West Norwood area guide
West Norwood is an up and coming area steeped with history and many hidden gems. The area sits within a bowl of sweeping hillsides and in certain areas of West Norwood there are stunning views across the London City Skyline. The West Norwood Picture House & Library have become the hub of the community and with an array of eatery’s and great pubs close by, finally West Norwood is on the map!
St Luke’s Church is a beautiful grade II listed building built back in the 1800’s and cost less than £13,000 to build. The gardens surrounding the church and the famous clock were subject to a major conservation and repair program in 2017. You can now find once a month as part of the West Norwood Feast, plenty of food stalls and music entertainment within the garden area and front steps to the church.
West Norwood Picture House & Café opened in 2018 offering entertainment for all ages. The café makes for a great meeting spot. In addition to the new 4 screen cinema arrival the library has reopened within the same building.
West Norwood Feast is a community market held once a month throughout different areas of West Norwood. The Feast was originally set up by the local business owners and residents back in 2011 and every month features live music, food & artisan stalls and plenty of entertainment for everyone. The Feast is hugely successful and popular. Whether you’re a keen foodie, committed to local produce, or simply fancy a bite to eat, the market will have something to suit you.
The West Norwood Health & Leisure Centre was reopened after a refurbishment in 2014. The Leisure Centre has a 25 metre pool swimming pool, gym and studios holding Yoga classes, dance, mixed martial arts and many more. There is a GP and dentist on site in the same building.
Mr Francatelli is an authentic Italian café/restaurant offering delicious Italian food in West Norwood. Like every good Italian dish, Mr Francatelli has its own special recipe, authentic Italian ingredients, a passion for wholesome tasty food and a warm welcome.
West Norwood’s pubs and eateries - West Norwood host a number of fantastic pubs and eateries. (The Great North Wood) for quality pub grub, open fires in the winter and al fresco dining in the summer. (The Railway) for live music and a spacious pub garden. (The Knowles of Norwood) for great food and a pub quiz on a Wednesday evening. (The Tulse Hill Hotel) serves great seasonal British foods. (The Electric café) for a great fry up and a catch up on the local gossip. (400 Rabbits) for great sourdough pizza. (The blackbird bakery) that bakes everything it sells, from puffy breakfast croissants to scotch eggs and frittatas, including a range of fantastic pastries and cakes. (Lal Baag) Smarter than average Indian serving the usual remit of curry house classics. These are just a few of the many great pubs and eateries in West Norwood.
The 19th century West Norwood cemetery, One of London’s ‘magnificent seven’ spans 40 acres, with wonderful grade I & II listed monuments and a peaceful haven for leisurely walks.
The Portico Gallery is a community gallery for new & established artists who participate in a range of workshops including pottery, sewing, drama, music, yoga, qi-gong, photography and film.
Gipsy Hill Brewing Co. Tap Room, Every Saturday the local brewery opens their doors to beer-lovers from all over the city from 1-6pm. Visitors can stay for a drink or take some bottles to go. And if you live within one mile of the brewery you get 15 percent off.
City & Country Farmers’ Market, Nearby in Herne Hill every Sunday is the local City & Country farmers’ market providing, top-quality locally-sourced produce and unique crafts from within 100 miles of the market. Now in its fourth year, the market draws shoppers from all over south London and further afield.
Travel – Trains from West Norwood station take around 22 minutes to Victoria and London Bridge. Tulse Hill station has trains to London Bridge which take around 18 minutes and cross-London Thameslink trains to Blackfriars, Farringdon and St Pancras.
The two useful commuter bus routes are the No 2 to Marylebone station via Brixton, Victoria and Marble Arch, and the No 68 to Euston via Elephant & Castle and Waterloo. There are also many buses that run via Brixton station making it easy to access the Victoria line tube