Brockley Area Guide

Brockley gets some well-deserved attention, notably for its close-knit community, grand Victorian housing and schooling, which makes Brockley one of South East London exclusive suburban areas. Brockley has the elements that a lot of Londoners look for when choosing to either buy their first home or settling down and raising a family.

Brockley has a reputation and it’s known as a centre of the arts in South London. The mid-1960s saw the beginning of an influx of artists, musicians and creative types attracted by the neglected and cheap Victorian houses. Lots of creative types still live here many of whom are alumni from Goldsmiths College and Camberwell School of Art which are both a stone’s throw away. Many artists that live in the area take part in the annual ‘open studios’ weekend which is a great opportunity to be invited into locals’ homes where they showcase their talented work.

A large amount of period homes and easy access to the zone 2 East London Line (aka ginger line) makes it a popular destination for both buyers and renters. Since the introduction of the Overground in 2010 the area has once again felt the positive effects of new small-scale developments like Martin’s Yard Designed by architects Duggan Morris and the arrival of small independent shops and cafés.

Property

Brockley was one of London’s more exclusive suburban neighbourhoods during the 19th century. Mostly down to the Tyrwhitt-Drake family who owned the land and built the grand villas, large terraces and semi-detached homes for the professional classes. The wide, leafy streets of Victorian and Edwardian architecture are now safe since coming under conservation protection in the 1970’s. (Tyrwhitt Road and Drake Road are named after the family)

Today the area offers a wide variety of Victorian architecture to more modest 19th century cottages and rows of modern mews houses. Many of the grand Victorian properties have been converted into apartments packed with period features, high ceilings and large living spaces.

Crofton park is a popular neighbourhood with access to cafés, local independent shops and the famous Rivoli Ballroom. The area offers a range of classic Victorian terraced houses, which are popular with all walks of life moving to SE4. Good schools, affordable prices and green outdoor spaces make this area a popular choice with Londoners.

Transport Links

Train: Brockley has National Rail service with direct trains to London Bridge (13 minutes) and Victoria (47 minutes)

Overground from Brockley to Shoreditch (17 minutes), a popular commute with young professionals in the area. The Overground also heads to Dalston Junction, Highbury and Islington and West Croydon.

Crofton Park has direct trains to Elephant & Castle (16minutes) where you can connect to the Bakerloo and Northern Line and London Blackfriars (21 minutes). You can also get to Victoria (37minutes) via Denmark Hill.

Bus: Travel to and from Brockley is just as accessible with the 171 going to Holborn, 172 Clerkenwell Green and the 343 to City Hall. N171 goes to Tottenham Court Road and the N343 to Trafalgar Square

Road: Brockley residents can take advantage of the nearby A200 or A2 to get to Central London, or head south on the A2 and be on the M25 in just half an hour.

Going Out

Brockley Market is an award-winning weekly market packed with delicious local produce, craft beers, seasonally source fruit and veg and array of mouth-watering street food. It is a favourite with the locals and us at Strickland and Co.

There are several upmarket delicatessens and cafés such as Browns of Brockley serving up great coffee. Locals also love the Brockley Orchard another independently owned bar and restaurant popular for its seasonal menu with delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner served alongside local craft ales.

Meze Mangal serves up Traditional Turkish meze dishes but don’t just take our word for it check out their reviews!

La Querce near Crofton park has an authentic Italian menu and Arlo & Moe

Is an easy-going neighbourhood eatery with colourful 1950s-style decor and eclectic homemade food.

Local Amenities

The Rivoli Ballroom is one of the last remaining intact 1950’s style ballroom left in London. Its remarkable interiors remain intact and plays host to ballroom dancing, gigs and the occasional film set. It’s a favourite with the locals!

The Brockley Jack Studio Theatre is one of the most innovative and exciting fringe theatres in London and puts on a diverse range of programmes all year round.

The Midsummer Fayre organised by the Brockley Society has been an annual community event in Hilly Fields for 44 years with upwards of 5000 visitors, lots of stalls and family entertainment.

Ladywell Arena offers indoor and out sporting activities, along with a gym. Wavelengths in Deptford has a 25-metre lane pool, a leisure pool, kids soft play and group classes.

Crofton Park is where you will find the local library, which is community run and offers your typical library services.

There is a Co-op located next to Crofton Park station, and there is also a SPAR and Costcutter located either side of Brockley Station. Less than a ten-minute drive away you’ll find a large Tesco, Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury’s and Lidl in neighbouring Lewisham.

If you’re moving to the area green spaces are a big deal in Brockley, if you’re a pet lover the local dog community is thriving and with an abundance of green open spaces you will soon get to know the locals. Hilly Fields is by far the most popular and was transformed from old brick pits and ditches into a park and is now one of the nicest outdoor parts of Brockley. Offering adult climbing frames, tennis courts and football pitches and a café. Blythe Hill Park has great views as well as a children’s playground.

If you’re looking to buy, sell, rent or let in Brockley, contact Strickland & Co Estate Agents Brockley. We are an independent, family run estate agent putting honesty, transparency and service at the heart of everything we do.