USS stands for underground’s secret search, and it is about exploring things around London’s underground station. Read more about it in my introduction: https://dominiksymonowicz.com/2017/07/07/uss-dominik-underground-secrets-search-introduction/
This station is in zone 2, and it belongs to the London Borough of Lambeth, which is in the south part of London.
Stockwell tube station was open in 1890. I visited it on 23.09’2019.
The station looks unloved, dull, and it feels like it was a witness of many crimes. The northern line platforms are divided with ‘fake’ looking wall. I think this where was the original island platform (currently, you can see this kind of platform at Clapham Common tube station). The only fancy thing I found is Swan on the on tiles.
To add to “feeling safe” is a Brtish Transport Police station inside station near exit.
The first impression after I left station was “This place is excellent to be robbed”. It feels dodgy to me. It creates an unsettling first impression, but I need more research about this area as I have a feeling that this place has some hidden gems that I haven’t discover. The reason why I think that is Stockwell has a large Portuguese community and it is known as “Little Portugal”. I have noticed lots of Portuguese shops and restaurants.
Any interesting historical events and Trivia
- It is a first the southern terminus of the first deep-level tube known as City & South London Railway and Northern Line now.
- Swan motive that you can spot on the station originated from a Swan public house near the station when it was open.
Is Good independent coffee place nearby?
Well. There are many places, but most of the shops were closed before I arrived and it was raining, so I went to Jack’s Cafe, which is nearby. Jacks cafe is exceptionally average. It looks like a fake posh cafe place. It ticks all thing that hipster cafe should have: fancy lighting, the seat for work and chat, toilet tiles(or wood) walls. Snacks selection is typical for dodgy convenience shop.
To be fair, the only real complaint I could make is the table was a bit dirty, but the place looks like it is clean on a regular base.
Coffee cost 2.50, so for what you pay, it is OK.
Cafe has a beautiful view of the war memorial.
Overall. The place is OK without the WOW factor.
Is any Good restaurant nearby?
It sounds harsh like everything I said about Stockwell so far. Let’s talk about the good stuff. I went to A Toca restaurant, and I think an interesting Portuguese restaurant to visit.
Decent service. Great ambience. A big portion of food that is reasonably priced but sadly, I chose the wrong food. Beer tastes OK.
It is worth to pop in if you fancy Portuguese food or there is a pub next door if you fancy a pint and want to support the Portuguese team.
Is any compelling places to see nearby?
Near to the station and opposite Jack’s cafe is a Stockwell War Memorial. It looks a see it and if you into war history then to check website http://stockwellwarmemorial.org/ when you can find lots of information.
Place is also full of street art.
Note: All resources I used to gather knowledge I will keep on the introduction page (https://dominiksymonowicz.com/2017/07/07/uss-dominik-underground-secrets-search-introduction/)
Dominik Symonowicz 