I had not come to Putney much before my work experience placement however I have quickly fallen in love with the place. This is a summary of what has stood out for me.
The People
Every shop owner and business woman/ man I’ve interacted with has been so warm and welcoming. The random Costa coffee worker who assured me on my first day of work experience that it would be fun and not scary, or the business owners of various independent companies making my first networking event welcoming and memorable, everyone in Putney has been lovely and approachable.
Food
Going to local food stops and trying new cuisines in Putney is a must when you visit, it’s a perfect place to discover a new favourite restaurant or go for the classic takeaway stops. Just to name some of the great food businesses here, they vary between more mainstream restaurants such as Wagamama’s and Nando’s, large fast food chains like Burger King, McDonalds and Five Guys as well as smaller and more individual places like Octagreen (photographed) with an amazing buffet, Roxie steak – a local steakhouse, Artisan coffee – a locally run coffee shop and Ramna – an Indian restaurant.
Shopping
There are a variety of different and unique shops to support on Putney High Street and in the Putney Exchange. You can get affordable second hand pieces from the various charity shops meaning you are avoiding fast fashion and supporting local charities, you could support local business by visiting JAKI on the high street for classy additions to your wardrobe or Ben and Lola inside Putney Exchange for clothes for your little ones or you could visit TK Maxx and H&M for the latest fashion trends. As well as clothes shops there are various nail bars and hair salons to fulfil all of your beauty needs such as Hairways for your hair cuts and colouring and Townhouse Nail salon for your mani-pedis!
The Atmosphere and Events
It has been a busy week for the BID. I have taken part in a Great British Spring Clean litter pick to help keep the area clean and pleasant and attended the celebrating women in business breakfast to empower independent female business owners and allow others to learn more about what inspired them. I also got to watch my friend compete in the Schools Head of the River race alongside 350 other rowing boats from around the country.
I love the paintings on the shop windows. Earlier in March the BID launched a trail by painting windows of different shops with a secret letter in the painting to create an interactive trail for the whole family to enjoy, available up until the end of April!
Nature
Obviously a big bonus of Putney town centre is it being situated close to the river meaning you get beautiful views from Putney bridge of the Thames. There is also a beautiful walk down the river where you can go past all of the rowing clubs down the Putney Embankment where you get great views of the river. Should you want to explore the river further you can book a ticket and hop on the Uber Boat where you can travel down into central London.
Overall
Putney is a great destination for all of your beauty, shopping, food and clothes needs! As well as the beautiful view of the river and the lovely and lively people you will interact with during your visit! Will you come and explore Putney on your next day out?
Amelie, aged 14, Work experience student
