We’re in a housing crisis, and I recently had to move. West Norwood is really nice because it feels like the middle of a compass.
My studio is in Croydon, because I’m originally from there. I needed to find an area I could travel there from relatively easily.
The train line here is good, so that was also a big plus.
I’m from south London and I can’t see myself living in any other part of the city, because I’m a south babe. And I want to stay a south babe.
South London has such a strong and large Caribbean community and I want to stay within that.
Eating and drinking
My favourite café is called Pintandera on Knights Hill, run by a lovely Italian family. They do wonderful pasta and everything is fresh. I enjoy working there with a chai latte or a mocha.
My family is Jamaican and there are so many Caribbean food shops around here, which is perfect. Being able to have access to our food creates more of a connection for me.
One of my favourite Caribbean restaurants is Delly’s on Hannen Road. They also have another one in Croydon and in Brixton.
There’s a café on Westow Hill in Crystal Palace called Vaults Collective that’s also a plant shop. They have a no laptop policy and they do a good vegan sausage roll.
To commune with nature
Brockwell Park is beautiful for sunsets. Me and my friend, the photographer Adama Jalloh, go some Sundays for a long walk. There are meadows, a Japanese garden and a lido as well.
Grocery shopping
There’s a guy that sets up a fruit and vegetable stand on a junction a few roads from me and he has good, fresh, organic produce. I get aubergines, my favourite cavolo nero and tomatoes.
I love Getir. I live in a flat on the top floor and I have a disability, so it’s about accessibility. There’s no shame in having to use different modes of shopping.
Where I work out
Because of my disability I started going to hot yoga and it’s changed my relationship with my body in a radical way. Over the last three years I’d been in pain every day and I had got to the point where I couldn’t exercise.
I go to Hotpod Yoga on Croxted Road in West Dulwich, a 15-minute walk from me. I feel energised afterwards, even though it’s so hot and you’re so sweaty, all your muscles are being stretched and it’s really rewarding.
I pair it with acupuncture every week it’s made a huge difference.
For a culture fix
I work in West Norwood Library on Norwood High Street a lot, it’s amazing and its where I wrote my new book. Most of the library attendants are black or POC and there’s always children running around. It’s a mélange of cultures, which is very special.
West Norwood Picturehouse is right next to the library. It’s dangerous for me because I love the cinema. It’s the place I go to switch off when I’ve finished working. The staff, movies and seats are great.
I like going to South London Gallery on Peckham Road, they also have a good bookshop and they stock my first book in there.
Getting around
I really like taking the bus because I like being able to see London. I’m not the biggest fan of the Tube because it’s gross.
I like to walk a lot as well, especially around Crystal Palace and Herne Hill.
Dream street
I walk up Park Hall Road near the Rosendale pub and there are houses that look like mansions.
You can semi peer into people’s houses — not in a creepy way — to see the art and lighting. I’m a big fan of mood lighting.
Something you only see in West Norwood
I want to say community. There’s a big Portuguese, Brazilian, Mexican and Caribbean community. You can always hear music blasting somewhere, reggaeton, bashment, or bachata.
It feels so bright and joyous, this mix and coming together.
What's the catch?
Train strikes. The line is next to me and when there’s an issue, there’s an issue.
In three words
Vibrant, joyful, independent.
Georgina Johnson is a curator, artist and writer. Her new book, The Slow Grind: Practicing Hope and Imagination, is available for pre-order now.
Schools
Dunraven School is an outstanding-rated primary school. St Luke’s Church of England Primary School, Hitherfield Primary School and Elm Wood School are all rated good, as are secondary schools The Elmgreen School and The Norwood School.
What it costs
Buying in West Norwood
Average flat price: £391,920
Average house price: £828,260
Renting in West Norwood
Average flat price: £1,350 pcm
Average house price: £2,820 pcm
