South Woodford
| South Woodford | |
| Essex | |
|---|---|
 George Pub and Odeon Cinema | |
| Location | |
| Grid reference: | TQ405905 |
| Location: | 51°35’36"N, -0°1’33"E |
| Data | |
| Post town: | London |
| Postcode: | E18 |
| Dialling code: | 020 |
| Local Government | |
| Council: | Redbridge |
| Parliamentary constituency: |
Chingford and Woodford Green |
South Woodford is a suburb of Woodford in metropolitan Essex. It is situated nine miles north-east of Charing Cross. South Woodford, Woodford Green, Woodford Bridge and Woodford Wells form the area known as Woodford which has its origins dating back at least to the Saxon period.
Amenities
South Woodford's retail and business area is centred on George Lane — the main high street for the district — and Woodford Green High Road. There are a number of well-known chain store shops and a good selection of smaller shops, restaurants, cafes, and a crown post office, including a Royal Mail sorting office.
There is a cinema in the High Road, which is one of the oldest buildings in South Woodford and the only cinema in the area. It has a listed building status which protects it as a cinema and does not allow for major internal structural changes. Next door is The George Pub, another one of the oldest buildings in the area, having originally been a stopping point for stage coaches, with several different bars including a saloon bar. The George once had a fine dining area on the first floor and then later a pizzeria in the basement, with a large spiral staircase between the floors. Other amenities include a number of green areas, many of which form part of Epping Forest.
There are numerous churches and chapels representing many Christian denominations, as well as several synagogues and a mosque.[1]
This area was also, until 2004, home to the student residences of Queen Mary, University of London, but the distinctive tower blocks were demolished in 2007 and replaced with lower-rise privately owned apartments, as well as some council housing, known as Queen Mary's Gate.
There is also the Redbridge Drama Centre, situated next to Churchfields junior school. It provides workshops for young children aged 5 and above right up until 65, it provides education to local schools and brings culture to the surrounding area. It has an in-house theatre company under the name Vital Stages. There are shows at least once a week from touring companies.
Transport
Road
South Woodford sits at the junction of the A406 North Circular Road with the start of the M11 motorway, which begins at "Charlie Brown's Roundabout" and is accessible from the "Water Works" roundabout. "Charlie Brown's roundabout" is named after the pub which was demolished in 1989 when the roundabout was enlarged to accommodate flyover sliproads onto the newly constructed motorway.
South Woodford also offers easy access to the A1400, which merges into the A12, as well as access to the A12 from "Green Man's" roundabout and the A104 which is known as Lea Bridge Road and is a major link to areas of central London via Hackney.
Railway
George Lane itself is split into two by the Central line rail track with the western part of the road containing the majority of shops and businesses. There was originally a level crossing at this point, but now a flyover (locally referred to as "the Viaduct") carries traffic between the east and west sides of George Lane.
The area is served by South Woodford tube station in Travelcard Zone 4 of the London Underground.
Bus
There are many bus routes which connect South Woodford to other parts of London, including the N55 night bus from central London. All services serve George Lane and South Woodford Station, excluding route 123 which only serves the North Circular stops in South Woodford, and route 549 which only serves South Woodford Station and George Lane South. All services are low floor and wheelchair accessible.