We’re being driven out of our town by posh newcomers – it’s being turned into a ‘mini Paris’ and all pubs are closing
LIFELONG residents claim they have been driven out of their town by posh newcomers as it’s turned into a “mini Paris”.
The traditional pubs in Crystal Palace, London, are closing and replaced by gastropubs, according to fuming homeowners.
Locals claim wealthy out-of-towners have flocked to the area, which features its own “Eiffel Tower“.
The Crystal Palace transmitter, built in the 1950s, bears a stunning resemblance to the Paris landmark.
And now the surrounding areas are become more upmarket too.
Crystal Palace was named “the best place to live in London” in a 2022 Times article.
And those living there have praised the strong community spirit.
One businessowner remembered residents coming together to successfully fight a 24-hour McDonald’s opening, which they feared would bring crime.
But now locals fear they could be priced out of their home.
Wayne Reid, who has lived in Crystal Palace for 46 years, feels he is being pushed out as prices dramatically rise.
He says all of his friends have already left the area.
The 55-year-old used to be a baker but switched careers into construction because he couldn’t survive off his earnings.
The dad said a slice of cake could now set you back £8.
Mr Reid said: “I don’t know how to make sense of what’s going on up here. I grew up around here, sometimes I feel I’m being pushed out.”
While Mr Reid is considering moving out, estate agent Jack Richards is planning to move in.
The 34-year-old said he is attracted by the wealth of restaurants, café’s, a new wine shop, and the views.
The estate agent, who lives in Addiscombe, said: “You’ve just got so much to do, there’s so many different shops within 3, 4, 500 metres.
“I can see how it’s kind of become gentrified over last few, maybe two, years, there’s a lot of young families moving in.
“It was named number one place to live in London and I think people have got a bit of a whiff.
“Because of the niche shops around here, it doesn’t have that high street feel – there’s not a Greggs or a Nando’s – it sets it apart.”
Burger van owner Vaidas Tukanas praised the community in the area, saying “this is the place you want to be”.
When his stationary Roti Bros restaurant caught fire he claims he had numerous residents offer to donate money.
The Lithuanian cook, who lives in Romford and has run the van for 10 years, said: “It’s one of the greatest communities I have seen, and I have lived and I have travelled lots.
“I don’t live in this area but wherever I’ve lived is completely different.”
The business owner praised the fight against the 24-hour McDonald’s, adding: “So you can see as well that it is a strong community, I think this is how the locals should act, this is how you should look after your place that you live in.
“It’s changing definitely, maybe I’m going to be a little negative on this side, because the prices are going up – a lot of customers are saying even maybe I can’t afford [to live here] anymore. They’re relocating.”
Pensioner Joe Burke, 77, likes Crystal Palace and has lived there for four years having moved from West Norwood.
He said: “There is a lot of young people. There seems to be lots of people.
“All the pubs have been turned to gastropubs now really, which I don’t mind because the food is always good.
“The restaurants around here are really good. There have been some craft breweries open up, there are quite a few pubs but they’re gastropubs.”
Anna Gibbs, 42, is a new mum and runs a shop in east London.
She has lived in Crystal Palace for just six months having moved from Dalston, north-east London and says the quality doesn’t quite match the prices.
She said: “There is a lot more young mums here than there is in Dalston, and young people and people who are being priced out [of other areas] coming here.
“It’s £3.10 for coffee, but it’s the same as east London – maybe the quality is better in east because there’s more competition, so you’re paying £3.10 for maybe an okay coffee.”
A butcher-turned-restaurant PR worker said she worries there are not enough residents to keep business flowing into shops, and as a result they’re shutting down shortly after opening.
Jess Ragg, 31, said: “I’ve lived here for four years and even since I’ve lived here it’s got much more expensive.
“The rent’s got more expensive. Just the area, it’s changed in the last four years.
“The shops are always closing down, lots of boutiques open on my and shut down, shops are changing all the time because the rent’s too high.
“But there is a massive difference between how many people are here and how many shops there are, there is not enough people to sustain them.
“The fishmonger opened up and there was a massive buzz, but every time I go past there it’s empty.
“I work in restaurants, and even though it seems to be hip and cool there’s still no big openings.”