An unseasonably warm hello from the S.E. London!
This weekend:
🍷 The LARGEST URBAN WINERY IN THE UK has opened right here in Canada Water.
🐴 People are dressing up like horses dressing up like rockstars... for charity of course.
🔭 And take a look into the future of Greenwich, being decided right now.
🎸 Concerts & Events
Friday, December 12th
Large, interactive, light, sound - it’s incredible art in the Painted Hall. Check out this exhibit in ‘Britain’s Sistine Chapel.’
A nature wellbeing club - how nice does that sound? - open to women ages 16 and over. Their winter creative crafts session uses only natural materials.
Celebrate Christmas in a kilt. Dance along to this festive ceilidh. Beginners are welcome!
Saturday, December 13th
A cinematic Christmas classic with a live orchestra. AND the movie’s playing somewhere much more interesting than a cinema. (Don’t worry, it’s indoors.)
A roller disco for under-16s. This is a chill, holiday-themed event for younger adults.
And for the adults… ‘70s and ’80s disco and funk. And of course it’s Christmas-themed. Dance the night away at the Rivoli Ballroom.
Sunday, December 14th
People dressing up as horses dressing up as rockstars. It’s a horse race… sort of. Check out Paul McCartneigh and Amy Winehorse race it out for charity.
That’s a big Firkin’ band! Big band music all afternoon at this family and dog friendly event. We’re talkin’ Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Buddy Rich, all the greats!
A Jazz showcase from London’s best young performers. This incredible organization has been developing young talent for 33 years. The event is free but remember to support and donate!
All Weekend Long
A Classical orchestra playing Christmas classics in this classic theatre. And they said we couldn’t say “classic” enough. The London Philharmonic is playing several sets this weekend.
Ballet in the square in the middle of Woolwich! The Nutcracker takes over in the open for these free performances.
These items are sooo last century. A vintage winter market all weekend long at Beckenham Place Mansion.
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👶 Family Corner
A Peter Pan panto! Need I say more? Starting this week, Peter Pan is on into the new year.
Christmas Ballet for the whole family. With special deals for families of four. Check it out!
🍺 Food & Drink
The largest urban winery in London comes to Canada Water. This unique pour-your-own-wine spot JUST opened and it deserves a look… and a drink… or two…
A plant-based supper club. And you know it’s got a festive edge to it. This is Roobarb’s supp’r club.
The Christmas food market in Catford is Sunday. Mulled wine, food, sweets, crafts, you know the deal. Check out their Instagram.
A vegetarian dining experience. This event merges food with song and live poetry.
15 bottles of wine every day. That’s how much of Davy’s favourites they’re opening every day during this seasonal tasting session.
Did you make it out to one of these events?
Tell us how it was and/or send us your pictures at [email protected] and we’ll feature it in next week’s issue!
📰 Hyperlocal News
GREENWICH
Royal Greenwich 2040: Long-term plan for borough enters new phase
Royal Greenwich is kicking off its biggest-ever consultation on a new Local Plan. “What is a local plan?” I found myself asking just that. This is the blueprint that will shape homes, jobs, transport, green spaces and climate action in the borough for the next 15 years.
The draft plan sets out where new development could go, what should be protected, and how the council wants growth to actually benefit residents, in addition to tackling challenges around inequality and transport access. For those who really want to dig in, here’s the 77-page plan.
LEWISHAM
400 residents won’t be able to return to Lewisham Gateway homes until late 2026
Over 400 residents of Lewisham Gateway, including those in The Filigree block, may not be able to return home until mid-to-late 2026. A burst water pipe and flooding in the building’s basement energy centre forced evacuations and left many families temporarily rehoused.
Repairing the damage is complex and involves extensive underground work, so no firm return date has been set yet. Residents are waiting while the landlord carries out repairs, and the council continues to support those displaced.
SOUTHWARK
Mayor ‘calls in’ revised Canada Water Masterplan
Last week, we wrote about the developer British Land’s Canada Water development, which had downgraded its planned affordable housing from 30% to just 3%. Well, now, Sadiq Khan is getting involved.
The mayor has officially “called in” the revised Canada Water Masterplan, meaning he will be deciding the fate of the application via public inquiry. The 3,700-home scheme was previously approved (with 2,815 homes, high-street storefronts, office and leisure space), but was redesigned in January, boosting height and density but slashing low-cost homes to a tenth of its original plans. More info from the Mayor here.
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We want to feature local community-based events and news! Have something for us? Let us know at [email protected].
That’s all for now. Have a great week! We’ll see you next Thursday.