We dwell in London’s coolest neighbourhood and really feel so protected | UK | News | EUROtoday

Barely a day goes by with out tales of snatched telephones, machete fights or gang feuds blighting life within the UK’s capital. For many, it should make the concept of dwelling in Lawless London totally incomprehensible.

But there’s nonetheless loads of corners of town that have not been torn asunder by violent crime. Plenty of neighbourhoods that remind you why this is without doubt one of the best cities of the world. Plenty of locations the place locals can nonetheless really feel fairly smug to name dwelling.

Welcome to Penge – not too long ago named as the good place in London by The Sunday Times. Cooler than Balham. Cooler than Camden. Cooler than Shoreditch. And locals are inclined to agree there’s something fairly particular about it.

As you stroll across the streeets of SE20, in addition to the host of vibrant murals, you might be struck by the peace, the quiet, the gradual tempo of life.

It would not really feel very like one of many world’s busiest cities in any respect.

Lee Sheriff, 53, has lived in Penge for six years and agrees that the city has grow to be in some way cooler lately.

He says: “It’s definitely moving in a direction where it’s changing. It’s more pleasant to live here. It’s becoming increasingly trendy.”

Lee tells the Express that a number of upcoming change is deliberate for the realm resembling new flats, which locals have blended emotions about because it modifications the identification of their neighbourhood. After all, one particular person’s cool is one other’s hideous gentrification.

He believes it’s a “large exaggeration” for Penge to be lauded as the good neighbourhood in London however says he does like the realm having grown up there.

He provides: “There’s more choice of shops, restaurants, amenities, so in that way, it’s definitely changed.

“A lot’s changed over the last 10 years but it’s still green like the rest of South London. There’s lots of parks and it’s beautiful.

“It’s definitely more affordable than other areas nearby such as Crystal Palace.”

Just as Lee is speaking concerning the robust sense of neighborhood within the space, certainly one of his neighbours walks previous and proves the purpose, greeting him with a cheery good day.

Sitting outdoors Costa, Maria Bond, 52, is visiting Penge from Manchester to see a pal and may see the enchantment of the realm. After dwelling in London for a few years, she made the transfer up north however admits she would come again to the capital.

Maria tells the Express: “As I sat here, I actually did think, this is a really nice, cool place.

“I was thinking, if I lived in this area, I would probably come here on a regular basis, sit down, chill out, have my coffee, and watch people go by.

“It’s just nice because there’s a vibe here. You feel a nice, peaceful, calm vibe, people are like smiling.”

Despite the enchantment of the realm, Maria provides that elements of Penge nonetheless seem socially disadvantaged and in want of a lick of paint.

Shafeek Andadthodan, 34, who works in certainly one of Penge’s impartial retailers, enjoys the peaceable nature of the neighbourhood.

He says: “Penge is nice and quiet, it’s easy to live here. I used to live in Elephant and Castle before here but what I like about Penge is that there’s no trouble.

“You can go anywhere day or night and it’s quiet. I’m always happy here. I definitely want to stay in the area.”

Safe in addition to cool. London might little question do with extra neighbourhoods the place each are true.