The @Love_SE4 big Blog (Lockdown edition)

Lockdown!  its been four months. I don’t know about you but theres been lots of ups and downs. I’m just going to concentrate on the nice stuff if thats ok with you. 
The response from organisations like Lewisham Local, Lewisham Food bank, Evelyn Community Store, Lewisham Irish Centre, Catford Fridge and so many more has been amazing. members of the public volunteering and really stepping up to help hundreds of people all over the borough. More about them throughout the week.

Our mayor raised so much for Lewisham Food bank which has been much needed as they are spending thousands of pounds every week feeding so many. Shops and local businesses have also joined in giving away free bread, eggs , pizzas and all kinds of different freshly cooked meals, not only to the public but to the hospitals as well. the police and many others.

So lets start the week with one of my favourites Bella Roma Lewisham. I’ve been a big fan since the first meal I had there a few years ago. Owned and run By Leo Hoda and his family who originally came over from Tuscany 20 years ago.This local Italian restaurant has gained many fans in the three years its been in Lewisham town centre.

 Before opening Bella Roma Leo  worked in some of the finest restaurants in the city including Marco Pierre Whites.

  After a couple of weeks closed, sticking by the rules and self isolating at the beginning of the lock down,Leo and the team started delivering free pizzas to the doctors and nurses at Lewisham Hospital every Sunday.

 I was lucky enough to be asked to come along and take photos of this gesture of goodwill by Bella Roma and have enjoyed going to the hospital every weekend and meeting some of the doctors and staff there who have been working so hard to keep us all safe over the past few months. The first visit to the hospital was quite scary to see but it was full lockdown and to be expected, walking through the empty corridors with everyone in masks, gowns and visors is a memory I will have for the rest of my life. Scary times all over the world. Each week since lockdown began Lewisham has slowly returned to some kind of new normality.

With the restaurant set to reopen in a couple of weeks time plans are well under way to keep all the customers and staff safe. The restaurant will have a few less tables but the food and atmosphere are second to none. And I for one can’t wait to go back. 
Talking of which their most famous customer returned for the first time last week after being in Lockdown in Birmingham. The brilliant Joe Lycett always pays a visit when he’s in London and its really great to have him back.


 Throughout lockdown Bella Roma has gone out of its way to help others and Im just hoping that Lewisham council will help out by giving them the much needed space outside so tables can be put out for customers to use in our new world. Next time your in Lewisham give it a try if you haven’t already. You'lll keep going back. 

But for now its just take ways. and the odd beer outside when the tables arnt already taken.  So as I start my week of blogs lets all say a massive thank you to Bella Roma. To all the staff for all their hard work and to Leo for creating such a lovely place to go. Whats cheers mate in Italian?