A hair salon has now followed the recently opened pharmacy by opening its doors, while craft beer venue Bouldr Bar is completing a full fit-out and opening its new kitchen.
Unisex hair, beauty and aesthetics chain Rush&Ry is now open in Nest Place. Husband and wife team Naveen Gautam and Chaitali Bose already run salons in Deptford, Greenwich and Finsbury Park.
Naveen explained: “We have 25,000 clients on our books – including people from Thamesmead, Abbey Wood, Bexleyheath and the surrounding areas – and we can’t find enough slots for them all.
“We wanted to open a new salon and it’s a nice location, next to the lake and very peaceful. It’s a place where I can see the business growing and where we can help local people.
“While we were fitting out the salon, quite a few people popped their heads in and asked when we were opening because they were looking for somewhere local to get their hair cut.”
Across the square, in Wagtail Walk, Osbon Pharmacy, formerly known as Brownes Chemist, has made the short move from its old store on Yarnton Way to its new home.
The pharmacy is now opposite Lakeside Medical Centre, making it easier for residents to pick up NHS prescriptions after leaving appointments. It also offers healthcare advice and a range of over-the-counter medications, vitamins and first aid supplies.
“We hope to serve the community in Thamesmead to the best of our abilities,” said owner Danny Osbon. “We’re not new to the town but it’s a new location for us. It’s early days but we hope we’re going to be busy here.”
Counter assistant Sharon O’Donnell confirmed that the pharmacy has been busy since opening its doors.
On Cygnet Square itself, Bouldr Bar is preparing to unveil its new interior, install its kitchen and start serving from a wider menu.
“We can’t wait,” said owner Stacey Ayeh. “I’ve been a resident of Thamesmead for 25 years and having a new, independent bar is quite exciting for the town.
“I was always complaining and waiting for someone to open a place like this, and then I had a lightbulb moment and realised that, after working in the drinks industry for 25 years, it was me who had the experience to do it.”
The beers available on tap are mainly from Stacey’s Rock Leopard craft brewery, with a selection of other beers and ciders from independent producers across the country.
“It’s fantastic to have new businesses opening in Cygnet Square in quick succession,” said Dan Sherlock, Peabody's Senior Regeneration Manager. “We’re delighted to have Rush&Ry, Osbon Pharmacy and Bouldr Bar offering their services to Thamesmead residents, and we wish all the businesses every success.”
All three new businesses have moved into commercial spaces created by Peabody as part of its seven-phase masterplan for South Thamesmead.
The square is already home to Anytime Fitness, Abbeywood Dental Practice and the TACO! cafe, gallery and event space. More businesses and services will be opening in neighbouring units in the future.
