A 19th century manor house in the heart of Brockwell Park has been brought back to life following a major transformation, reopening as a café, wedding venue and community exhibition space.
Built in 1813 by chandelier maker John Blades, Brockwell Hall reopened its doors and gardens last year after decades of restoration work. Set in the rolling fields of Brockwell Park, between Brixton, Tulse Hill and Herne Hill, the hall stands proudly on the tallest point.
However, just 18 months ago, the Grade II listed Georgian mansion was a construction site wrapped in scaffolding. Now, the hall has been brought to the 21st century, becoming a fully functioning venue, complete with heating, lighting and air ventilation that was unimaginable in its heyday.
The restoration project set out to return Brockwell Hall to its former glory, made possible by an investment from Lambeth Council and a £3.9 million grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Brockwell Hall was once part of the sprawling Brockwell Estate and the rural area was coined the ‘Belgravia of South London’. This historic charm has been recaptured in the transformed hall, which has held onto its older features, whilst also incorporating modern additions.
The project worked closely with Historic England to ensure the rich history of the site was honoured and conserved. However, it was also community-led, with plans developed through close liaison with key local groups led by the forum for the park, the Brockwell Park Community Partners (BPCP).
Inside the hall, the grand Painted Room now hosts comfy sofas and seating for the new café. Restored murals and 1896 Henry Strachey wall hangings line the walls, while large doors open out onto the south-facing terrace and picnic area.
Following on from their success in other South London parks, Roots and Berries were chosen to manage the new eatery, The Glassmaker’s Café. The space opened in September last year and boasts views that stretch across 125 acres of parkland.
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There are fresh cakes and pastries on offer, with prices starting at £2.50. Light bites, including sausage rolls, are priced at £4.50 and sandwiches and quiches are £7.
In the old reception rooms, the new multi-purpose gallery inside the hall allows visitors to learn about Brockwell Park’s rich history. The park has been the host of many iconic festivals over the years, including the famous 1978 Rock Against Racism festival featuring Aswad, Elvis Costello and Stiff Little Fingers.
There is an interactive element to the exhibition, where visitors can learn about the faces behind the park, including local residents and the gardening team.
Outside the main hall, a newly-built space has been unveiled in the original Stables Yard. The multi-functional event space can cater for private and community events or weddings, with a capacity of up to 160 people.
Lambeth Council, in partnership with Black Prince Trust, are currently offering residents over the age of 50 a chance to keep fit for free. The classes are suitable for all abilities and led by experienced local instructors, who will make you feel welcome and supported.
On Mondays, from 10:00 – 10:45 join Anna for Tai Chi, a gentle form of exercise designed to improve balance, strength, flexibility and cardiovascular health. Charmaine, a Lambeth resident with over 30 years of fitness experience, leads ‘Band Together’ on a Tuesday from 13:00 – 14:00. This gentle yet invigorating class centres uses resistance band and a single chair to strength muscles and enhance mobility for older people.
Chair yoga, led by Freddie every Wednesday from 13:15 – 14:00, uses the option of a seat to adapt standing poses, making them more accessible. This form of exercise not only improves physical fitness, but has a transformative effect on anxiety and pain relief. Straight after chair yoga from 14:15 – 15:00 Freddie transitions from the chair to the mat, leading a more challenging class, but still suitable for all abilities.
The project has also levelled out the buildings ground and reinstated original key features like the Pleasure Ground. The old ice house, a small building used to store ice throughout the year, is now used as the new entrance to the event space.
After the transformation of the historic hall, Brockwell Park is also getting upgraded in other areas, with new trees and a wildlife pond coming to the park with thanks to the Friends of Brockwell Park.
To enquire about private event hire contact [email protected] or visit the website Venues in London Borough of Lambeth | VenueLambeth
Location: Brockwell Hall, Brockwell Park, SE24 9BJ
Cafe opening times: 8:30am – 4:30pm daily
Hall opening times: 8:00am – 11:30pm daily
Fabulous! many congratulations to all those involved in such a wonderful project.?