Honor Oak Park: A forgotten area of charm

Honor Oak Park is a small suburban district located between the London borough's of Lewisham and Southwark.

The vague geographical location of the area, has in the past resulted in many debates over, which local authorities are responsible for implementing projects and schemes in parts of the district.

Green landscapes

It is known as a green and leafy area of South London and has a number of allotments and green spaces within it.

One of the most famous is the One Tree Hill allotments, which has played host to many festivals over the years - most notably, the Wassail - a festival held in January in praise of next year's apple crop.

The allotment covers nine acres and holds 70 plots. It is managed by a committee that is responsible for keeping the area clean, creating new plots and restoring derelict ones. It is known for having a large, diverse and thriving membership which helps to plan and organise sustainable farming events in the heart of London.

A nature reserve is also located in One Tree Hill, which is owned and managed by Southwark Council.

It is one of the steepest parts of South London and dominated by trees, woods and open grasslands. One of the most striking things about the area is its dramatic views of the City of London in one direction and its views of Kent in the other. 

An area of transformation

Honor Oak is often described as 'up and coming' by its residents. There are a number of different shops and amenities catering to a variety of tastes in the area which has seen a number of redevelopment projects and improvement works take place over the years.

It is a charming and somewhat 'forgotten' place, which even people who live in London may not have heard of. However, it is known for its thriving community life, laid-back lifestyle and independent retail outlets.

The area has an impressive mix of shops, cafés and restaurants which line the main road. It is also home to local crafts and arts workshops, bakeries and travel agents.

Like many areas in the south-east of London, it is known for its diversity and is home to a number of immigrant communities.

This has contributed significantly to its culture and heritage and led to a number of Caribbean, Italian and Indian shops and restaurants.

Properties

Properties in the area are a mix of rambling Victorian and Edwardian villas in varying states of repair, semi-detached houses from the 1930s, new builds and low-rise blocks of flats.

The majority of streets in Honor Oak contain a mix of various types of properties to suit different budgets.

Prices start from just under £200,000 for a flat, rising all the way up to over £1 million for some of the larger, detached period houses.

Rental prices start from around £104 per week for a house share, rising to over £400 for a four bedroom family home.

Lifestyle

The area is incredibly popular among young families and professionals. Unlike some of the other parts of London, Honor Oak is not known for its nightlife, save for a few bars.

It does however have a number of decent restaurants.

Schools

Honor Oak is home to a number of comprehensive and independent secondary and primary schools. 

Neighbourhood

Recently it was reported that residents in Honor Oak would become the first in the area to help officially shape their communities.

A group has applied to establish a neighbourhood forum and plan aimed at addressing social, economic and environmental issues in Honor Oak.

It would be responsible for working alongside local authorities to implement policies relating to building and development, and new projects in the area.

Published 27th February, 2014

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