I can’t help but notice that most of the comments on this site display a certain amount of cynicism and discontent. And that’s fine. The internet exists for people to let off steam and have a good old rant.
But since these comments are going out on the World Wide Web I thought it may be nice to show folk in Sydney or Seattle the positive side to life in our town.
So here’s a challenge. See if you can come up with 5 things you actually LIKE about living in Surbiton.
Let me start you off with my own list (in no particular order):
1. Strolling along Queens Promenade by the Thames on a sunny Autumn day. It feels like I’m on holiday.
2. Taking my 6 year-old into Puccino’s for his tea. The waitresses are lovely and always have time to chat and joke with him.
3. Gordon Bennett’s on Maple Road. Brilliant food. The best.
4. I can enjoy the peace, calm and relative safety of the Queen of the Suburbs, yet be in the heart of London in under 45 minutes.
5. Unlike many other places which are nothing more than ribbon developments following main roads, Surbiton is a ‘proper’ town in a definable space with a central hub, making it distinct from nearby Kingston. And it has a real sense of neighbourliness and community too… if you’re willing to get involved.
The benefits of a Surbiton.com account:
Comments
some of these anon posts should be deleted
Agreed. Or prevent anonymous posting generally across the site. Perhaps if people could only leave their opinions once registered they'd be more likely to moderate any pejorative comment. I mean, if you're going to bowdlerise your own words with weaselly asterisks you probably should choose a different phrase altogether.
Sorry.....are we talking about the same Gordon Bennett "pub" (note, not wine bar), i.e.:-
1. Owner!!
2. Tables too small
3. The worst wine I have ever paid for in a pub (simple benchmark to All Bar One - would fail).
4. The owner
5. They refuse to make scrambled eggs with breakfast as it is "too difficult to get right"....
Enough said.
You can always push two tables together if you take up a lot of space. And what about the owner? As long as you don't start banging your fists because they won't give you soldiers with your eggies, he's a perfectly reasonable sweet guy.
I am new to Surbiton. Is there parking facilities at the train station to park bicycles and is it safe?
Just before I moved away they brought in a new cycle lock-up...
http://www.southwesttrains.co.uk/new%20secure%20cycle%20compound%20for%2...
...but there has always been plenty of bike parking on both sides of the line. As to how safe it is, I've no idea. But Surbiton's a pretty safe place. Having said that, I think that Kingston is a bicycle crime hotspot. Or at least it was.
Kingston always shows as a bike crime hotspot, but I don't think that the stats are particularly scientific. The towns that always come top of this survey are Oxford and Cambridge - there are more bikes stolen there than anywhere else, but there are also many more bikes than in most places!
Say Kingston gets 3 bikes stolen every month from an average of 200 parked in the town, it will come higher than somewhere than gets 1 bike stolen from an average of 5 parked there.
1 LOCATION
2 LOCATION
3 LOCATION
4 HOUSE PRICES
5 STATION
(1) Selection of "good" nearby state schools, with good quality of teachers, where kids have an enviroment to succeed IF they choose not to be distracted and put their mind to it.
(2) Residents "educated" enough to be neighbourly, polite and well-mannered (though students can get a bit boisterous ,,, as they do)
(3) Great commuting into London ,,, or overseas
(4) Safe, quiet and lovely just to walk around - riverside, parks and even grand period homes
(5) Even though it's nowhere or nothing "significant", other people have heard of Surbiton, and has a good image and brand (thanks to The Good Life ...) rivalling "Richmond", "Wimbledon", "Brixton" etc. (though not saying that in REALITY Surbiton is of the same level)
(1) Village atmosphere full of extremly friendly people
(2) Chez Julien Delicatessen with awsome savory pancakes just as I enjoy when going to France in a traditionnal creperie
(3) Health shop opposite Waitrose
(4) Pices fish and chips
(5) the farmers market, let's hope this will continue for a long time
Having started this thread long ago I'd like to make a revision. Strike Puccino's, nowhere near as friendly as it once was after a culling of staff. Instead add foodie. Lovely coffee and homemade cakes run by a charming couple who are working hard in a recession to make a real go of it.
In no particular order
1. The Lamb. The land Lord has been doing a great job in breathing new life into it.
2. Hotel Bosco’s, A great hotel in the centre of town.
3. Equidistant between Gatwick and Heathrow airports, but without the continuous aircraft noise as in Richmond and Kew
4. The new Farmers Market
5. A really nice, safe place to live
6. Pisces Fish and Chip shop. I thought Super Fish was the best until Pisces opened.
7. Wagon and horses, nice relaxing pub
8. Fantastic walks along the Thames, and over to Hampton Court
9. Generally nice people that look after the area
10. Excellent public transport.
You can be in the heart of London in less than 25 minutes!!
> there is no reason for ever wanting to wear one with the hood up
> unless the weather is really bad or to hide the face
Hmm. Some people look cute in hoodies. That's a great reason for wearing one.
1. Chez Julien Delicatessen
2. Pisces Fish and Chip Shop
3. St. James Cafe
4. Hogsmill River
5. Long Ditton skatepark
Surbiton is the coolest area I have ever lived in. Its is peaceful and full of fun places to go to.
I truly miss the place.
Does the cafe delight at tolworth count?I liked it so much i added it to my blog.
Even though you have to pay for parking.
www.alloageorge.com/blog/2008/05/19/cafe-delight-tolworth-junction-a3/
if the cafe delight at tolworth counts as surbiton, then u might as well count kingston, wimbledon and hampton court as being surbiton!!
Short answer
NO!
Tolworth ain't Surbiton (no matter what the estate agents tell ya ;-)
Best things about Surbiton?
1. Generally safe and quiet backstreets, provided you're at least one block back from the railway station and Victoria Road area.
2. Lots of good community social groups and churches, and Surbiton also has a reasonably good branch library of its own.
3. Close to Kingston which has a pleasant market square during the day, and excellent Borders bookshop, plus a handful of other new and second hand bookshops in Kingston and Hampton Wick.
4. Good road links out of London, via the A3 to the widened M25 western section.
5. Good rail links to London Waterloo for the South Bank, which itself is good for London's West End. Also good rail links to Southampton Airport, and via Clapham Junction to Gatwick Airport and Brighton. Kingston is good for buses to Heathrow.
6. Not in prominent Heathrow flight paths, unlike Putney, Richmond, Staines, Egham and Windsor - yet still not that far from the airport.
7. Countryside! There's a green corridor running all the way from the Hogsmill river between Surbiton and New Malden to the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, via the Bonesgate stream, Horton Country Park, Epsom Common, Ashtead Common and Ashtead Park. This green corridor is open to the public along its whole length, and is connected by off-road cycle trails and bridleways from Tolworth Court Bridge onwards.
I think you'd be hard pressed to find anywhere that combines such good countryside access with such good road and rail access, but which doesn't have a noise problem. Some people think that Esher and Cobham are more upmarket than Surbiton, but the reality is that Esher Common and Cobham's surrounding countryside are plagued by noise from the A3 and M25. The birds sing much more clearly in Horton Country Park, Epsom Common and along the Hogsmill.
I have just moved from the North East of England to Surbiton (one of the "Oakhill" streets behind the station) and think its great. Five things that I approve of.....
1. 15 minutes to Waterloo,it takes me much less time to get to work than my zone 2 collegues!
2. The diversity of resident, everyone fits in. (Even parrots!!!Has anyone else seen them?)
3. Not risking your life when eating at a Wetherspoons, I am a little shocked to say its not bad at all, hurrah for the cheesecake!mmm! Plus great for the last week till payday : )
4. Trees, near London, well I never! and the River Thames walk is lovely, bring on the Summer.
5. Being able to go for a night-time stroll without being scared.
However being a new resident I have a few questions.....
1. Is there a night bus back to Surbiton from London central or Clapham area?
2. Is there a pay as you go boxercise class anywhere on an evening?
3. Why won't the local council take card or paper to recycle? Its always left, I thought this was the most common recycling attribute.
4. Why does my trolly roll away while i'm trying to pay for my shopping in Sainsburys? (haha)
5. Are we any closer to being Zone 5 instead of Zone 6?
Thankyou please...
About the boxercise class - not sure if you have seen this in Surbiton - I go and it's AMAZING. Hard work but you really see the results:
www.damianfisher.co.uk
Welcome to Surbiton! I'm not surprised you've moved down here as the North East of England is a sh*thole.
I am glad that you are enjoying the area. I have been here for years, and love it. Seeing positive comments may illustrate tp other how lucky they are.
In answer to a few of your questions:
1. There is no direct night bus to Surbiton, but you can get several to Kingston, and then walk or get the 24hour 281 back to Surbiton.
2. Maybe at the dreaded YMCA. I cannot think of anywhere else.
3. I think they will when they move to 2 weekly bin collections. Kingston Council get there in the end, just a few years after everyone else.
5. I don't think it will ever happen (although it should)
What was Hooleys,I cannot remember ever seeing it.
Another place to eat must be the last thing Surbiton needs,now an Ann Summers might be interesting.
Hooley's was a deli. I think the thing that Surbiton needs is more quality eateries, and less of the kebab shops and fast food places.
The only new shop I would like to see in Surbiton is a WHSmith to replace the awful Martin's store. This, combined with Waitrose, Woolworths, Boots and the few independent retailers left would provide all of the 'every day' type shopping that is necessary. I am happy to drag myself the whole mile to Kingston if I need anything more.
I see a new café, curiously called Three Peas in a Pod, has opened in Brighton Road where Hooleys used to be. Has anyone eaten there yet? Just wondered what it's like.
We've just started promoting nominations for the Best / Worst cafés in Surbiton. Let everyone know what you think.
Surbiton.com webmaster
I saw this today as well. I have not eaten there yet, but it looks nicer than most of the Brighton Road collection of greasy spoons, kebab shops etc. Hopefully, it will last a bit longer than Hooleys.
Having moved to Surbiton last July, I must say that I love it. A great mix of younger and older couples and Maple Road is just amazing. I live on Lovelace Road in one of the remaining older homes and I have a 96 year old neighbour who has lived here all of her life. I am 36 and I am so lucky to have moved next to such a character. We often meet for a few G&Ts and she tells me how things have changed.
My five Favourite things
Walking along the Thames - Amazing
Our train station - always reminds me of being in a Hercule Poirot movie
The Florist by the station - she is amazing and the flowers really last
The New French coffee shop/deli - scrummy
The People - everyone always has a nice word to say - it means a great deal. I was in Guildford for 6 years and the lived around the world - but I like Surby people - we have a nice life!
Adam
I'm in the process of buying a flat in Surbiton - my first step on the property ladder (I'm 28!). I've been renting in Kennington for 3 years now, and it took me less than an afternoon to realise that I wanted to buy in Surbiton. Kennington has some lovely areas, but an equal number of nasty local authority places with lots of rubbish on the streets, dodgy looking loiterers and frequent news reports of stabbings, shootings, muggings etc.
I stark contrast everyone in Surbiton seemed so friendly (so many cars stopping to let you cross the street!) there is very little litter, people clearly take much more pride in their properties/ gardens. I'm originally from a (nice leafy) suburb in Birmingham and Surbiton reminded me of that for very good reasons. I hope my impression of that is correct.
I think your impression is exactly right. as someone mentioned earlier in this thread, one of the purposes of forums such as these is to allow people to vent their anger at issues.
In objective terms, Surbiton is a superb place to live - leafy, friendly and with a fantastic set of amenities compared to most of the rest of London.
This is not to say that it is perfect, as there are plenty of things that could be improved, just that it is better than most places.
I am 29 years old, was born in Kingston hospital, grew up in Thames Ditton, have lived in Berrylands and Tolworth in recent years and last week moved back to Thames Ditton into a flat with my girlfriend.
In my opinion, the whole area (Kingston, Surbiton and Thames Ditton) is brilliant.
1 - You can get into town real easy. My ex used to live in Greenwich (Zone 2) yet it took her longer to get to where we used to work (Southbank) than me! Trains from Surbiton seem to come every 5 minutes - and a fast train will get you into Waterloo in about 18 minutes.
2 - Shopping. You don't really need to leave the area. Kingston has just about everything you'll ever need.
3 - Going out...Surbiton for civilised cafes and restaurants, Kingston for nights out on the town and the cinema. Thames Ditton for a drink by the river on a summer's day. The area has everything you need.
4 - Whilst it doesn't take long to get into town, you're still far enough out to enjoy some greenery and not have to worry about things like gun crime.
5 - I'm not yet ready to buy...but the rent is far more affordable than that of a lot of my colleagues who live closer to London - yet I think the Surbiton area is far superior!!
I am forever extolling the virtues of our area to people...I think Kingston council should pay me a yearly fee.
I love the walk by the river to Kingston and beyond.
I like the fact that there are so many trains to London as it makes it easier for me to get to work
I enjoy the festival that is held every year in September
There are lots of buses as well
I have met some nice people at the congregation at St Marks
I think that point 5 is very valid, but has not yet been mentioned.
Surbiton seems expensive compared to similar places further out of London, but is very cheap compared to those further in. This seems to be purely based on the fact that Surbiton (and Kingston) are off the tube network.
I know people who live in places like Balham and Tooting, who are constantly surprised that my commute into London takes less time than theirs. People who do not know the area assume that it is miles out of London, with trains that take an hour to get back!
The fact that you can rent a good two bedroom flat for under £1k per month in Surbiton represents quite a bargain in my opinion. Similar flats would be at least £1,500 per month in the nicer areas closer in. For Surbiton money, you would have to live in the poorer areas to get closer in (i.e. Acton, Streatham or Tooting rather than Chiswick, Clapham or Balham). I know where I would rather be!
Oh good,perhaps i will saunter down for a butchers an urban village fate(sic)sounds too good to miss.
I got out and went back to urban living proper in Pimlico.
No white gloves but pleasing lack of "street furniture" and a surprisingly village feel to the area now all the chavs have colonised Surbiton
Moan, moan, moan.
We seem to have strayed. This thread is entitled '5 Things I Love about Surbiton' by way of an attempt to be positive about the place we live. Come on gang, rise to the challenge...
OK, what about the Surbiton festival? Anyone love it?
I did not notice it,when was it?
It has been on all of this week, but not much seems to happen until the finale which is on Victoria Road this coming Saturday.
I go each year for a short time, but it always feels like an urban version of a village green fete.
Why is Surbiton high street such a ghastly clutter of street furniture,a useless epoint console and horrendous pavement greasy spoons occupied by some pretty unsavoury looking characters?
Is this what we are coming too "binge life style with mobile phone cackling" thrown in?
Where are the ladies in white gloves quietly shopping the gentlemen who used to wear a tie with a suit?
Sadly it has all gone as has the bus queue by Waitrose,replaced by a third world style random circulating mob ready to dive onto the arriving bus.
'third world style random mob'
YOU dear fellow, are a bigot of the highest order.
Suburbiton needs less racists not more, hang up your judgement cap for a while and try to enjoy the 21st century...
[quote=Anonymous]'third world style random mob'
YOU dear fellow, are a bigot of the highest order.
Suburbiton needs less racists not more, hang up your judgement cap for a while and try to enjoy the 21st century... [/quote]
Doh… what’s bigotry and racism got to do with that post?
Just another chance to wave the lefty flag!
Guess what, it's been happening for centuries.
It's known as the urbanisation of the suburbs. You're getting old, and so is Surbiton. Live with it or move out.
I agree, but one thing confuses me - there does not seem to be a great deal of building work going on in Surbiton, perhaps the odd house here and there, and a few larger houses being converted into flats. If anything, prices have gone up in relation to the surrounding areas lately, so where do all of these extra people come from.
I think the thing is that it tends to be more the 'noticeable' people (hoodies and 'hip-hop' types) that are in the ascendancy. The population as a whole is not growing, but it seems busier because there are more of the people who make a nuisance of themselves around. It still does not really answer the question of where they are living, though?
Getting back on track, my favourite things about Surbiton:
1. Fast train link into Waterloo
2. Friendly atmosphere for a London suburb (notwithstanding the above comment - it is still way better than most.)
3. Parks all around (Home Park, Bushy Park and Richmond Park all very close by)
4. The River
5. Kingston within a 10 minute walk (I wouldn't want it any further away or any closer)
There is a saying you may have come across in your close minded travels through life, "dont judge a book by its cover" yes some hoodie toting scoundrels rob and pillage communities but they affect alot less people than the £1000 suit wearing cheats who rinse entire sections of the population of their pensions and yes to answer the question you might be cogitating I am partial to a nice warm hoodie on occasion....
Fried or boiled?
Just joking,i have undertaken a a token study of what it is like to wear a hoodie.I agree it keeps your head dry in the rain but otherwise my trial period of wearing it was awful.
I had no peripheral vision to speak of, so crossing roads was a nightmare,people did seem to glare at me more than normal.
Sounds became distorted and a doppler effect became noticeable in certain wind conditions all in all i cannot see why anyone would ever want to wear a hoodie,UNLESS you wished to obscure your features and why on earth would anyone want to do that?
People should be allowed to wear what they like without glares from passers-by.
It is a shame that the hoodie has been vilified as the sole preserve of those up to no good, but as you rightly say, there is no reason for ever wanting to wear one with the hood up unless the weather is really bad or to hide the face.
I moved to Surbiton just over a month ago from battersea fter getting sick of the crime, violence and general decline in the area, most of the resons you give above were part of the reason we chose Surbiton over other areas.
Yesterday, two of the flats in my building were burgled, please tell me i haven't made a horrible mistake coming here, so far everything else looked good and i thought i had found a real oasis away from the chav/pikey element which has ruined Battersea, i live in the Cranes Park/Elmers Avenue area
All comments/advice/opinions welcome
Sorry to hear about the burglaries, but you have not made a mistake in moving here. Burglaries can happen anywhere, and living in a block of flats you are probably marginally safer than living in a house as well. If the block has had a high turnover of tenants, it is worth looking at getting the communal locks changed annually to ensure that there are not too many unnecessary keys in existence.
I do not think that Surbiton has a high burglary rate compared to other areas, and there will be less opportunists/drug addicts randomly breaking into people's houses as you would have in Battersea.
Surbiton is not chav/pikey free, but I think that it has less of these type of people hanging around than most similar areas, partly because the attractions of Kingston are so close.
Unfortunately, to get somewhere much safer than Surbiton, you would need to move to a village in deepest Kent/Surrey, and not have the amenities and fast train link on your doorstep. This is obviously not tenable for most people who are not retired.