When the Crystal Palace was painstakingly rebuilt on a site at the summit of Sydenham Hill, it gave its name to a nearby neighbourhood, which remained so after the structure burned down in Today, this hilly south-east London community is at once suburban and creative, with a stronghold of independent shops, a large park and a family-friendly feel.
It may be missing its original landmark, but our tour of Crystal Palace proves it has plenty going on. To the south, the modernist National Sports Centre has a hulking concrete frame and an undulating roofline. Some 15 sculptures were unveiled in as the first dinosaur models in the world.
They have been mentioned in novels by Charles Dickens and H. G Wells and were upgraded to Grade-I listed status in The fact that all are wildly inaccurate only adds to the charm. London is dotted with disused subterranean routes, from tube stations that never opened to secret tunnels.
Just like the dinosaurs, Crystal Palace Subway , the ornate underpass tucked away under Crystal Palace Parade, can be traced back to the Great Exhibition; it was built in to escort first-class visitors to the exhibition hall. The capacious dining room has a louche s feel, while rotating DJs make good use of a late-night weekend license. Drop in for double-up negroni sbagliatos — and more — during aperitivo hours in the week.
We think the best place to try the menu of Aussie-inspired butties, scrambles and bigger breakfasts is the outpost overlooking the lake in the park, which is housed on the ground floor of a contemporary building clad in cedar shingles by Chris Dyson Architects.
