From Perry Vale, London Road would be quicker to get to from some parts to get the 185.

Various bus services run the entire length of Perry Vale.

It has a large Sainsburys at the SE26 end. a pub at the top of the hill, various shops midway at the mini roundabout by the old fire station.
Further up you have the junction with Mayow Road, near Forest Hill Boys School,

Finally at the far end you have Christchurch Primary School, another pub, FH train station, and a parade of shops, takeways, and the Co-Op just on the end at Waldram Park Rd

Consider any of the roads off Perry Vale, Dacres Road, Church Rise, Westbourne Drive, Sunderland Road