The owner of a long-standing chip shop in Plumstead has shared his honest thoughts after the area was named one of the best places to live in London. Zafar Tarhan, who runs Atlantic Fish Bar on Lakedale Road, said he was surprised by the accolade but acknowledged the area is changing rapidly.
A Surprising Recognition
Plumstead was featured in The Sunday Times annual list of London's Best Places to Live, described as a 'leafy, long-overlooked corner of southeast London.' The publication highlighted the impact of the Elizabeth line, newly renovated homes, excellent transport links, and affordable prices for first-time buyers. However, Zafar, who has run the family business since 1996, offered a more grounded perspective.
“It’s a bit surprising,” he said. “You see a lot of different faces in here, and a lot of different characters, and I guess some of them are really surprising. You can see the area has transformed a lot over a long time. There are a lot of new houses.”
Community and Change
Atlantic Fish Bar has become a local institution, with loyal customers returning even after moving away. Zafar took over from his uncle, known as 'The Guvnor,' and the shop remains a family-run business. On social media, residents praise it as the 'best chippy about' and 'the go-to fish and chip shop.' Zafar is proud of this reputation and grateful for the community support.
“We are fortunate to have such great customers. We are grateful to be serving customers for a long time. It makes us feel part of the community, and when you spend nearly 30 years in the same location, you feel part of it,” he said.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the positive recognition, Zafar pointed out ongoing issues. “I think in five years the area will look totally different to what it is now. It’s improving, but we still have issues. There’s a lot of congestion on the streets, a lot of arguments. Plumstead is a nice area but I’d say the main problem is the fly-tipping that we face as a business.”
Plumstead has a rich history, known as the original home of Arsenal Football Club and for its dramatic hilly terrain and Plumstead Common, preserved after 19th-century protests. The area also holds archaeological significance, with a 6,000-year-old wooden trackway, the oldest timber structure in London, discovered there.
Property Market
House prices in Plumstead average £595,000 over the last year, below the London average of £680,943. Prices rose 3% compared to the 2022 peak of £575,367, reflecting growing demand.
Atlantic Fish Bar remains a fixture at 35 Lakedale Road, serving a community that is evolving but still values its local institutions.
