Vauxhall, the Oval and Kennington
There are a huge number of shops and other businesses in Vauxhall, Kennington and the Oval. I have not therefore tried to prepare a comprehensive list, but you might find it helpful to have the following list of less common sorts of businesses. (Hotels, restaurants, taxis and car hire companies are listed on a separate page.)
P J Frankland have an excellent reputation as our local butchers selling much tastier meat than our local supermarkets. They are conveniently located at 6 Jonathan Street, SE11 (7735 5627) just 7 or 8 minutes walk from both Vauxhall Cross and Kennington Cross. And it is easy to park nearby, often right outside the shop.
There is a very good Farmers' Market from 1000-1500 every Saturday in St Mark's Churchyard, opposite the Oval Tube Station. Very tasty meat, veg, fruit, pies - and coffee and cake. Definitely a pleasant place to shop.
Blissetts of 32 Brixton road, SW9 6BU (7735 4095) are a very friendly and helpful old-fashioned ironmongers and DIY/builders suppliers.
Travis Perkins at the corner of Fentiman Road and South Lambeth Road are very helpful to even the most amateur DIY-ers, who can also hire just about anything they might need at HSS Tool Hire in the railway arches between the Albert Embankment and Goding Street near Vauxhall Station.
More specialist stuff, such as brass fittings, can generally be found at SDS London at 185 Northcote Road, just south of Clapham Junction. As it is a bit of a journey, you could ring first on 7228 1185 to make sure they have what you need.
London Curtain Makers in Wilcox Road (opposite Sainsbury's on Wandsworth Road) specialise in made-measure curtains and curtain alterations.
Michael's Shoe Repairs is a local shoe repairer with an international reputation! They are a family business dating back to 1962 and you can find them at 45 South Lambeth Road SW8 (near the corner with Fentiman Road) (7735 2386) . They offer high quality shoe repairs, cut keys and sell a variety of goods including shoes, footballs, leather bags, wallets and umbrellas.
And Michael's (see above) now also offer a very useful trophy and engraving service.
I like South Bank Cycles (194 Wandsworth Road, SW8 2JR - 7622 3069). They are friendly, will service your bike without the need to book in advance, and are (I think) less expensive than their competitors.
Winters Electrical Services are reliable and established electricians. They are based in Batterea and their phone number is 020 7627 6181.
Carlos Carvalho (07901 830 016) mends a wide range of electrical appliances, such as washing machines, and charges very reasonably for doing so.
French polishers: Trinity Bell Restoration are recommended. Their address etc. is 2a Codrington Hill, SE23 1LW:- 020 8314 5300.
I have heard good reports of Rated Tradesmen - a sort of Ebay to help you find someone to help with building and other practical work.
Trafalgar Lock & Key Co (7928 0639) at 36 Kennington Road, near Hercules Road, is a very reliable locksmith, door strengthener etc.
And Banhams of Pascal Street (7622 5151) offer a first class (if expensive) burglar alarm installation service.
The local professional photographer is Mannings at 10 Windmill Row (7735 5896)...
... and then you can visit Phillips Framing at 104 Lower Marsh for professional and friendly advice on picture framing, whether you want to buy a ready-made frame or to design your own.
Nanny & Au Pair Agencies: Cinderella Au Pairs are a friendly and efficient agency - and not too expensive - who place au pairs throughout South London.
Not only is Tupperware back in fashion, but we have their only male consultant, Andrew Humphrey, living in our area. Andrew will provide you with Tupperware products free and half-price if you invite some friends or colleagues round for a fun demonstration which he will organise. Modern Tupperware products combine traditional quality with state of the art materials and stylish design, so they look good in any kitchen. Do click here for further information or phone Andrew on 020 7403 2118.
Roots and Shoots at the Kennington Road end of Walnut Tree Walk (7587 1131) is an enchanting and extensive wildlife garden, much used by local schools and for horticultural training. It is open in the early afternoon for the sale of plants etc.