Forum Topic

Ferry Quays Ghost Town

I was lucky to have a day off work recently on one of the few days we have had sunshine. I suggested to the family that we go for a walk around Ferry Quays and maybe try out one of the restaurants there for lunch. It was a beautiful day but we did not see another soul while we were there and although the restaurants looked nice none of them - Pappadums, Glistening Waters or San Marco had a single customer. The lack of human activity was slightly unnerving and we didn't linger.Something has gone wrong with the balance of this place which is a shame as is it potentially fantastic asset for the area. A lot of important decisions are being made about the area at the moment. I think the people making them need to understand what has gone wrong here so that mistakes aren't repeated.

Dan Evans ● 6523d34 Comments

La Rosetta must have its bad night(like us all I suppose).Went there just before Xmas...a vegetarian friend given veal instead of what he ordered and the very uninterested waitress argued the toss...prawn cocktail(talk about 70's chic) in a gloopy sauce that I am sure came out of a jar(Heinz?)and all four meals served on stone cold plates that again,when pointed out,the owner argued the toss about.My starter of whitebait very average,the calves liver main was good.They will not be getting my business again,I'm afraid

Keith Iddon ● 6515d

HelenGlad to hear that you enjoyed your visit to La Rosetta and that their name has cropped up on the Forum again.La Rosetta have really been champions for Brentford.... having started over 10 years ago and still seem to be going strong. As you say the two restaurants create special atmospheres and one looks out over the square thinking that one could well be abroad.    We used to speak of Brentford being like stagnant porridge. Many people tried to stirr things up..but the porridge wanted to remain left alone.  But things are on the move!Some 10 years back La Rosetta often played the music of Pavorotti, to go with a fine meal, the Amorone red wine and the beautiful waitresses. With Ciro and Pietro looking after the two sections..there has certainly been a buzz there.Lonnie Donegan was a frequent diner..whenever he was in town  (Brentford Dock). I shared a table with him there the night before he was to appear on This is Your Life!So something cosy and atmospheric like La Rosetta would be a welcome addition to FQ perhaps.PS: The Dew Drop Inn did not too well in my Greasy Spoon fry up test some months back..maybe I should give them another chance when I have my weekly treat!

Jim Lawes ● 6515d

really enjoyed an evening out in Brentford tonight- not in Ferry Quays, but at La Rosetta near to the magistrates court.It was lovely as they had their windows wide open onto that little square. It was so delicious and relaxing too. Felt special and not astronomical price wise. Lively too; people sitting outside other people walking by and stopping to chat. Felt quite continental. Hope they join the Brentford Privilege Card scheme! Had a nice lunchbreak  at the Dew Drop Inn, get them on board too!

Helen Martin ● 6515d

HiThere is work currently in progress to promote the Ferry Quays Developement. I Work with all of the businesses in Ferry Quays.Together an initiative has been launched to develope business and community relations. All local Councillors are involved and many residents are coming on board.The Brentford Privilege Card has been launched to give the local residents an incentive to use the local facilities and take advantage of special discounts (www.copa.wizwoz.com has details).This means that the "expensive" San Marco is giving a 20% discount off the bill "10% off at Pappadums and Glistening Waters" and 20% off copacabana, 20% of Hair cut at Habibs hair and beauty.NY Dental office is taking £50 off teeth whitening. Generous and difficult contracts to agree.Most of the businesses at Ferry Quays are award winning. NY Dental Office won best dentist of the year 2006. Jawed Habib has an international reputation. The old firestation won best bar team, Pappadums won best curry for 2006.As for Copacabana, we are marketing as a cocktail bar, not nightclub. The business has changed considerably over the past 6 months. Find out how many people complain about the noise now! Music and music equipment has changed, menu has changed, sound proofing was carried out costing over £75,000.San Marco have changed their menu to bring prices down.A cafe has just opened by the owners of Copacabana after requests from residents were made.I can be contacted on 07861 353 922 if you require more information.

Shah Kau ● 6516d

Yes NG is very good, and good prices. Not every really seen anything I like in Goddards and I had a friend who was moving from Town Meadow to Point Wharf Lane and they quoted her £1000. We walked it through the car park in the end

Steve Bonnici ● 6516d

agree with the above, it really is mainly the look of the place. Parts are so dirty; down by the tyre shop. Now that is a lovely frontage itself, but it needs to be brightened up! The tiles at the entrance could be renovated.It used to be a department store!!! I also moved here from Chiswick- my own feeling is that it's much friendlier, too. I wouldn't live anywhere else in London. I embrace change, too, I look forward to a new high street that makes the most of what good is there, with more useful shops.

Helen Martin ● 6517d

Agree with all on the high street. It also excites me though, as I know there will be changes and as I love changes I like to live in Brentford while these changes are undergoing. The fact that our last move was just from Brentford Lock to FQ, even though we both work in Kensington, is proof that my wife and I love Brentford.I've used Goddards and the Naked Grain quite a few times as well. They both have some lovely stuff.

Jorgen Molna ● 6517d

we moved in in october, and i think brentford is lovely - much friendlier than chiswick actually. thing is i usually end up going down boars head yard next to the magpie, so i 'use' more of the high street than a resident of FQs might do. the high street isnt as bad as you might think... the london tile company is something to aspire to when the overdraft isnt looking so depressing, the picture framer is really good also and whizz bikes is a great new local business.i think the real fault is with the nasty buildings that house half these busineses. the development of tyhe area around ridgeways wharf - nigels old place- is going to be key to the future of the area obviously. if they get that right, the knock on effect on the high street will be immense.  i get a real sense that all we need is a spark...

Jamie Halliday ● 6517d

I do apologise. I should be more clearer. It was of course the high street that I was referring to. I have met quite a few of the locals and they are excellent people. Just such a shame about the high street. I would love to shop there but....

Steve Bonnici ● 6517d

aah, but Brentford generally is not a horrible place, I find it extremely neighbourly and friendly, with some nice back streets. The High Street itself is just a massive disgrace.

Helen Martin ● 6517d

Hello, I've lived in Town Meadow for about 6 months and I imagine a lot of you who've lived in Brentford longer might agree that it's still very much a "Work In Progress" round here.  I'm sure a lot more businesses will open and close before a decent equilibrium is reached, my one request would be that planners take note of what has happened to the Isle of Dogs and Docklands and learn lessons from there. 

John E.S. Lawson ● 6517d

I agree with you Helen. As a resident of FQ I nearly always turn right out of the complex and head to Chiswick. The only time I go left is if I am going to Syon Park or Richmond. I find Brentford a horrible place but hope that it improves. It is too run down for my liking. But there is hope.

Steve Bonnici ● 6517d

Hi all; as some of you know, I've lived in various parts of Brentford since 1990, and strangely, I spend more time in Ferry Quays,-at Pappadums, for special dinners and celebrations,  or at the Lock,in Grounds or Prezzo, or just walking by the river or the canal,than 'Brentford itself'. The reason? The high street is horrible. I suspect that's why a lot of the people in the new developments do not spend time there. There have been one or two improvements, the bike shop, and the upgrade of the Dew Drop Inn. The Magpie is quite nice now it's been painted, and the blue fronted cafe does a nice coffee too. But really, look down the high street; it's grim and I understand that another betting shop is going to be opened. That will really help!As for 'outsiders' Ferry Quays was designed to be a public space, so it should be a space for all to enjoy. It is quite magical to relax by that part of the river. Watermans is lovely, but it's a shame they don't do so much music there now. There used to be free, live music on Sunday lunchtimes that the whole of Brentford seemed to come to. It was brilliant. Maybe a bit more live music in Brentford would be good.

Helen Martin ● 6517d

hmmmmguys, calm down.the wife and i went for a little wander thru FQs yesterday afternoon - we live on the brent behind brent way btw.i really believe that the thames path needs to run thru to brentford lock off the road. there is also no utilisation of a lovely dock, a lovely view to kew palace, and the thames itself.im sure the flats are lovely, and its nice and quiet,but the whole place seems to lack a soul. its problem is symptomatic of most of brentford - the peeps who live in the new developments spend very little time in brentford itslef, other than inside thier own places. watermans is lovely tho. ;)

Jamie Halliday ● 6517d

Yes outsiders, people who dont live on the estate, non-residents. Not sure why you find it necessary to pick on words. There are more important things in life than to pick at other peoples posts

Steve Bonnici ● 6518d

HiThere is work currently in progress to promote the Ferry Quays Developement. I Work with all of the businesses in Ferry Quays.Together an initiative has been launched to develope business and community relations. All local Councillors are involved and many residents are coming on board.The Brentford Privilege Card has been launched to give the local residents an incentive to use the local facilities and take advantage of special discounts (www.copa.wizwoz.com has details).This means that the "expensive" San Marco is giving a 20% discount off the bill "10% off at Pappadums and Glistening Waters" and 20% off copacabana, 20% of Hair cut at Habibs hair and beauty.NY Dental office is taking £50 off teeth whitening. Generous and difficult contracts to agree.Most of the businesses at Ferry Quays are award winning. NY Dental Office won best dentist of the year 2006. Jawed Habib has an international reputation. The old firestation won best bar team, Pappadums won best curry for 2006.As for Copacabana, we are marketing as a cocktail bar, not nightclub. The business has changed considerably over the past 6 months. Find out how many people complain about the noise now! Music and music equipment has changed, menu has changed, sound proofing was carried out costing over £75,000.San Marco have changed their menu to bring prices down.A cafe has just opened by the owners of Copacabana after requests from residents were made.I can be contacted on 07861 353 922 if you require more information.

Shah Kau ● 6518d

HiThere is work currently in progress to promote the Ferry Quays Developement. I Work with all of the businesses in Ferry Quays.Together an initiative has been launched to develope business and community relations. All local Councillors are involved and many residents are coming on board.The Brentford Privilege Card has been launched to give the local residents an incentive to use the local facilities and take advantage of special discounts (www.copa.wizwoz.com has details).This means that the "expensive" San Marco is giving a 20% discount off the bill "10% off at Pappadums and Glistening Waters" and 20% off copacabana, 20% of Hair cut at Habibs hair and beauty.NY Dental office is taking £50 off teeth whitening. Generous and difficult contracts to agree.Most of the businesses at Ferry Quays are award winning. NY Dental Office won best dentist of the year 2006. Jawed Habib has an international reputation. The old firestation won best bar team, Pappadums won best curry for 2006.As for Copacabana, we are marketing as a cocktail bar, not nightclub. The business has changed considerably over the past 6 months. Find out how many people complain about the noise now! Music and music equipment has changed, menu has changed, sound proofing was carried out costing over £75,000.San Marco have changed their menu to bring prices down.A cafe has just opened by the owners of Copacabana after requests from residents were made.I can be contacted on 07861 353 922 if you require more information.

Shah Kau ● 6519d

'Outsiders'eh?...

Keith Iddon ● 6519d

I think that the problem at the end of the quay is that originally is was planned and approved for a single storey building like a restaurant, but the owners of the site have tried to put in something much larger which the residents do not want and therefore support FQRA.This is also true of the little lock/habour. There have been several applications to put in mooring for both residential and business boats. FARA have objected because of the number of berths and again the council have rejected it.FQ is a lovely quiet place to live, although it would be nice to have some little coffee shops and retail outlets it will never become Brentford Lock because it is self contained.The residents are happy with it but outsiders seem to have an issue

Steve Bonnici ● 6520d

I guess you refer to Ferry Wharf when you mention the possible restaurant at the end of the Quay. I think the Ferry Quays residents - FQRA (well, some of them) objected to this. Don't know the current status...I lived in Brentford Lock before I moved to Ferry Quays. After the opening of Grounds coffee bar the Lock became a bit more alive (especially in sunny weekends).I noticed in the Brentford Area Action Plan that a simple ferry was suggested between Ferry Quays and Kew. This would be great.Btw, since we moved into FQ 1 month ago, I've NEVER seen anyone using the lovely private garden (except for my wife and me).Sorry for my bad english :)

Jorgen Molna ● 6520d

Having recently moved to the development I love it. However, I agree that it is too quiet and the balance ideally needs re-addressing. But it is difficult to see how to do that when the high street is hardly a draw for shoppers & so you can't expect Ferry Quays to be the draw when you don't have the local footfall in the first place. Although I do believe the Ferry Quay retail units are too large for the community it serves. There needs to be smaller units, a café or shops that sell the staples such as bread, milk, papers etc but not like St Johns that was too large and was never going to trade well enough to survive or compete with Tesco’s or Somerfield’s. And I agree with comments that it tends to be singles or professional couples that live there, predominately renting, they are more likely to shop or go out with work mates close to their work. With high churn of tenants it is very difficult to build a community, people have to start over again with neighbours every 6 or 12 months. That is a shame but is the consequence of buy to let. The fact they do re-let is encouraging though.It might help if the proposed restaurant/bar was to actually get developed at the end of the Quay, if that is a success it would be a draw for people to have a drink over looking the Thames and then try some of the local restaurants.Ferry Quays is a great location, travel links are fine, the rail is not far to walk and if people feel it is too far then there are loads of bus stops, with one just by the hotel. I am sure the area will benefit as more resi developments are completed and more people are about....hopefully. But I have also walked through Brentford Lock and that also seems very quiet most of the time.Sorry, typed longer than expected.

Mark Fauchon ● 6520d

I ride through Ferry Keys on my bike most days, its dead. As a development it was poorly conceived. It is the south bank without people, soul or life, it has nothing to attract people and a poor transport system to bring them.My family and I have eaten at the San Marco the food was average and the cost expensive, we only went the once, Papadums whilst a little expensive, serves excellent food, well presented and yes its spicy (what do you expect from an Indian restaurant) we have been back a few times.As for the club even the name puts me off, bringing to mind Mr cringeworthy (Barry Manilow) if anything would keep me out that would.

Philip Walsh ● 6520d

I agree Adrian,however the developments by their very nature dont lend themselves to families.They are generally aimed at the single/couple professional person.Nothing wrong with that but it does tend to create a false community where people may stay for a few years then move on.You dont get the community feeling like you would have say with families living in a terraced street.

Mark Welland ● 6520d

That depends on which side your windows are on I guess. Ours are not facing west, so we get rid of the sun around 2:30pm, making the evenings quite chilled.

Jorgen Molna ● 6521d

I agree entirely. Unfortunately these are not 'mixed' communities, and this adds to the sterile atmosphere. They are the same all down the river to Wandsworth. It doesn't help that many of this type of propert are Company flats, or only used during the week.What they lack is Children.

Adrian Orchard ● 6521d

If you live at FQ then try closing your windows in the height of a normal summer

Steve Bonnici ● 6521d

I agree with you Dan.I think you will find when the Isle of Dogs was regenerated years ago the "New Eastenders" wanted to be gated away from the people who had lived there years.However I do think that it hs been a good thing for Brentford all the redevelopment better than a bunch of decaying buildings.

Mark Welland ● 6521d

I find the Copacabana a great asset to the area. Starting at the pub, then going to the club... We can't reject anything, just because it's close to where we live.And I'd love it to be loads of people wandering around. If I want silence I can always close my windows ;-)

Jorgen Molna ● 6521d

"I am not sure where in my post you thought that I wanted to keep you out. I dont."The bit where you said, 'We dont want loads of people wandering through. It is our home.'If your problem is just with the night club then I have some sympathy with you. It does seem a strange place to have one.However, I don't think Ferry works unless you do have lots of people wandering through it. It ought to be a vibrant area with local people and office workers congregating there at lunch time and in the early evening. The alternative is probably a vandal plagued wasteland.

Dan Evans ● 6521d

I am not sure where in my post you thought that I wanted to keep you out. I dont. I do however like it as a pedestrian only right of way, as it allows pedestrians to walk along the river without the fear of traffic.I too think it is important that it remains a public right of way but the quietness is what makes it so nice.We dont want the nightclub there but we do like having the restaurants there and we hope that it brings lots of trade for them. There is nothing lovelyier than sittng outside on the river after your meal, or walking along the front to admire the wildfowl. (unless you had Duck for dinner)What we dont want is cars, vans and lories, vandals who paint the paths with yellow then white paint. We dont want the type of clientelle that the nightclub has because the nightclub is under two residential building where people sleep. People dont move into places like FQ to have night clubs built into their infrastructure that disturbs there peace whether it is 6pm 8pm 10pm or 1 in the morning.It never amazes me in these forum why people like you seem to find issue with others posts. Nowhere in my post did I infer anything that you have suggested, but I guess some people just like to have a spat.Maybe they feel more comfortable arguing behind a PC screen than face to face.

Steve Bonnici ● 6521d

I'm sure it would be nice for some if Ferry Quays was a gated community and the rest of us plebs couldn't get in. However this area remains a public right of way and it is very important for Brentford that access to to river remains open to the general public not just a privileged few who can afford expensive riverside flats.On a summer's day Ferry Quay's should be buzzing with activity  but it never is. The restaurants there will not survive with the current level of trade. Perhaps you would prefer a nice large Wetherspoons pub on the Pappadums site instead of an Indian restaurant that serves spicy food.

Dan Evans ● 6521d

I live at FQ and love it just the way it is. We dont want loads of people wandering through. It is our home.It is bad enough with the occasional vandal and Copacabanna, which has no right to be situated in a residential area.I have eaten at Pappadums several times but find it highly priced and very spicy. I have not eaten at San Marco, but heard it is very expensive although I now hear they have a cheap menu.St. Johns did not close down due to lack of customers, it was always busy. The problem was that they overstretched themselves when they took it on. They also did not do their homework and complained like hell when the bollards finally went up to keep all traffic out after 1pm.After they cut their shop in half business did drop but purely because they were no longer offering the same range of goods as previously. In the early days you could buy anything in there and I always used it.Other shops include Ferry Quays Estates who are a funny bunch. They recently refurbished but had no desks or chairs for months. Then there are several beauty places and of course the dentists.FQ is a nice place to live. Lets keep it that way

Steve Bonnici ● 6521d

I went to the Copacabana early on Saturday evening for the launch of a local priviledge card and although it was not open for business at the time I was there,I must admit it was quite impressive what they have managed to do with a relatively small place.Very friendly staff as well.

Paul Fisher ● 6523d

I live in Ferry Quays, on top of 5 Ferry Lane, facing the Thames.Sometimes the restaurants are actually crowded (well, almost), and indeed the pub (Watermans Arms). Personally I prefer the Weir and the Old Firestation.A lot of the flat owners have houses elsewhere as well, our n neighbours live in France 6 months of the year. We just rent, so stay all year.The car park was flooded last Friday btw, leaving behind a centimeter of dirt and broken lifts.Overall a lovely place to live, and the view is stunning, with Kew Gardens opposite the river making sure there are no disturbing light in the evening ;)

Jorgen Molna ● 6523d

I think one of the main problems is the lack of through routes. If there was a foot bridge that went from ferry Quays to Brentford dock I'm sure people would wander through more. At the down river end of the Quays people have rejoin the main road and go to the Watermans to continue the walk down stream which kind of ruins the "flow" of a riverside walk. Pappadums is a great little restaurant. I thought the food was top notch. I have to say thought that my experience at San Marco was awful. In fact it was so bad that I have told my friends to avoid. I’m yet to try Glistening Waters.I would have though that a Sam Brasserie style place would be great and just what the place need. Has anyone ever actually gone into the luridly coloured night spot that is “the Copacabana”?

Sandy Heslop ● 6523d

I often walk through Ferry Quays and rarely ever see anyone, as you say the restaurants are always empty and the St Johns supermarket closed earlier this year due to lack of customers.  I think the problem is the residents drive in to the underground car park, then go in the lifts up to their apartments and never have to venture outside.  You also don't get any through traffic (pedistrian or vehicle) like you do at Brentford Lock where there always seems to be plenty of activity.

Jennifer Long ● 6523d