Variety is the spice of life
Lewisham is at the centre of south London, neighbouring Lambeth, Greenwich and Southwark and providing quick access to the clubs of Brixton, bars of Clapham and the Tate Modern. Lewisham itself is now touted as 'up and coming', with a growing number of bars, pubs, clubs and other leisure facilities.
Lewisham's size makes it a very varied area, from the picturesque Blackheath Village through to residential Forest Hill and vibrant urban centres of Deptford, Catford, New Cross and Lewisham town centre. The countless pubs, bars and restaurants offer quality without West End prices. From the bistros of Blackheath to the clubs of New Cross, there's something to please everyone.
Going out
Lewisham can offer as much peace and quiet or hustle and bustle as you want. It all depends where you look.
For some much-needed unwinding and relaxation there are 56 parks and several leisure centres around the borough to soothe the mind and body - including the historical open space of Blackheath, which plays host to one of the best firework displays in London.
When you're in need of a touch of culture you're well catered for with the recently renovated Broadway Theatre in Catford and the Laban Dance Centre. The Blackheath Concert Hall plays host to everything from salsa and jazz to performing arts, featuring many artists of international repute. The renowned Horniman Museum features the most comprehensive historical collection outside central London.
Lewisham has a rapidly advancing reputation as a home to south London contemporary artists, such as Turner Prize nominee Tomoko Takahashi. It also features the Hales Gallery and Museum of Installation in Deptford.
Transport
Lewisham is becoming one of the best-connected areas of south London.
There are numerous train and bus routes throughout the borough, running directly into central London - to Charing Cross, Cannon Street, Waterloo, London Bridge and Victoria. It takes around ten minutes from Lewisham's town centre to London Bridge. Night buses also run throughout the small hours from the centre.
Lewisham has tube stations on the east London line at New Cross and New Cross Gate, connecting it to fashionable Shoreditch in seven and a half minutes. Future extensions planned for 2006 will connect Lewisham directly to the City at Bishopsgate and all the way up to Finsbury Park.
The opening of the DLR in Lewisham has made a huge difference to the borough. It has frequent services which cover the north of the borough and connect to Greenwich, London's docklands and Bank.
Creative Lewisham
Lewisham has recently launched 'Creative Lewisham' to help achieve the vision of the borough as a visually exciting, creative and imaginative hub within London.
The project will help to make Lewisham 'the best place in London to live, work and learn', focusing on urban renewal, cultural regeneration and creative talent. You only need to see the effect the Tate Modern has had on Southwark to realise that support of the arts could prove to be an important part of the borough's future.