Tulse Hill - with Capsule founder and editor Holly Beddingfield
Holly Beddingfield is the founder and editor of Capsule, a newsletter-first media brand documenting fashion, pop culture, and the internet. She's also a creative strategist at The News Movement. She previously co-founded The Know, a media company focused on helping young women have a healthier relationship with the news.
Where do you rest your head?
Tulse Hill! Actually in a little spot between Tulse Hill and Streatham Hill, and I love it. I moved here last September with my boyfriend and we joke that it feels peaceful because the road is a “low traffic neighbourhood” (LTN).
What’s something amazing about Tulse Hill that only the locals know about?
My little secret is Hive Cafe on Palace Road. It’s the ultimate affordable cafe and work-from-home spot! Their food is unfussy but hits the mark, it has huge windows for the sun to pour in, and it’s quiet enough to work or read but still has warmth/vibes. The staff are all so nice, and they employ local people with learning difficulties to help with career development. Plus the music is often deep cuts you want to hear but don’t think about putting on yourself: Destiny’s Child, The Last Shadow Puppets, Dido.
Also two great pubs: The Railway and Queen of the South. Both have fun, changing menus, from suppliers like En Root and The Flygerians, and descend into evening fun if you stay later on the weekends. The garden in The Railway is also really big, which you wouldn’t expect from the front. There’s a ping pong table and some cute covered bits - ideal for a summer evening!
Where’s your favourite free place to visit in the city?
The Barbican.
Where’s your favourite spot for a cheap bite to eat?
Wraps from Falafel & Shawarma in Camberwell, patties and bun and cheese from Healthy Eaters in Brixton, burritos from Jalisco in Brixton village.
What would your perfect no-spend London day entail?
I love walking, running and generally being in green spaces. If it’s warm, sitting on a blanket in Brockwell Park with my book, a crossword, some snacks, and a rotating influx of friends. Or walking up to Crystal Palace via Dulwich Wood/Sydenham Hill Wood, looking in the vintage furniture shops there, and stopping to look at the amazing views of the city at the crossroads of Westow Hill and Gipsy Hill.
How would you describe Capsule - and what are you hoping to achieve with it?
Capsule is a newsletter for people who enjoy fashion, pop culture, and trends. But it’s really made with people in mind - for readers who are a bit fatigued by scrolling and algorithmic content, and people with busy lives. The newsletter is written with all that in mind, and on top of the fun bits, offers some warmth and guidance on living a fulfilling life.
Have you discovered any great London spots through Capsule?
Since starting Capsule I’ve started paying more attention to stuff like sample sales and vintage sellers. I rate the Vintage Furniture Flea markets and the Bottle Factory Flea markets, where I discovered amazing sellers like Rita’s Vintage for clothes, and for Festival 51 for furniture and home stuff.
You’re originally from Manchester. If you could import one thing from Manchester to London, what would it be?
My family, no question!!! After that, proper salt and pepper chips from a northern Chinese chippy. They just aren’t the same here!
If you were Mayor of London, what’s the first thing you’d change about the city?
More affordable housing!
In three words, what makes someone a Londoner?
Choosing to be.
You can find Holly on instagram @hollybed or writing her weekly newsletter Capsule, documenting fashion, pop culture, and the internet.
