Today, Monocle’s Monica Lillis heads to the leafy suburb of Herne Hill in South London to sample its artisanal bakeries and cafés, sit down at some of the area’s best restaurants and tour its stalwart Sunday market. Take a listen. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hello and welcome to Food Neighbourhoods on Monocle Radio.
I'm Monica Lillis and once again we visit the places locals love for their food and drink.
Today we're heading south of the River Thames to the small leafy London neighbourhood of Herne Hill, which happens to be my own.
Here we try some of the city's best bakeries and restaurants, as well as a good coffee or two.
Take a listen Often when friends, acquaintances or colleagues ask me where I live in London, my reply is usually met with a puzzle expression.
More often than not out of politeness, they'll smile and nod along.
If politeness is not their forte, I'm met with a very confused response where they'll say herne Hill.
It's between Brixton and Dulwich.
This leafy green suburb of South London has been my home for nearly a year now, and it still comes as frustration for some that they're not quite sure where it is.
Maybe it's the lack of tube station or its proximity to aforementioned headline grabbing areas that overshadow it, but Herne Hill is a secret kept almost too well, especially when it comes to culinary matters.
Situated adjacent to the 125 acre Brockwell park, this quiet corner of the city has long attracted those drawn to nature.
Its earliest known documentation is in John Rock's maps of London in 1746, titled as Island Green to reflect the lush presence of the River Ephra and smaller tributaries of the Thames.
Later down the line, the area became a largely affluent rural district fit with large mansions and gardens.
Not much changes over the years, and young families and professionals flock to this area for its greenery and a chance to stroll around the peaceful park.
But not without a coffee and a pastry or perhaps a sausage dog in hand.
It depends from where you're coming from, but there are three recommendations if you're looking for a morning pick me up.
If you're walking the 20 minutes from Brixton station along Railton Road, you'll likely stumble along Koala.
The wood panelled space serves up some of the area's best coffee as well as a varied section of herbal teas and delicious baked goods.
Grab a still warm banana bread and a flat white and sit in the seating area out the front and watch the cyclists buzz by.
Next up, Meyer's Bakehouse.