I think the article's definition of Forest Hill is rather narrower than that of most of the commenters on this thread.

I think it's entirely fair enough. I find central FH's pubs uninspiring, and that includes the Sylvan Post (shabby, uncomfortable, poor range of drink for an Antic) and the Dartmouth (still too in love with itself), while the Honor Oak is so soulless and transactional it has the feel of an Argos collection point.

Restaurants in central FH even more so, with the honourable exception of the India Gate. I imagine this will get better of its own accord in the years to come.

I do look forward to the author explaining the nature of a non-noisy railway line, mind.