Car Hire in New Malden, UK

New Malden

As you pass Acacia, Chestnut and Lime Groves to turn down Sycamore Grove - past Rowan Close - on to Poplar Grove, you don't need to go as far as Beech Grove (off Elm Road) to realise that New Malden perfectly verifies the adage that “suburbs are where they cut down the trees and name the streets after them”. This typical sleepy London suburb in the boroughs of Kingston and Merton is home to an arboretum of middle class residences, enjoying a peaceful community within half an hour's train travel of central London. Nestled between Wimbledon and Kingston it is also next to the A3, providing quick access by car to the nearby suburbs; Surbiton, Putney, Twickenham, Richmond, Epsom and Sutton are all within quarter of an hour's drive. In one important respect, New Malden is remarkable. While fondly thought of by many in the South West of London, there is only one foreign country where pictures of New Malden are plastered up at airports and its virtues are extolled above any other destination in Britain. For 'Mini-Korea' is home to at least 20,000 Korean ex-pats, who enrich the community with a distinctive character.

Attractions

There are several parks within easy reach of the centre of New Malden, with football pitches, playgrounds and tennis courts. There is also a local sports centre and amateur golf course. While the local cinema has closed down to make way for the hypermarket at Shannon Corner, New Malden can boast the Green Theatre Company, a youth theatre established in 1986 in a converted cricket pavilion at Barton Green. There is also a blockbuster store to be found on the highstreet. However, the more adventurous visitor to New Malden will find that most of the entertainment is on offer in Kingston or more central London which after 23.00 is supplied by a dependable night bus service (N87).

Shopping

New Malden comes alive when you reach the high street. Here are gathered a lively ensemble of shops meeting all basic requirements in addition to Korean markets of unrivaled reputation - Ki-Hyeon Seol, the Reading footballer still returns every month to do his shopping. There are also several internet cafes on the high street if you want to make contact with home.

Nightlife/Dining

Alongside the Korean restaurants there is a Japanese restaurant 'Yoshi Sushi', Indian restaurants 'Al Akash' and 'Jenny's Curryhouse', and Al Forno, an Italian restaurant. For a traditional English pub experience 'The Royal Oak' is good, while 'The Railway' aims at a younger clientele with pool and sky sports on offer.

Tourist Information

For more info try britinfo.net
Or visit the Neighbourhood Office at:
Malden Centre
Blagdon Road
New Malden

• Tel. (020) 8547 6252