Living in Blackheath means residents can experience the village lifestyle right in the heart of South London. At times, the SE3 postcode feels like it’s a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of the capital. And yet, it’s only 6.7 miles to Charing Cross.
The area provides a quieter way of life than your typical London neighbourhood but still manages to capture the essence of living in the capital. Home to green spaces and independent restaurants and shops, there is plenty on offer for those living in Blackheath.
Zero Degrees
Blackheath is home to the original Zero Degrees restaurant, which has been going strong since 2000. Visitors can enjoy great grub from a menu that includes pizzas, muscles, risotto and pasta. There’s an extensive wine and cocktail menu too.
It’s not only the food and drink that cements Zero Degrees’ status as one of the best restaurants in Blackheath. The fantastic views on offer while you dine add to the atmosphere and provide a location that overlooks the heath.
Address: 29-31 Montpelier Vale, Blackheath, SE3 0TJ
Phone: 020 8852 5619
Email: [email protected]
Follow: @ZBlackheath
Bookshop on the Heath
If you’re after rare antique books, modern titles, prints, gifts and even maps, then look no further than Bookshop on the Heath. First opened in 1949, the store has gone on to become a staple of the community in Blackheath.
Bookshop on the Heath features five rooms and two corridor areas, with many visitors spending their time browsing the collections. Stock dates back to 1660, which means there are hidden, ancient gems waiting to be discovered at Bookshop on the Heath.
Address: 74 Tranquil Vale, Blackheath, SE3 0BW
Phone: 020 8852 4786
Email: [email protected]
Follow: @TheBookshopontheHeath
Peter Harrison Planetarium
In Greenwich Park, along Blackheath Avenue, is where you will find The Peter Harrison Planetarium. The 120-seat digital laser planetarium lets visitors see the night sky while listening to in-depth commentary from a Royal Observatory astronomer.
Set inside a grand late-Victorian astronomy centre, the Peter Harrison Planetarium takes visitors on an immersive experience. From flying directly into the sun to transporting to distant galleries, a trip to the Peter Harrison Planetarium is an opportunity to discover the planet.
Address: Blackheath Avenue, Greenwich, SE10 8XJ
Phone: 020 8312 6608
Email: [email protected]
Follow: @royalmuseumsgreenwich
Hand Made Food
Hand Made Food provides, you guessed it, hand-made cuisine — and it comes from chef Guy Awford in a homely and relaxing setting. You’ll even find the restaurant located in a converted space just above a former house which is now a deli run by Hand Made Food.
There’s a strong emphasis on community, with produce sourced from local farms, bakers and fishing boats. Hand Made Food serves up a treat to newcomers and locals alike with dishes that include cooked pheasant breast and smoked mackerel.
Address: Hand Made Food, 40 Tranquil Vale, Blackheath, SE3 0BD
Phone: 020 8297 9966
Email: [email protected]
Follow: @handmadefood_
Greenwich Park
One of London’s eight Royal Parks, Greenwich Park is just a stone’s throw away from Blackheath. The open space incorporates the Royal Observatory, which is home to Greenwich Meantime and is managed by the National Maritime Museum.
The park itself is one of the single largest green spaces in South East London and spans 182 acres. Enjoy a wander around the green space and soak up views of the River Thames and London’s iconic skyline.
Address: Greenwich, London SE10 8QY
Phone: 0300 061 2380
Email: [email protected]
Follow: @theroyalparks
Hare & Billet
Enjoy your new local at Hare and Billet, a rustic pub that’s ideal for those living in Blackheath. It’s well known for its selection of craft beers, which makes it the perfect spot for a few drinks after work or on the weekend. There’s also pub grub in the form of charter pie and traditional fish and chips.
The charming pub is set in an 18th-century building that overlooks parts of Greenwich Park. The interiors are light and bright, with rustic wooden tables, colourful cushions and understated wall art. And, of course, a bar area with some of the finest craft beers in South London.
Shopping: 1a Hare and Billet, Blackheath, SE3 0QJ
Phone: 020 8852 2352
Email: [email protected]
Follow: @hareandbillet
Le Bar a Vin
Formerly known as Le Bouchon, Le Bar Vin is a popular wine bar that exudes French charm. There are more than 100 different wines on offer, with many featuring a heavy French influence. Yet, you can expect to find reds and whites from all over the globe.
There are food options too, with French cheese, charcuterie boards and beef bourguignon and duck confit making sure you don’t go hungry. Le Bar a Vin is your chance to live the Parisian lifestyle in SE3 with stylish, yet friendly, settings.
Address: 72 Tranquil Vale, Blackheath, SE3 0BN
Email: [email protected]
Follow: @Le_Baravin_SE3
The Heath
The centrepiece of Blackheath, the Heath is arguably the greatest asset of the SE3 postcode. Spread over 275 acres of open country, the Heath receives visitors from far and wide, including those living in Blackheath and those from the other side of London.
During spring and summer, you can expect to see people flying kites and partaking in a variety of sports. While the autumn and winter are ideal times for a brisk stroll before stopping off at one of the many restaurants that overlook the open space of the Heath.
Address: Blackheath, SE3
Follow: #blackheath
Blackheath Halls
Blackheath Halls is an entertainment venue that hosts everything from folk music to spoken word shows. It’s also part of the oldest surviving purpose-built cultural complex in London and was constructed in 1895 by William Webster.
The venue runs a community programme that provides people of all ages with the opportunity to work with and learn from professional performers. You can also hire the halls for your own occasion, whether it’s for a party or performance.
Address: 23 Lee Road, Blackheath, SE3 9RQ
Phone: 020 8463 0100
Email: [email protected]
Follow: @BlackheathHalls
Living in Blackheath
Blackheath might feel like a small country town, but it’s very much entwined with London culture. Those living in Blackheath get to enjoy the best of both worlds: a relaxing getaway neighbourhood that sits in the heart of a modern-day metropolis.
Have you got a favourite Blackheath spot? Let us know by tweeting @EssLiving.
