Vera from the Village has sad news about the Village Bakery - and says goodbye to another shop

It's February and its freezing and I think we are all waiting to see if we will be covered in snow like parts of Europe already are. It is certainly putting off shoppers and who can blame them with this icy wind. Anyway get your thermals out and wrap up warm ... here is the latest news from the Village.

Going Going, Gone  .... Well some sad news to start my report; the Village Bakery has been taken over! I can't believe it and I have to say I felt very down when I found out. I think what has made it sadder for me is that the new owner wants to turn it into a French patisserie.  I can't help but wonder about the logic behind that desire given that the Bakery is almost next door to Le Pain Quotidien and within viewing distance of Pauls, both of which are French style bakeries. The rumour is that the new owners will continue to bake both the traditional breads, which the Village Bakery was known for, alongside its French alternatives but only time will tell. I do know that the original baker has left (he was 77 years old and worked in the basement for many years) along with his machinery, which I saw being carted off onto a scrap truck.  There are two points of view about this, one that it needed overhauling and updating and the other side like me, shocked and sad to see one of the last remaining original village shops go.

The other sad news is that Ark the beauty salon has closed its doors. It is not their only shop but with constant pressure on customer parking and a lack of footfall generally in the Village, it cannot be easy for businesses like this to survive.

Coming Soon ....  As one closes another is due to open; Triology ('the greatest Denim Boutique in the UK' according to the press) is due to open next door to Hobbs in about four weeks time. They already have shops in Kensington, Chelsea, Hampstead and Marylebone so will be a welcome addition to the Village and something we haven't already got.

New Stock arriving  .... Could not help but notice that Koko's have their new stock in the window and I have been looking longingly at the gorgeous new leather handbags, lovely colours. Also know that LK Bennett, Hobbs and Blink have got their new stock in too. Next time you pop into the Village go and have a browse and start dreaming about Spring and Summer – it may just take your mind of that icy wind whipping round your face and ankles.

Transport ..... well given that there is nowhere to park in the Village or very little without a hike, I thought it was about time to tell you how to get there without the hassle of a car.  

From Wimbledon town centre you can catch one of three buses up to the Village and all from the same two stops. The main bus stops to catch said buses from the Town are the one down the side road to the left of Next (the shop) and the one outside the Post Office on Wimbledon Hill Road.

200 Bus will take you up the Hill but will turn left at the top and stop outside Tesco's – if you don't want to end up in Raynes Park then you need to hop off here.  Press the Bell as you get to the top of the Hill. This bus does the loop between the Town, The Village and Raynes Park Station and back again.

493 Bus will take you up the Hill and over the first roundabout but it will turn right at the second roundabout and head for Tooting, so you need to get off outside Brora. Press the bell as you get to the top of the Hill or it's a long walk back from the next one (I know I did it by accident once). This bus goes from St Georges Hospital via the town, the Village and on to Tooting and back.

93 Bus will take you up the Hill and you can either hop off outside Brora as with the 493, or you can stay on until the next stop which is right outside LK Bennett and opposite the Rose & Crown Pub.  This bus goes from Priory Road/Malden Road, through Morden, the Town, the Village and ends up at Putney Bridge Station and back again.

No excuses now and actually I think you get a better view on a bus as you can see everything as you go along that you can't pay attention to when driving a car. Get yourself an Oyster card and pay half as much as you would if you use cash.

Toodles x