| Author |
Message |
Neo
Joined 09-04-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, 16 August, 2005 - 06:38 pm: | |
Does anyone know when this shop opens? Has anyone ever heard of them or used them before. i tried their website but it doesn't seem to be up and running yet! |
Megan
Joined 05-03-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, 16 August, 2005 - 08:12 pm: | |
sorry Neo where is this shop I haven't seen it yet! |
Seeformiles
Joined 09-04-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, 17 August, 2005 - 12:34 am: | |
Noticed this yesterday and like you, I did a search but couldn't find much. Quite excited about it though! Things are looking very good for Forest Hill. The new men's clothes shop opened the other day and did good business on it's first day. I think the Sainsburys development is triggering increased confidence to invest in Forest Hill. Well, I hope so anyway.... |
Seeformiles
Joined 09-04-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, 17 August, 2005 - 01:57 am: | |
Megan it's opposite Sainsburys. |
Brian
Joined 18-04-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, 21 August, 2005 - 01:49 pm: | |
The shop looks very depressing |
Seeformiles
Joined 09-04-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, 23 August, 2005 - 12:11 am: | |
Hello Brian, that's because they haven't done much to it yet. Probably will be a while before it opens.
Seems to be only about 4 people posting on the forum these days, what's happened to everyone? |
Roz
Joined 17-03-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, 24 August, 2005 - 12:29 pm: | |
I'm still here, seeformiles. |
Seeformiles
Joined 09-04-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, 25 August, 2005 - 12:08 am: | |
Passed by Organic Republic and they've started work on the interior...hi Roz |
Brian
Joined 18-04-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, 25 August, 2005 - 07:24 am: | |
Thanks
But with a name like yours you should not need to pass by to notice such things |
Seeformiles
Joined 09-04-2005
| | Posted on Friday, 26 August, 2005 - 09:29 pm: | |
haha, yes fair enough... |
Brian
Joined 18-04-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, 10 September, 2005 - 07:50 pm: | |
Has anybody got any idea when this will open. With Sainsbury closed until the end of November this should be a great opportunity for them |
Seeformiles
Joined 09-04-2005
| | Posted on Monday, 12 September, 2005 - 11:02 pm: | |
No idea when it's due to open but yes - the absence of Sainos could really help to get them established. I was the owner I'd be anxious to get started asap... |
Piers_gibbon
Joined 10-08-2005
| | Posted on Monday, 12 September, 2005 - 11:16 pm: | |
nice parquet flooring
nothing edible inside yet |
Brian
Joined 18-04-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, 18 September, 2005 - 04:15 pm: | |
Wwll I am a bit disapointed.
7 days nothing seems to have occurred. JS need to lose to much sleep of the competition at this speed. |
Seeformiles
Joined 09-04-2005
| | Posted on Monday, 19 September, 2005 - 12:43 pm: | |
Brian, I gave Provender another go at the weekend and yes, I had a great cup of coffee there. I'll make the most of it while waiting for Organic Republic to open... |
Brian
Joined 18-04-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, 20 September, 2005 - 07:24 am: | |
Great
I had a nice cup Sunday morning. They certainly seem to do a good trade on Sundays.
Would Organic Republic also be a coffee shop.??
Is it part of a chain ? |
Seeformiles
Joined 09-04-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, 20 September, 2005 - 09:27 am: | |
Yes it's going to be a coffee shop too. Just noticed that Karavan across the road is reopening as a coffee shop but will continue to sell rugs and gifts. Must be something in the air. |
Brian
Joined 18-04-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, 20 September, 2005 - 09:41 am: | |
Yes
Perhaps we can sit o the rugs Afgan Style whilst drinking our Latte |
Brian
Joined 18-04-2005
| | Posted on Monday, 26 September, 2005 - 08:02 am: | |
Walked past yesterday. Seems little if no progress.
There will be an organic revolution waiting for the opening.
In the meantime
Viva Provender |
Seeformiles
Joined 09-04-2005
| | Posted on Monday, 26 September, 2005 - 01:04 pm: | |
Yes you'd think they'd have made a bit more progress by now. Looks like Karavan are going to beat them to it. |
Seeformiles
Joined 09-04-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, 08 October, 2005 - 08:25 pm: | |
Just walked past Organic Republic...vases with flowers are on the tables but they're surrounded by piles of stuff and large boxes. Curious way to unpack...Nice lights though. |
Ophelia
Joined 18-03-2005
| | Posted on Monday, 10 October, 2005 - 10:59 am: | |
Karavan looks nearer to be ready to open. |
Cllrdavidwhiting
Joined 07-12-2003
| | Posted on Monday, 10 October, 2005 - 11:10 am: | |
Rachel of Organic Republic tells me she is opening this Friday.
Personally, I wish her well. The shop is well positioned opposite Sainsburys and there will be good access to the car park via the new pathway and through Sainsburys as the till line is being turned through 90 degrees.
Also, it is clear that the owner knows what she is doing - she has run similar shops before. That we are now attracting businesses to Forest Hill whose proprietors have enough experience to come to an informed commercial decision is a very good sign. At the risk of sounding optimistic (not always a popular activity on this site) I would venture to suggest that maybe the Forest Hill Strategy is beginning to work.
So far as optimism is concerned, I was a bit disapointed to see a few posts commenting adversely on 'lack of progress' on the opening. Things don't always run smoothly when refurbing an old building (especially when the proprietor has set high standards).
I believe this shop, together with the other new businesses which have come into the area in the last couple of years will make a real difference.
So welcome Rachel, and welcome Organic Republic! |
Rob
Joined 23-01-2003
| | Posted on Monday, 10 October, 2005 - 02:03 pm: | |
David - I agree that the strategy appears to be working. However, I am concerned at the lack of support once the businesses are up and running. For example, how many residents have visited Bunka or Mayo Maker? Both are fantastic signs that SE23 is moving in the right direction, but, in my opinion, need positive marketing support to spread the message of what they sell.
SE23.com has fast become an excellent resource for the community. Now is the time to support these new businesses by creating a new section on this site that showcases these new ventures. |
Sherwood
Joined 30-03-2005
| | Posted on Monday, 10 October, 2005 - 03:16 pm: | |
Rob,
You could write a review of your vist to Bunka or Mayo Maker and post it on this forum. |
Brian
Joined 18-04-2005
| | Posted on Monday, 10 October, 2005 - 03:46 pm: | |
I am sorry if I have been negative.
Best Luck to Rachel. |
Seeformiles
Joined 09-04-2005
| | Posted on Monday, 10 October, 2005 - 05:19 pm: | |
I go to Bunka quite a lot but being a female, I don't shop at Mayo Maker. I give Bunka my full support and they do some lovely things in there...but hang on will this look like an advert and be removed by the mods?
Also I don't think people here have been unduly negative about Organic Republic, just observing the progress in a lighthearted way in the spirit of free speech - so I don't think the Councillor's comments are altogether fair. Otherwise I agree with this point that hopefully the regeneration of Forest Hill is becoming a reality. |
Seeformiles
Joined 09-04-2005
| | Posted on Monday, 10 October, 2005 - 05:28 pm: | |
Also our comments show we're interested in what's going on and waiting with anticipation for new shops to open. I'm all in favour of new businesses coming to FH, and welcome them - but I also reserve the right to have a laugh on here occasionally too. Sorry if that gets misconstrued as negative comments. |
Brian
Joined 18-04-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, 16 October, 2005 - 12:55 pm: | |
Hi All
Thought I would show support so went to have a Latte at about 10.50 am this morning. Closed and no sign in the window giving opening hours.
Anyway still wish them best of luck |
Seeformiles
Joined 09-04-2005
| | Posted on Monday, 17 October, 2005 - 10:23 pm: | |
I went in on Saturday and had a sandwich. Was nice. The owner has been waiting to get a licence to cook hot meals. Lewisham council are supposed to be making a decision about that at some point. Maybe she'll reopen when that's sorted out. |
Bosco
Joined 16-07-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, 18 October, 2005 - 10:41 am: | |
They were open as I went past at around 6.45pm last night - perhaps like the rest of us they just feel that they're entitled to have Sunday off!! |
Brian
Joined 18-04-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, 18 October, 2005 - 01:06 pm: | |
Hi Bosco
I think you will find the other establishments such as Provender do their best business on Sunday.
I would have thought better to close Monday. However I am very open minded and hapy to give her a trial |
Haylands
Joined 29-09-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, 10 January, 2007 - 10:00 am: | |
Does anyone know what happened to Organic Republic? Was business really that poor?
Also does anyone have any news re Aceri, Macdonalds units? What we need is somewhere to relax in comfy sofas, drink coffee/wine/beer, eat brunch/cake/dinner and chat. That Midland Bank ekes me everytime I walk past too. |
Rob
Joined 23-01-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, 10 January, 2007 - 12:04 pm: | |
Yes, I agree that key units laying dormant on the high street is very frustrating. Mcdonalds closed on 14 March 2006 - the anniversary is nearly upon us. A few months ago someone tried to post a personal letter of "progress" from the Town Centre Manager. Unfortunately we haven't had any news since it was removed from this site; no wonder people get frustrated.
Julie - if you're reading this post, an update would be most appreciated. Thank you. |
Djnever
Joined 09-04-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, 10 January, 2007 - 02:02 pm: | |
Agreed, I cant believe a place like Forest Hill does not have a nice coffee shop or bar. It seems there is either pubs (good ones at that mind) or the awful wetherspoons coffee shop, which is no choice at all really.
If any developers reading this, or just someone who has a bit of cash & fancies starting a business - give us a bar/coffee shop! |
Jamie
Joined 31-10-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, 10 January, 2007 - 04:50 pm: | |
I know it's a bit more out of the way than may be desired, but The Honor Oak (formerly St. Germain's) will be serving a full compliment of barista coffees, teas and hot chocolates daily when it opens - hopefully a stopgap solution for you. |
Oly
Joined 12-07-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, 10 January, 2007 - 05:08 pm: | |
The All Inn One, Dartmouth and Question also serve coffee, Tea’s and Hot Chocolate and all 3 Pubs/Bars have leather sofas. |
Brian
Joined 18-04-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, 11 January, 2007 - 08:37 am: | |
I take exception to the comments about the Capitol coffee shop being not up to standard. I know not perfect but coffee currently 49p a cup.
They could certianly improve matters by suggesting drinkers enter and exit by side entrance , certainly up to about 5pm.
I like Starbucks , Cafe Nero etc but the Capitol does its best. |
Haylands
Joined 29-09-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, 11 January, 2007 - 09:50 am: | |
Oly you're absolutely right, they all sale coffee and have comfy seating. However, they are all essentially pubs and when you have small children it can often be very smokey, and for want a of a better phrase...pub-like.
Jamie we're very much looking forward to your new venture, and particuarly looking forward to Sunday lunches. I think it's a great idea to have a deli, it shows great initative. Thanks for investing in the area. |
Fhssecretary
Joined 12-10-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, 11 January, 2007 - 11:25 am: | |
Won't the new pub also be... pub-like?
I, for one, hope so... |
Haylands
Joined 29-09-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, 11 January, 2007 - 11:41 am: | |
Yes of course it is Mr/Mrs Secretary. However, going for Sunday lunch and sitting at a table, with a glass of red and a roastie on the end of my fork, is very different to popping along the high st, doing a spot of shopping and going in for coffee and cake before home time!! |
Djnever
Joined 09-04-2006
| | Posted on Monday, 15 January, 2007 - 12:26 pm: | |
Agreed with Haylands, a pub serving coffee cannot be compared to an actual coffee shop. We're talking about 2 very different cultures here....afternoon coffee and cake cant be beaten, but neither can an afternoon pint. Two different things...to be kept seperate!
Also good point on the kids, with a new-born myself I will be looking for less smoky environments for socialising in the future. |
Fhssecretary
Joined 12-10-2006
| | Posted on Monday, 15 January, 2007 - 12:31 pm: | |
Well, we can all have our cake and eat it (boom boom) except the smokers because very shortly that particular problem will disappear as the smoking ban kicks in. |
Robwinton
Joined 07-06-2006
| | Posted on Monday, 15 January, 2007 - 12:50 pm: | |
We are back on a topic covered in several other threads.
I think we all agree about the need for a coffee shop but Organic Republic was always too small to be the "sit in and relax" sort of place that Cafe Nero or others might offer.
That is the problem with such units. The foot traffic might be good, but it really suits a business where products are taken away.
With regard to pubs, they can (and do, especially at the Dartmouth Arms) offer good coffee, but they will always be "pub" spaces smelling of spilled beer, etc. and not the same as a proper coffee shop.
So, if Organic Republic is not to be a coffee shop or organic 'restaurant', any thoughts what should open there instead? |
Djnever
Joined 09-04-2006
| | Posted on Monday, 15 January, 2007 - 03:57 pm: | |
That makes 3 shop/ restaurant/ coffee shop opportunities in FH. Organic Republic, MacDonalds and Aceri. Personally I think Aceri would be ideal for a coffee shop as there is a small veranda at the front for outdoor coffees. Or you could make the big window into a sliding-door so in the summer you could just slide it across and the whole place would be open-air.
The problem with these shops is the close proximity to the bus shelters, its not exactly a 'comfortable' view from within the building (though I must say I never frequented the place when it used to be Aceri).
There is also some disused shops opposite The Orchard, next to The Oak Properties building, 50 yards from train station on A205. No-one ever walks past these so youd never have pavement congestion (so outdoor seating a possibility) does anyone reckon these would be a good business opportunity? |
Liz
Joined 26-04-2006
| | Posted on Monday, 15 January, 2007 - 04:28 pm: | |
Cafe Nero in E Dulwich has a bus stop outside. And it's always full of Yummy Mummies with their expensive buggies. |
Blushingsnail
Joined 21-12-2005
| | Posted on Monday, 15 January, 2007 - 04:39 pm: | |
Disused shops opposite The Orchard: didn't one of them used to be the Blue Mountain Cafe? If you open a business in a place few people walk past you'll get little passing trade and need a lot of advertising to promote your existence. I hadn't even heard of Organic Republic until messages appeared on this board saying it had closed. |
Mattg
Joined 17-10-2006
| | Posted on Monday, 15 January, 2007 - 04:50 pm: | |
I wonder how much it costs to rent one of those empty shops... |
Pat
Joined 12-11-2006
| | Posted on Monday, 15 January, 2007 - 05:31 pm: | |
Disused shops opposite the Orchard - no passing trade and right by the (very busy) road. Not ideal for relaxing with a coffee. The Orchard is in a nice position as it is raised from the south circular.
But I agree, Forest Hill does need a nice coffee shop. At the moment sitting in the front bit of Wetherspoons is the best option! |
Djnever
Joined 09-04-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, 16 January, 2007 - 01:17 pm: | |
There must be a business opportunity to be had in those disused shops. Indeed it did USED to be a coffee shop as you rightly point out the fact it used to be The Blue Mountain Coffee Shop.
I bet you could take the rental over for next to nothing, its been disused for years. What about a small bar/ mediteranean deli? |
Rob
Joined 23-01-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, 16 January, 2007 - 03:40 pm: | |
I think that the Forest Hill Society should pursue our Town Centre Manager for some answers on the disused shops. There are two opposite the Orchard, the Aceri and McDonald's. There are also a few key units up Dartmouth Road. It's completely unacceptable that these shops remain disused for years and years, particularly in a conservation area. |
Jojo
Joined 11-09-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, 16 January, 2007 - 04:27 pm: | |
Since when was Forest Hill a conservation area? Did I miss something? |
Jojo
Joined 11-09-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, 16 January, 2007 - 04:32 pm: | |
Okay, clearly I did, just checked the council website. Its just I've lived here for two years and I haven't seen anything resembling 'conservation'. |
Kate
Joined 14-09-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, 09 September, 2007 - 10:33 pm: | |
Anyone else noticed some activity at the old Organic Republic unit this weekend? Seemed to be having the old contents stripped out and then a delivery of building materials (tiles etc) late on Saturday.
Fingers crossed it is something worth waiting for and that the large supply of tiles doesn't mean another wipe-clean, post-pub takeaway. |
Robwinton
Joined 07-06-2006
| | Posted on Monday, 10 September, 2007 - 02:23 pm: | |
Went to check it out and all the tiles were floor tiles - so not quite the wall-to-wall tiling of a late-night chicken shop - thankfully.
However, it would be a shame to use hem everywhere as there does appear to be nice parquet flooring (original?) in the main shop area.
No ideas on what it will become, but I did notice a rolled-up poster where you could clearly makeout the word "Mortgages" through the backing.
Hopefully it will not just be another estate agent/property shop. What's the point of having dozens of estate agents if they leave no space for the shops the residents will need?? |
Hilltopgeneral
Joined 24-03-2004
| | Posted on Monday, 10 September, 2007 - 09:55 pm: | |
Well, clearly the residents don't actually need them, or there wouldn't be so many empty. Look up Dave Whiting's analysis of how many shop units we have per head of population. |
