Despite its slightly suggestive name, Slip End is a quaint village and parish in Luton, Bedfordshire. The parish includes hamlets Lower Woodside, Woodside and Pepperstock, and has a population of around 2,000.
History
Its name is an historic reference to the building works in the area. Slip is an old word for clay and End is used commonly in Bedfordshire in place names, especially for small settlements outside bigger villages.
An area of ‘newer’ brickwork suggests it might have been named in the 19th century, as it was developed more recently than older Woodside and Pepperstock, which are either side of Slip End.
Markyate, just up the road, has a ‘Slype End’, which may or may not be connected.
Schools
Originally there was a boarding school, providing education to all, at the Pepperstock end of Front Street and Summer Street – now flats and houses named Old School Walk.
It moved a hundred years after it was established to its current site on Ross Way, which was formerly clay pits for local brick production.
Now a lower school, as part of the three-tier school system in Bedfordshire, it caters for pupils aged between three-and-a-half and nine years old.
Slip End Lower School was rated ‘outstanding’ in 2010 by Ofsted.
Transport
The M1 south-north route runs adjacent to the village and was officially inaugurated from Slip End - as marked by a specially inscribed slab of concrete reading: “London-Yorkshire motorway. This slab was sealed by Rt Hon Harold Watkinson MP, Minister of Transport. Inauguration day 24th March 1958”.
Slip End is very close to London Luton Airport; there is a limited bus service from the village and you would ideally own a car to get around.
Nearby train stations include Luton, Leagrave and Luton Airport Parkway.
Amenities
The village hall, built around 1901, is at the heart of the community with its entertainment license for 100 guests (dancing) or 200 (meeting). There is space for 40 cars to park.
Slip End Superstore is a licensed grocery shop in Markyate Road. It is open from 7am until 9pm daily.
Food and drink
There are two pubs in Slip End. The Rising Sun on Front Street is a traditional pub, which attracts a diverse crowd due to its close proximity to the airport. It stocks beers and wines from around the world, while food includes sandwiches, and pizza served straight from their pizza oven.
The Frog & Rhubarb on Church Road offers a slightly more formal dining experience from its modern, arty premises. The menu includes tiger prawns as a starter, grilled sea bass fillets and rabbit pie with chips.
Indian restaurants in the vicinity include Spice of Caddington in Manor Road, and The Red Chilli in Wellington Street.
If pizza is your preference, check out Pizzeria, which offers a delivery and takeaway service.
In case you wanted any more dubious names to have fun with, Nice Baps, also in Manor Road, is a sandwich shop serving various filled rolls. Obviously.
Sport and leisure
The Peter Edwards Hall and playing fields at the Luton end of the village, next to the church, has facilities, such as tennis courts and a football pitch.
There is a lively gardening club, which meets regularly, a Good Neighbour Scheme, and Slip End Photography Group always welcomes new members
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