This autumn, we invite you to explore Lavender Hill, a bustling high street serving residents in Clapham Junction and beyond, with a healthy mix of independent businesses and well-known high street names.
It's also home to Lavender Hill Police Station, the Magistrates Court, Battersea Library, the Royal Mail sorting office and, most famously, Battersea Arts Centre – a much-loved cultural hub full of arts, theatre, comedy and entertainment and an integral part of the Clapham Junction and Battersea community.
Aside from being at the heart of Clapham Junction, did you know a rich history has played its part in forming Lavender Hill's busy commercial landscape that we know today?
A BLOOMING HISTORY
Image credit: Glenn Dunbar Photography
From lavender fields to the origins of the Battersea Arts Centre, here are a few fun facts you may not know…
Until the mid-19th century, Battersea was predominantly a rural area with lavender and asparagus crops cultivated in local market gardens – hence, it’s widely thought that Lavender Hill was named after Lavender Hall, built in the late 18th century, where lavender grew on the north side of the hill.
The BAC building, designed by E. W. Mountford (a local architect who designed the Central Criminal Court at the Old Bailey) opened in 1893 and originally functioned as Battersea’s Town Hall until 1965.
The building was given listed status in 1970 for its architectural significance and key role in the birth of the suffragette and labour movements and, by 1974 it was unlocked to become Battersea Arts Centre!
After a fire severely damaged the Grand Hall in 2015, extensive restoration was made possible by the incredible support from the local community and generous donations, securing the BAC’s place as the cultural heartbeat for arts and entertainment in The Junction area.
Image credit: Glenn Dunbar Photography
Today, Lavender Hill is a vibrant commercial area and home to a selection of independent businesses, restaurants and bars, health and beauty services, and professional services – all of which straddle the incline away from Clapham Junction Station towards town, adding to the appeal of the locale as a destination location. To help you explore a little more, we've put together this handy guide...
INDEPENDENTS
Image credit: Chrysoulla Photography
Our local ‘indies’ add a creative and unique touch to the business mix on Lavender Hill.
For example, Hype Coiffure, owned and founded by Calvin Rattray, is known as one of the leading Afro hair salons in London with an accolade of industry awards. Similarly, The Beauty Parlour by Kimberley Graham has become a local favourite with its warm and welcoming environment, where clients can relax and enjoy their beauty treatments.
When it comes to a night on the town, a visit to Sugar Cane provides a Tiki-themed escape to the tropics with signature cocktails and tapas bites, served in a Polynesian-decorated paradise with exotic flowers, lush green palms, bamboo textures and beautiful woven banana leaf walls. Or try local favourite, Hannah Battersea, a PYO (pour your own) bar and restaurant with over 30 self-dispense beer and wine dispensers!
Other independents include Harley’s Food Hall (a family owned-grocery shop, committed to sourcing products from ethical and responsible suppliers and reducing their environmental impact); Party and Celebrate (your one-stop shop for all things fancy dress); and Kitchen Shoppe (selling an eclectic mix of local homeware, hardware, essential and non-essential goods).
