Honor Oak Area

Honor Oak is a suburb of Forest Hill located in Lewisham, but with parts in the South London. Its name is derived from Elizabeth I’s reputed picnic beneath the famous oak on One Tree Hill.

Overview

Honor Oak’s largest feature is One Tree Hill. It is at the north end of the chain of hills, previously known as the Great North Wood, stretching from Croydon. A legend says on May 1, 1602, Queen Elizabeth and Lord Richard Bulkeley picnicked at an oak tree near a hilltop in the Lewisham area. It was so named for its honourable disposition. The trees surrounding the railings are oaks. They were planted in 1905 as a replacement for a historic oak. At the same time as being connected to Queen Elizabeth I, the hill is said by long-standing rumor to have been the site of Queen Boudica’s final defeat by the Romans in AD61. Meanwhile, Dick Turpin is also said to have used this for a lookout post.

Amenities and entertainment

Honor Oak is known for its a number of good restaurants and gastropubs. This is one of the best Indian restaurants in London according to the London Independent newspaper. It has two AA Rosettes. There are two cafes on the high street, the first of which is the Two Spoons, a cafe by day and cocktail bar at night serving drinks inspired by the area’s rich history. The neighborhood contains a highly regarded Italian restaurant, Le Querce, which translates from Italian as “the oaks”, Donde, an international cuisine tapas restaurant, an art gallery and Mamma Dough, a sourdough pizza restaurant which opened in February 2014. Originally known as St Germans Public House, the Honor Oak is reincarnated as a modern wine bar. In 2016, The Chandos underwent renovation and was reopened as a craft-oriented pub, which served pizza and antipasti.

Check Chalk Farm Area