South London's Best Dancers

A little bit about who we are and what we do.

What happens when you take four of South London's raddest dudes and give them an internet connection and a joint gmail account? You get S.E Local, that's what happens!

We're here to impart knowledge on to you, we're here to hold your hand as you make your way through the cultural wilderness that is South East London; we're here to show you how, when and where to have the time of your life.

Now, humble reader, I know exactly you're asking yourself as you read this blog:

"Just who are these gentlemen and scholars who so boldly seek to educate me in the ways of the world?"

Well kiddo, let your eyes do the walking 'cause I'm about to do the sweetest role call you've ever read in your short young life.

Hold tight!

Jamie Sambridge:

A media student at the prestigious London College of Communication, Jamie Sambridge has lived in London all of his life but it wasn’t till he turned 18 that he’s made the jump down South. Since then it’s been a whirlwind of great times and even greater tasting wines! A man of many tastes and an eternal optimist, Jamie is the glue that holds S.E Local together!

James Tittensor:

Hailing from Camberwell by way of Stoke, James Tittensor is a music fan without equal; always on the look out for a tasty beat, a harsh bass line and a place down South that houses the two. When not studying Media and Cultural Studies at LCC, James can be either found playing Striker with his house mates or setting dance as one half of DJ Collective “Ambush.”

Charles Olafare:

Since the day he was born Charles Olafare has never had good nights sleep, he probably owes you at least a fiver. With one ear to the ground, an eye on the streets and both hands on the keyboard Charles gets his kicks out of staying up late and staying abreast of the current trends, social mores and creative ventures that keep South London ticking.

Dominic Manhi:

Dominic Manhi is a question wrapped inside an enigma; as stoic as he is mysterious Dom is the Jack Bauer of the blogosphere, the kind of guy you never see until it’s too late. Ever equipped with a sharp word and a keen eye for what’s hip and what’s not, Dom knows exactly what you like before you even knew you liked it.

Flamingods, Aka Kamal Rasool

 S.E local asks Flamingods the big questions!

Biggest influence?
Probably Animal Collective and Tiri Vadoko

How your music taste has developed?
It developed most in the two summers i visited Brazil and Tanzania. This is where i fell in love with foreign instruments and the idea of culture through music. I saw a lot of tribes, playing the best music i had ever heard, with no crowds watching or anything, just tradition and ritual. I think thats what excites me most in music.
 
Why do you enjoy living in south east London?
it's kind of stripped away from the busy and stressful habits of central. I'd like to think theirs something more authentic about the South East, there's also a lot of interesting bands coming out of here too.

Club or Venue you can recommend?
Auto Italia is an interesting venue, a lot goes on there and last summer, it held one of the most interesting festivals i've been to; Yes Way.

What are you obsessed with right now?
Right now i seem to be cooking a lot, its quite relaxing and i'm sort of obsessed with creating new condiments. Apart from that, the blog; african tapes is incredible, you can get some amazing, rare african music for free, a dream come true.
http://awesometapesfromafrica.blogspot.com/

What do you collect?
Ever since i was younger, collecting instruments has been a big hobby. Coming from a family who loves to travel, i've gotten hold of some truly strange instruments, which goes hand in hand with my music.


 Whats the coolest thing in your house?
My house mates won't agree with me, but i think the coolest thing in our house is a voodoo doll i obtained from the Amazon. It is currently sitting on my amp.

http://www.myspace.com/flamingods

The Prince of Wales, The best kept secret?

I’ve always felt that Kennington is a little secret that South London keeps to its self. South London has a fair amount to offer on the decent drinking front; much more than it is given credit for anyway. When it comes to night life many are drawn to the bright lights of Soho, Shoreditch, Dalston and so on. 

The Prince of Wales Pub sits in the corner of a residential square surrounded by Georgian Houses. So you wouldnt be blamed if you missed it as you passed through the area.  Although I think this is a part of its charm, it is close to the tube station, but away from the fumes and minicabs of Kennington Park Road.

However, please don’t turn up expecting a deserted, old ,closing down delapidated pub. Its lively, exciting but mellow. Its the type of place you would go if you want to be able to socialise with friends. The music is purely background noise but does surprise customers as ‘hits’ you had forgotten about pop up on the playlist. I dropped in around 9pm on a Thursday, and managed to secure one of the last free tables. A wooden floor, carefully selected  pictures on the walls and a ‘pleasing lack of overflowing ashtrays’ combined create the pleasant atmosphere leaving you wanting to return and be on a first name basis with the bar staff.

Unlike the majority of London pubs, who count serving quality beer fairly low down on their list of priorities, the Prince of Wales has a decent selection of Shepherd Neame’s finest ales. In addition to this they serve a Japanese dry larger called Ashai a drink I’d never heard of but will never forget.

Boasting a beer garden at the front and the back its just a shame I attended mid november where your pint will become an Ice cude if you are a slow smoker. High marks for this one, I’ll be returning soon.

Location - 48 Cleaver Square,Kennington,London,SE11 4EA

Tube – Kennington

Bus – 133, 333, 415, 155

Cafe Crema - New Cross

Cafe Crema is the type of place where the atmosphere and food makes you want to stay longer, and sit and chill out with your friends. The black patio flooring mixed with oak wooden furniture just adds more personality to the place. The cosy vegetarian cafe serves some creative and vibrant dishes whilst keeping their prices very low. In addition to this what gives Cafe Crema that extra sparkle is what it turns into as the evening sets in, Jazz nights, Film clubs and more turn this little sleepy restaurant in to an animated exciting venue.  When I was last there they had a small film festival and where showing some documentaries for just a couple of pounds.  

The only other thing that is worth mentioning is that, if you do pop down and enjoy it as much as I did, sign the petition to keep it open. Cafe Crema has been struggling to stay open and the local council are considering closing the premises due to safety concerns. So enjoy this little mid lecture get away and its amazing food!

Location - 306 New Cross Road, New Cross, London SE14 6AF

Train – New Cross BR / New Cross Gate BR

Bus - 453

Corsica Studios

In the heart of Elephant and Castle, a three-minute-walk from the tube station and close to local pubs and a Wetherspoons (perfect for pre-drinks), this lively venue is made up of two rooms, both containing Funktion One sound systems, perfect for anyone who wants to dance their night away in style. The club itself holds a total capacity of 500 people, which makes your experience all the more intimate and it is guaranteed to be a sociable one. It is also worth noting that the smoking area is easy to access and is a respectable size with shelter, unlike many bars and clubs.

The atmosphere always emits an essence of coolness, as the nights held at Corsica attract a young and trendy crowd. It is also in close distance from Goldsmith University and the always prominent UAL, so it primarily attracts clubbers aged 18-25, but this isn’t exclusively the case.

Corsica put on a wide and diverse range of events taking in the genres of dubstep, drum and bass, electro, glitchy electronica, house and techno, as well as the odd sprinkling of indie, making this club all the more special as it doesn't restrict itself to a certain genre or bring in the same crowd week in, week out. Warm, Phonica Records, Rephlex and Trouble Vision are some of the external promoters who use the space for events.

It’s no wonder that Corsica Studios has been voted best small club by DJ Magazine. For forward-thinking electronic music heads, it’s a must.