I know that this was a favourite topic elsewhere, but I’ve not heard an update for a long time.
I was wondering if anyone (FHTA?) knew what was happening with what should be a prime retail spot for FH - the old ‘from the forest’ coffee shop?
The original owner (Kollier) popped in to my shop yesterday…
I’ll ring Dr Mittle (landlord) today & post the latest update when I’ve spoken to him.
I rang Dr Mittle (landlord) today & he has confirmed that someone has signed a new lease & has the keys. He “thinks” it is going to be another coffee shop/cafe.
thanks for the update - I hope (for their sake and ours) they have some unique selling proposition … we are not short of coffee alternatives at the moment and I hate to see good effort and money wasted
I had a sneaky look in and it is progressing. Will rrudely
barge in next time and demand to know everything.: 
First fix to be done by Friday then the fit out starts. Looks good so far. I wonder if the owner can tempt Hassan back?
There are lots of places to get coffee. But few of them are good! St David’s and 161 are the only ones I bother with. Occasionally Archy Parker.
Here’s hoping they’ll be one more to add to the list
Just noticed that there is work going on in the ex cobblers next to the Jolly Bee.
Hi All,
First post on the new site (I like it), so hello!!
Just wandering if anyone here knows what is happening at the former “From The Forest” site, something is definitely afoot. Passed it a couple of times, the door was open with people busy at work in the far corner. From what I could see, it looks as if quite a lot of work has been done since its former incarnation.
Just me being nosy!!
Hi @Hasto - welcome to the site! I moved your post into the existing topic we have on From the Forest, so that you’re able to join the conversation and see the previous information on this.
Sorry, should have done some more digging for the topic!
Its such a great location opposite the station, so hopefully they can bring something special to the coffee shop offerings of SE23!
Looks good to me lol
Love it 
i had a peek inside at the work in that shop. It looks really nice inside … wonder how long it will take before they are open!?
Is there any update on this?
I walked past that this morning and the same thought occurred. @Pauline any news?
What’s it supposed to become?
Coffee shop. I walked past a few months ago and the interior was pretty much done.
Nope, maybe they changed their mind - I’ll give Dr Mittle (the landlord) a ring and ask & report back 
Strange because, as I wrote earlier, the interior was pretty much done.
Make them do a bakery.
Just rang Dr Mittle & he said it’s the same people that took on the lease a few months back that have it and plan to open a coffee shop/cafe.
@starman sorry Jason we aren’t getting a bakers just yet but I would love one 
Photo: Forest Hill Society
“House of Zara”
Coffee shop… or furniture shop…? Any ideas?
Will “Zara” take issue with the name? “House of Fara…”? 
Hmmm okay I’ll tell what I know!
From the landlord (who is not mine) this would be a cafe/Coffee shop.
As far as I know after taking on this lease and doing a shopfit the owners have now asked for a premium of 50k
There was no way this was ever going to happen in my opinion!
So now as far as I know it will be a specialist tea shop now.
But this is just what I’ve been told.
I had a look in the other day – it looks like a very cute tea rooms. All very well done. Nice level of vintage/modern.
There’s a sign on the window saying it opens on Friday… tea and gifts.
I hope it flourishes and does well, independent businesses of all (legal…) kinds should be encouraged in a world of Starbucks’ and Costas. However…my first Forest Hill love will always be @StDavid. With a sprinkling of Canvas & Cream!
Thank you lovely! Glad you enjoy & your right about supporting small businesses & I’m glad so many people in FH do! Xx
Walked past earlier and noticed it was closed for “technical reasons.” Subsequently spotted that it is to let again. Seems odd considering they have only just opened.
Maybe @Pauline knows more?
I only know what I put in my last post, so my guess is that they probably are looking to get the 50k premium for the lease…
Did they really do it up to sell it?! Seems like they didn’t try very hard to run it …
That’s really very strange. I had hot choc and cake last week with the kids and they were making a real effort- lot s of choice, lots of thought gone into the decoration,the (I assume) proprietor was really lovely.
Shame.
I never Made it inside, but the sign outside looked a bit temporary.
We went in once but didn’t stay as they only had tea and filter coffee, and poor choice of baked goods. I thought it wouldn’t last long but didn’t expect it to go so quickly.
40k premium being asked for.
What does that mean Pauline?
Bloody ell John, get up to speed dude 
I posted this on a similar thread!
"A premium is an upfront one off payment to take on an existing businesses lease, with the monthly rent, business rates etc still having to be paid as normal by the new tenant.
Normally businesses asking for a premium would show a history of accounts to merit this"
In my opinion there is no way this will be achieved in this scenario, but I am only one person with my opinion & might be proved wrong!
Erm John - bets on this - nerf gun fight? - I’ll be the no go team & you can be the yes team - you up for it 
Gonna bring you down boy
Just walked past and lights on with people in there. They looked Vietnamese so my taste buds just did a little jig.
I saw those guys. Vietnamese would be brilliant. Certainly miss the Turkish and Vietnamese from Dalston.
If you miss good Turkish you should give Hattush a try
