in Forest Hill.
“You can really see that so many of these small shops and local businesses, it’s really close-knit, you feel like you belong somewhere. That’s what I love the most.
“Funnily enough most of the independent businesses along this road are owned by women, so that’s the power of women on show here which is great as well.”
Looking for more from MyLondon? Subscribe to our daily newsletters here for the latest and greatest updates from across London.