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Catford's culture, food and pubs will have you purring in satisfaction.
Not Watford, Catford. You know, that bit next to Lewisham?
There’s a giant fibreglass cat sitting on the shopping centre sign. You can’t miss it.
Ben Rowe
Oh yeah! The @CatfordCat, I follow it on Twitter.
Well get off the net and come see it for yourself. Check out the absolute bargains at Catford Broadway Market. The food stalls change regularly, but at any one time you can find Mexican, Caribbean and Thai. You can also pick up aromatherapy candles alongside cabbages and cakes. Plus, in the Catford Centre there are always retro gems to be unearthed in the Salvation Army and Sense charity shops.
Where can I go for some good grub?
Depending on the time of day, you can get a great millet porridge with more nuts than a squirrelfish stash from The Lighthouse vegan cafe (Catford Broadway). A short walk away you’ll find pizza and pasta for under a tenner at the friendly La Pizzeria Italiana (Brownhill Road). Another option is the Eastern Queen (Rushey Green) for Chinese food, which has great traditional dishes and decor (try the Tibetan garlic lamb).
And how about a tipple?
There’s no contest, it has to be Catford Constitutional Club. Located down an unassuming alleyway off Catford Broadway, this old gentlemen’s club has retained its charm. There are vaulted ceilings, original parquet floors and the rotating selection of ciders and beers is sourced from all over the country. Plus it hosts monthly comedy and film nights, and a Tuesday quiz.
Ben Rowe
Is that where Catfordites hang out, then?
There, or at the 1930s Broadway Theatre, which is known for musicals and movies. On July 22 it’s hosting a silent film night, and the building’s original Compton organ will get an airing too.
Ben Rowe
Speaking of airing, where can I go for a stroll?
Mountsfield Park is your best bet. Not only does it have a variety of sports facilities, it also boasts the best views in Catford. From its highest point you can see Canary Wharf and The Shard, in case you start missing central London.
And if I only do one thing?
Obvs get a selfie with the cat, but otherwise head to the Blythe Hill Tavern (Blythe Hill Lane) on a Thursday for an evening of Irish music and cracking ales.
By Danielle Goldstein, who dreams of one day owning the Catford cat.
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