Poppy Mardall is the Read more [...]
Poppy’s
Funeral Directors Category: London
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Poppy Mardall is the founder of this modern funeral company which has grown from humble beginnings to become a smart, contemporary business with a team of dedicated and passionate staff. We first met Poppy when she was researching the funeral world back in 2011 and it has been fascinating to watch her journey to where the company is today: as the founder of one of London’s leading progressive funeral directors.
From the beginning Poppy’s has sought to be different; a modern and female-led independent funeral directors centred around outstanding care for both the living and dead, and doing the right thing by their clients, community and the environment.
The business operates from the most beautiful premises, a lovely light Victorian building in the grounds of Lambeth Cemetery. A few steps away is one of the original chapels which now houses Poppy’s bespoke mortuary – unlike any other we have visited – and a small friends and family room where you can spend time with the person who d You can see how Poppy’s works and how their space looks in this short video.
Everywhere in both buildings there is the same feeling of light and air; the meeting rooms are comfortable and stylishly furnished. Contemporary artwork is displayed on the walls, loaned from Sprout Arts, a community arts group showcasing local artists. The mortuary space is high ceilinged, with sunlight streaming in through the arched windows.
The hardwood flooring complements the light wooden panelling on the walls left over from the days that this building was used for funeral ceremonies – there is no plastic flooring here. Large fridges across thebuilding offer refrigerated space for up to 36 people at a time and coffins are stored on neat racking.
There is a spacious washing area where families or friends are welcome to come and help wash and dress their person ready for their funeral. If you are thinking of using Poppy’s, then we would urge you to ask to visit the mortuary – most people don’t, and the staff would love to be able to show them the space where people in their care are looked after – they are all proud of it.
In January 2024, Poppy’s opened its second location in Sheen, south west London. With large windows, soft colours, good coffee and friendly faces, Poppy’s Sheen is designed to look attractive from the outside and help you to feel at ease from the moment you come in.
Poppy’s will use this high street location to host community events and to welcome people dropping in or asking questions, whether or not they currently need to organise a funeral. The Sheen branch is managed by funeral director and celebrant Natalie Charles and the same Poppy’s team work smoothly across both sites. Everyone that Poppy’s cares for is looked after in their mortuary in Lambeth Cemetery, just a short journey from Poppy’s Sheen.
As the business has grown it has needed to acquire a structure, and when we visited in 2020 it was clear that this is a solid, professional business growing on good foundations. Poppy herself is still involved in the business as founder and chair, ensuring that as Poppy’s grows it continues to live up to the values and standards she started.
The day-to-day running of Poppy’s is overseen by Clare Montagu as CEO. Clare is supported by a close-knit team of highly skilled mortuary staff, funeral directors and client support advisors along with operational and marketing colleagues who provide compassionate and practical support every step of the way, seamlessly supporting clients throughout their contact with the company.
Poppy’s want to make it easy for people to make sustainable funeral choices. They share details of their suppliers in their catalogue and provide advice on greener options. They are also working hard to shrink their own footprint, for example by using an electric vehicle for collections, replacing synthetics with natural calico when lining coffins and sourcing electricity from renewables.
Poppy’s pride themselves on providing up-to-date, practical information on their website and Talking Death blog to help people make the funeral choices which are right for them.
Poppy’s also offer free appointments to talk through your future funeral wishes with a member of their team, as an individual or as a group. This is not a financial funeral plan, but an opportunity to think ahead, ask questions and record your wishes to share with those close to you.
Specific Gravity
If you want a traditional style funeral with a black hearse and limousines then Poppy’s can do that. Or if you want a simpler version, with either the silver Ford Galaxy or lilac-coloured Mercedes Viano with a lovely handmade wooden deck), then that’s what you get. Or any variation in between. They will do whatever it is that you want. Their standard attire is either a smart plum coloured fleece with black trousers and shoes or black suits, though they will wear anything that a family wants them to. They’re very keen to encourage family involvement too – family members of any age are welcome to carry the coffin if they want to and are encouraged to do so.
Poppy’s also offer direct cremation and simple cremation options for those who would prefer an unattended funeral. These services include the same outstanding care in their Lambeth mortuary and, in the case of a simple cremation, the opportunity to visit the person and have them dressed in clothes that you choose.
What’s Important?
Everyone at Poppy’s has the same passion for down to earth, personal, professional service for the families that choose them. Everyone utterly believes in giving families whatever they want or need from a funeral, and they pride themselves on giving honest, straightforward advice – as much or as little as is needed.
Overridingly, Poppy and all her team believe in caring for the dead people in their charge with gentle, careful hands and looking after them as if their families were standing beside them. Each dead person is called by name, there is no ‘deceased’ at Poppy’s, nor is there any embalming. Although by special request, this can be arranged elsewhere. Simple, natural and caring, completely professional yet totally human, the Poppy’s team brings a refreshing new approach to funerals that attracts admiration and respect from all they encounter.
What’s Different?
Pretty much everything. The best way to see this is to look at their excellent website. If you like it, then Poppy’s is probably just right for you. If your reaction is different, then you’ll probably be better looking for another type of funeral director.
Everyone at Poppy’s is very conscious that their way of approaching funerals is not for everyone and would be completely unfazed if a family decided not to use their service after meeting them. They positively encourage clients to be sure they are comfortable with the way they work, nothing worries them more than a family not being completely happy with the funeral arrangements. They are fiercely proud of what they do and conscious of how incredibly important it is to get everything right, every time. They would much rather you went somewhere else than stayed with them and weren’t happy.
Poppy is very keen to spread the word about doing funerals differently, and takes education very seriously, providing myth busting / behind the scenes talks for local healthcare professionals or anyone else who is interested. All of the team are encouraged to do this outreach work.
Services
- Prices – useful estimator here
- Your first call will be answered by one of the Client Support Advisors – or whoever is nearest the phone (or whoever is on call if after hours).
- Home visits – Yes, totally happy to make arrangements either at your home or at their premises. Just tell them which you’d prefer. Arrangements can be made by video meeting rather than in person.
- Family participation – Absolutely yes – this is positively encouraged. As much participation as you want. Poppy’s is experienced in planning funerals for LGBTQ+ clients, where who you are will be respected and celebrated. They also seek to listen to and meet any access needs.
- Same sex person to wash and dress? Yes, no problem.
- Embalming – There is no embalming at Poppy’s. Bodies are left in their natural state with no invasive procedures. However, they can arrange embalming elsewhere by special request.
- Ethnic specialism Poppy’s support people from all faiths and backgrounds to create a funeral that’s right for them. This includes building relationships with community and faith leaders, providing a space for people to carry out last rites and enabling families to witness the charging at a cremation.
- Home arranged funerals – Of course. Poppy’s are happy to act as a helping hand or consultant for families caring for their dead person at home and do so quite regularly.
- Local celebrants – In their experience choosing a celebrant is a very personal choice so they might suggest several options and suggest the family call them to find someone they connect with.
- Website – Superb. Good looking, reflecting completely the look, feel and values of the company. Prices clearly displayed.
- Client support – Extremely good. E-mails and phone calls answered straight away, and for families needing a little more support the staff member looking after you will happily call you daily to make sure everything is proceeding as you want.
- Money matters – Very good value. Starting costs for different options are clearly displayed on the first page of the estimator. There are no packages, so that you can choose only what’s right for you. There’s nothing hidden, and no up-selling. They provide only what you want and need and believe everyone has the right to an affordable funeral.
- Parking – Absolutely loads of space to park at Poppy’s HQ and near their mortuary. As you drive in the gates to Lambeth Cemetery Poppy’s offices are in the gatehouse on the right, and there is free parking on the roads inside the grounds. There is some on-road parking near Poppy’s Sheen.
Remarks
This is a business with a huge heart. Not only do they give their clients unstinting support and encouragement, they truly believe that a meaningful, authentic, personal funeral has the power to change lives for the better, and they consider it their duty to try and achieve this for everyone that comes to them.
Poppy Mardall has created a wonderful, ground-breaking new type of funeral directing in London, and her team of equally lovely people are passionately involved and completely devoted to what they are doing. Their aim is to change the world they operate in for the better, one funeral at a time. From what we saw, they are doing this every day. London is lucky to have them.
Any decisions you take on engaging the services of a funeral director should be based on your views and research. You should not rely solely upon the views and opinions offered by us.
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Poppy’s
Poppy Mardall is the Read more [...]
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Sarah Squire
I’m so thankful to have found Poppy’s, their way of dealing with this extremely painful and emotional time was incredibly natural and compassionate. They helped us create a very simple but beautiful and personal occasion. It was just what my mum would have wanted.
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Sean Lockyear
We chose to use Poppy’s Funerals as they seemed to be more human and certainly more modern. We were delighted with the way the whole day was managed. Couldn’t really find any fault and would be delighted to recommend them to anyone.
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Melanie Gleeson Lee
I have read and totally agree with everything that has already been said about Poppy’s Funerals . They are compassionate, professional , caring. Without Philippa l would not have been able to say good bye to my Mum in such a way that reflected her life and personality. The whole process was intimate and sensitive and l feel gave me and everyone who came on the day a sense of joy for the women, Rose, that we loved. They can be no higer recommendation . Thank you all at Poppy’s.
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Sylvestra le Touzel Teale
Kate was terrific, kind, sensitive and very helpful in arranging exactly the small intimate family service we wanted. We were able to arrange for a beautiful bespoke design on our cardboard coffin and when my
Mum saw the flower spray she thought they looked fantastic. We felt cared for and special from the moment the telephone was answered and we could not have asked for more.
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Katherine
I was so glad I turned to Poppy’s Funerals when my mother died. Right from the very first interaction the staff could not have been more gentle and caring, and managed that very difficult act of allowing me both to choose what I wanted and guided me where I needed assistance. Philippa and her colleagues managed to combine unobtrusive assistance and genuine support. My mother’s funeral service requirements were not straightforward, but they catered for every aspect with great efficiency and grace. The closing chapter of my mother’s life was dealt with dignity and humanity. I cannot recommend them highly enough.
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Kevin
I wasn’t absolutely sure what I wanted for my aunt’s funeral, but I knew what I didn’t want. I knew the music I wanted to play, I knew who I wanted to speak during the ceremony, I knew what I wanted to say.
I had looked at several funeral firm’s websites but none of them grabbed me. I was given a recommendation to check out Poppy’s. I phoned. That was it. One call, one conversation. Job done.
From beginning to end the team were totally supportive. I phoned and asked this. I phoned an hour later and asked that. No problem, just happy voices on the end of the phone, happy to talk, happy to help. Kate, who fielded my first call to Poppy’s, thank you so much. Philippa, who picked up all the odds and ends phone calls, thank you too.
Then I went to the office to sort out the details and I met Isabel. She was wonderful. My previous experience of funeral people has been dark, sombre. I told the girls at Poppy’s that I had expected a dull November evening, but what I actually got was a bright spring morning. Not in any disrespectful way, just… right!
Through the build-up I had support over the music, the choice of celebrant, the how/what/when, everything seamless and perfect. On the day, Isabel was there, my superstar. Doing what needed to be done, saying what needed to be said. Seamless and perfect. After the service everyone remarked on what a nice service, what a nice goodbye it was.
If you have read through to this point and you’re still not quite sure about Poppy’s may I suggest that you switch off your head and follow your heart. A goodbye should be personal and meaningful and memorable. Poppy’s will help you make it all of that, and more.
I was very lucky in making Poppy’s my first call. Everything was perfect. I interacted with some wonderful people from the Poppy’s team. To all you, thank you, thank you so much.
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Viv Moriarty
I am so grateful to the pragmatically compassionate women at Poppy’s. They made the process so smoothe and very humane.
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Stephen Humphreys
A huge THANK YOU to all the team at Poppy’s for making the whole process of arranging a funeral so straightforward and compassionate.
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Lucy Butler
Poppy’s Funerals helped to make my beloved father’s funeral very special and meaningful for our family and friends. We received so many lovely compliments on the day – and ever since. Isabel and the team helped to make the painful process of saying goodbye to Dad/Grandad as positive as possible.
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Kateyanne
Every word of this is true. I’ve been there to see the premises on a visit from America. I am on the board of the National Home Funeral Alliance, an organization that promotes natural, hands on, in-home care after death. And Poppy’s will help with that option. The staff, the grounds, and Poppy herself are just as written.
Reviewed in February 2018
Catherine Whitrow
Your business awards are truly well deserved. Your calm, caring, patient and professional approach towards us and I’m sure other bereaved relatives, made the whole distressing business run as smoothly as it possibly could. We don’t have any trial runs at this and so it has to be right for all concerned and you made it right for us, so Thank you Victoria to you and your team.
Reviewed in January 2018 – Not the kind of thing you can usually select from the brochures at most Funeral Parlours
Marie-Claire Upright
During what was a particularly difficult and painful time for my mother and I, Poppy’s were simply brilliant. My father had requested a very minimalist Buddhist ceremony, not the kind of thing you can usually select from the brochures at most Funeral Parlours. The service Poppy’s provided was exceptional.
From discussing our wishes and helping us choose the elements that were just right for my dad, to making sure everything went smoothly on the day and that we were able to incorporate buddhist priests from the London Tibetan Buddhist Centre, they were incredibly thoughtful, respectful and helpful.
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Reviewed in November 2017
Sue reviewed 3 months agolast edited 3 months ago
Already aware that Poppy’s enabled and indeed encouraged individuality and family involvement in funerals, Kate and Philippa provided exactly that with efficiency, kindness, empathy and compassion. Thank you for caring so much.
Reviewed on Tuesday 28th September 2017
Sarah Powell-Jones
I cannot recommend Poppy’s Funerals highly enough; from our very first conversation, then throughout the planning and procedures, I was struck not only by the guidance that was offered but, equally important, the kind and gentle manner in which they stewarded the arrangements. There was no ‘formula’ to be adhered to and they were immensely supportive and accommodating in allowing us to create our own service in a style that was true to, and reflective of, us. Their support was fully professional yet never officious; assured but not pressured; warmly personal (and personable) whilst always respectful; relaxed and accommodating yet diligent and completely dependable. The occasion was stage-managed by Rosanna on the day quite faultlessly and un-intrusively. Nothing was too much trouble, even some months after the funeral when I had a query that Rosanna swiftly and considerately offered to handle on my behalf.
I met several members of the team, all of whom showed the same approachable style and gentle humanity; just really good people, immensely natural, efficient and responsive, who made a difficult time so much easier to cope with.
Everybody should know that it is possible to arrange a funeral ‘your own way’; Poppy’s Funerals are fabulous guardians and practitioners of that refreshing philosophy. My sincerest and appreciative thanks to you all.
Reviewed on Monday 18th September 2017
Rohan Candappa
No-one wants to organise a funeral. Even though by the time my mother died at 86 it was the right time for her to go, and she died peacefully, organising the funeral was something I dreaded.
There’s the finality about it. There’s having to think about practical details, and make serious decisions, when in reality you’re in no fit state to do either. Most of the time you just want the whole thing to be over with, so that you can just get on with figuring out how to move on with your life, when a person you loved is no longer going to be a part of that life.
But the funeral has to be arranged. And for my mother’s funeral I’m so glad that I found Poppy’s Funerals to help arrange things. They handled the whole affair with grace and dignity, but with friendliness too. Maybe ‘friendliness’ is the wrong word – maybe ‘empathy’ is a better word. And they had none of the tradition-encrusted formality that I dreaded I would have to wade through. My mother wasn’t the kind of person who lived a life of formality, so why should the celebration that marked the end of that life be any different?
Having said that, all the things that needed to be done, were done. And everything was explained in a way that made it easy to understand and easy to accept. Because there is legal stuff that needs to be sorted. And it was. With a minimum of fuss.
Our funeral director came over less as a stuffy ‘funeral director’ more as a sympathetic person who would help us arrange what we wanted, and make sure everything went as smoothly as possible. And when we weren’t sure about anything, they answered any questions simply and clearly.
I must also admit that having first come across Poppy’s Funerals via their website one of the things that drew me to them was the fact that they put prices online for all to see. To me that said something about transparency, and being straightforward. Talking about the cost of a funeral is always going to feel slightly awkward. So if someone is being upfront about it, so I don’t have to ask, or wait to be told, that felt reassuring.
The day itself was handled really well. Everything went smoothly. But it was always going to be a difficult day to get through. I guess there’s no way round that. And, in all honesty, I guess it should be a difficult day to get through. But having the good people at Poppy’s arrange things, made everything a little bit easier for us. And I will always be grateful to them for that.
After the funeral many of our family and friends came up to me and said that the funeral felt right for my mum. And speaking on behalf of myself and my brother, I have to say it felt right for us too.
That’s probably as good as it gets for a funeral.
Reviewed on Tuesday 29th August 2017
Sophie Vertigan
My mothers instructions were that upon her death were : “pop me in a cardboard box and bury me in the woods” so we did with the help of Poppys funeral she was laid to rest at Edenbridge natural burial ground . What was so extraordinary was how gentle Poppy’s made the whole process.
Edenbridge is a quiet rural location, all the graves are hand dug and the coffin is transported to the gravesite on a wooden tressle ..
We placed a bouquet of flowers from Mums garden along with a large glass of her favourite scotch and after Poppys team placed in the grave we were left with all the time we wanted to say goodbye.
We chose to have a picnic, drink champagne and tell stories.
What was so unique and special about the day was the beauty and tranquility of the location & proceedings that made process feel natural. Along ability to say goodbye in our own way and in our own time brought a huge sense of peace.
Thank you Poppy’s for making a day we were dreading into a beautiful and natural experience. I will forever appreciate it.
Reviewed on Saturday 12th August 2017
Linda Wheatley
Poppy’s friendly team really put us at ease. Their premises at Lambeth are airy and light which really helped make us feel comforted and at home. We wanted a personal send-off for my husband without all the stuffy formalities – something more modern which reflected who he was as an individual. Poppy’s openly shared their expertise to help craft a cremation service suitable for a king. They didn’t even bat an eyelid when we enquired about taking my husband for one last hurrah in a speed boat down the Thames! They simply said, let us help you with that and delivered. We couldn’t ask for more. Thank you for making something really hard, that little bit easier.
Reviewed on Monday 26th June 2017
Annabel
What an amazing team! Poppy’s funerals offered us the greatest comfort during tragic circumstances. Kate is the most caring and helpful person and dealt with all the arrangements in a most kind, gentle and professional way. All our wishes were met without an if or a but, even the outfits for the pallbearers who looked great! It was a beautiful occasion which is how it was meant to be – a celebration of life. Thank you so much Kate, especially for your hugs when I came on my own to see Penelope in your calming Chapel of Rest.
Reviewed on Sunday 21st May 2017
Marysia Horbaczewska
Thank you to Philippa at Poppy’s. Organising a funeral is never easy, but the support I received from Philippa throughout, made a difficult, emotional time a lot easier than it would otherwise have been.
All the practical matters were dealt with in an understanding, compassionate way.
She was accommodating when it transpired that I only had 2 working days to organise everything, because I had to go abroad to see a sick relative.
A huge THANK YOU.
Reviewed on Monday 15th May 2017
Mrs Karen Burke
Poppy’s funerals were absolutely brilliant. At a very difficult time, they made everything so easy for us. My husband was treated with such care and respect as we were as a family. The atmosphere at the offices was calm and very friendly and the staff were always happy to help in any way possible. My husband had a very different funeral, colourful and more of a celebration of his life, which is what he had requested. The whole thing was just perfect in every way and we would like to say a huge thank you to Philippa and to everyone at Poppy’s.
Reviewed on Wednesday 10th May 2017
Sophia
It’s always heart breaking to hear the news of losing a loved one. We literally had no idea where to start. At the end of our road is a funeral directors, we went in a day later and I was struck by how somber and unwelcoming the lady was. We knew their services wasn’t right for us and actually left more upset by thinking these people were going to be responsible for the handling of our beloved father in law and his final send off. I didn’t want it. Poppy’s was suggested to us by a family member who had used them two years previous. Although not local this was to become our best decision. For every step of the way you were dealt with in a compassionate and gentle manor. Philippa was our contact and from the very first call I felt we had found not just the company but the person we wanted to help us through this difficult time. There isn’t a single thing you can’t ask, and re-ask because sometimes it all gets a bit overwhelming, and at every stage I literally felt I was having my hand held and supported through each of the steps. Everything felt very personable and we really feel Poppy’s helped us during this very sad time to understand all the options and to personalise our wishes for the day. The flowers chosen and made up by their florist were simply gorgeous. I really cannot recommend Poppy’s services more highly. Thank you again Poppy’s and Philippa for being simply brilliant. You stand out from the crowd with what you do and it really does make all the difference. All the best Sophia & Graham Banks
Reviewed on Wednesday 19th April 2017
Sarah Squire
I’m so thankful to have found Poppy’s, their way of dealing with this extremely painful and emotional time was incredibly natural and compassionate. They helped us create a very simple but beautiful and personal occasion. It was just what my mum would have wanted.
Reviewed on Friday 17th March 2017
Sean Lockyear
We chose to use Poppy’s Funerals as they seemed to be more human and certainly more modern. We were delighted with the way the whole day was managed. Couldn’t really find any fault and would be delighted to recommend them to anyone.
Reviewed on Wednesday 15th March 2017 at 8:34 pm
Melanie Gleeson Lee
I have read and totally agree with everything that has already been said about Poppy’s Funerals . They are compassionate, professional, caring. Without Philippa l would not have been able to say good bye to my Mum in such a way that reflected her life and personality. The whole process was intimate and sensitive and l feel gave me and everyone who came on the day a sense of joy for the women, Rose, that we loved. They can be no higher recommendation. Thank you all at Poppy’s.
Reviewed on Wednesday 8th March 2017
Sylvestra le Touzel Teale
Kate was terrific, kind, sensitive and very helpful in arranging exactly the small intimate family service we wanted. We were able to arrange for a beautiful bespoke design on our cardboard coffin and when my Mum saw the flower spray she thought they looked fantastic. We felt cared for and special from the moment the telephone was answered and we could not have asked for more.
Reviewed on Sunday 29th January 2017
Katherine
I was so glad I turned to Poppy’s Funerals when my mother died. Right from the very first interaction the staff could not have been more gentle and caring, and managed that very difficult act of allowing me both to choose what I wanted and guided me where I needed assistance. Philippa and her colleagues managed to combine unobtrusive assistance and genuine support. My mother’s funeral service requirements were not straightforward, but they catered for every aspect with great efficiency and grace. The closing chapter of my mother’s life was dealt with dignity and humanity. I cannot recommend them highly enough.
Reviewed on Wednesday 30th November 2016
Kevin
I wasn’t absolutely sure what I wanted for my aunt’s funeral, but I knew what I didn’t want. I knew the music I wanted to play, I knew who I wanted to speak during the ceremony, I knew what I wanted to say.
I had looked at several funeral firm’s websites but none of them grabbed me. I was given a recommendation to check out Poppy’s. I phoned. That was it. One call, one conversation. Job done.
From beginning to end the team were totally supportive. I phoned and asked this. I phoned an hour later and asked that. No problem, just happy voices on the end of the phone, happy to talk, happy to help. Kate, who fielded my first call to Poppy’s, thank you so much. Philippa, who picked up all the odds and ends phone calls, thank you too.
Then I went to the office to sort out the details and I met Isabel. She was wonderful. My previous experience of funeral people has been dark, sombre. I told the girls at Poppy’s that I had expected a dull November evening, but what I actually got was a bright spring morning. Not in any disrespectful way, just… right!
Through the build-up I had support over the music, the choice of celebrant, the how/what/when, everything seamless and perfect. On the day, Isabel was there, my superstar. Doing what needed to be done, saying what needed to be said. Seamless and perfect. After the service everyone remarked on what a nice service, what a nice goodbye it was.
If you have read through to this point and you’re still not quite sure about Poppy’s may I suggest that you switch off your head and follow your heart. A goodbye should be personal and meaningful and memorable. Poppy’s will help you make it all of that, and more.
I was very lucky in making Poppy’s my first call. Everything was perfect. I interacted with some wonderful people from the Poppy’s team. To all you, thank you, thank you so much.
Reviewed on Thursday 24th November 2016
Viv Moriarty
I am so grateful to the pragmatically compassionate women at Poppy’s. They made the process so smoothe and very humane.
Reviewed on Sunday 20th November 2016
Stephen Humphreys
A huge THANK YOU to all the team at Poppy’s for making the whole process of arranging a funeral so straightforward and compassionate.
Reviews on Wednesday 7th September 2016
Lucy Butler
Poppy’s Funerals helped to make my beloved father’s funeral very special and meaningful for our family and friends. We received so many lovely compliments on the day – and ever since. Isabel and the team helped to make the painful process of saying goodbye to Dad/Grandad as positive as possible.
Tuesday 24th May 2016 at 1:44 pm
Kateyanne
Every word of this is true. I’ve been there to see the premises on a visit from America. I am on the board of the National Home Funeral Alliance, an organization that promotes natural, hands on, in-home care after death. And Poppy’s will help with that option. The staff, the grounds, and Poppy herself are just as written.
I chose Poppy’s as I already knew what I wanted for my mother Joy’s funeral and just needed help with the actual logistics. I liked the fact that they seemed to support family involvement with any part of the process as we didn’t want hearses or celebrants, grand flowers or any of the trappings of a traditional funeral but merely to all get together with Joy and help each other through this final right of passage. With the help of Victoria and the team we had a magical day at the Eden Valley Woodland Burial Ground. As I said to Victoria afterwards, why have a funeral when you can have a picnic. I was totally comfortable leaving my mother with them, feeling that they would treat her with dignity and respect and that they understood that helping people have the funeral they wanted and needed was of the utmost importance.
We were so pleased we asked Poppies to arrange Pob’s funeral. We thought it went very well, many of our friends said how appropriate the bamboo casket was, and the Poppies van was perfect. Allegra did a very good job of listening to our stories and compiling the tribute, and you managed to help make the whole process a bit easier for us to bear.
What a relief to find Poppy’s right on our doorstep here in Tooting! My mother-in-law died very peacefully at home with us here with family all around. But it was still a big step to take to make sure her funeral had all the right qualities to it to honour her life well. She was nearly 93.
From our very first phone call to establish contact with Poppy’s to the moment we said farewell at the Woodland Burial site (Greenacres) 3 weeks later after a hugely moving and gentle and beautiful ceremony, it was 100% brilliant to know we could rely on Poppy’s each step of the way. They attended to each and every detail and gave us the strong sense each stage was proceeding as it needed to. What we loved most of all was the sense that there were options and there was time to choose which option suited us best from the clothes the bearers were to wear (green jumpers not black suits..) to the kind of coffin or whether or not we wanted to swag the willow coffin with our own posies and flowers (we did) – and therefore allow the right time before the ceremony began through to recommending a great celebrant and arranging all practical details for burial with the woodland burial site. We could then focus our own attention on gathering the family, preparing our own words, poetry and music. We can honestly say it could not have gone better. It was beautiful. Thankyou Poppy’s. We do not have immediate use of your services now!! but we will certainly recommend you to others who might.
We are really pleased with the service Poppy’s provided and feel that mum would have been happy to know she was being well looked after. She did look lovely and it really helps us to know she’s been in good hands. She had a long life lived well and they helped us provide a simple but fitting send-off for her – she didn’t want “a lot of fuss”. So a big thank you to Sarah and the team for a professional but caring approach at a difficult time – I can wholeheartedly recommend Poppy’s.
I would highly recommend Poppy’s Funerals. Their team provided very sensitive and responsive support to myself and my family when arranging the funeral for my mother. I met Amy and Andrew on the night of my mother’s death, and they, particularly Amy, were my constant point of contact whilst making the funeral arrangements, This was so helpful as Amy was able to get to know me and my family, and understood the nuances we were seeking in the funeral service. At a time of stress and sadness, it was very comforting to benefit from the guidance and support from Poppy’s Funerals
A huge thank you to the whole team at Poppy’s, for arranging my sister’s funeral.
We dealt principally with Sarah and with Victoria but are aware that many people were involved in making this a memorable and touching occasion. I can honestly say that there wasn’t a detail which wasn’t anticipated, addressed and dealt with – with infinite kindness and tact – in such a way as to make the occasion one of which the whole family could be proud and of which my sister would most certainly have approved. Everything was perfect, including Poppy’s inspired recommendation of Susan Rae as celebrant, who was simply wonderful in every way.
I could not recommend Poppy’s more highly. Their service before, during and after the funeral was faultless.
I found the staff of Poppy’s funerals to compassionate, friendly and professional. The lady I dealt with, Victoria, was very sympathetic and understanding when I had to make changes to the arrangements, which helped to relieve the stress when finalizing the funeral. All of the Poppy’s team helped to make everything so much easier at a very sad time.
I’m sure my Brother-in-law, who had made the initial arrangements himself would have approved of his send off.
Thank you again Victoria and the team.
Barry
Poppy’s organised my husbands funeral. We couldn’t have been more pleased, it was simple and modern in approach yet we had the quite traditional funeral we wanted. Everything was taken care of and they were available to contact any time. Its important there are no regrets and we had none at all.
What a wonderful team – So kind and understanding – and so professional. I think it should also inspire more women to consider such a career. I can’t recommend them highly enough.
Dave died – our experience
So we had to arrange a funeral, heart sinking off we went to the hospital to pick up the necessary. A fairly bland and blunt experience, what we remember most is the phrase “whatever you do don’t lose this, don’t look at it and don’t lose it” I am sure some people feel they are losing their minds experiencing grief let alone worrying about a bit of paper. Then registering the death – “move to green chairs”, “got no appointment for you, oh well we will see you anyway” (appointment had been meticulously booked in advance). In we went to broom cupboard uninspiring room with a photocopier and a very photocopied looking man in a very photocopied looking shirt sitting beside a large photocopier. A script monologue followed. The severity of making a mistake hung heavy to the point we were triple checking our loved ones birth date. Simple questions seemed so difficult. A large laminated sheet was conveniently positioned for us to read and digest that any MISTAKE we made would cost between £75 and £90. “How many copies would you like” ? how many copies would we like, “how many copies do people normally get”? “Between 3 – 7 they are £11 each” ok should start with 3. Mission accomplished, all finished we get up to leave clutching our documents, something off script is said “You have left a button on your chair” I hastily grabbed the button that had fallen of my coat and off we went.
We came to Poppy’s, calm and normality was restored. Sarah who we spoke to first so friendly, calm, helpful and professional, following up with an email within half an hour with suggested dates and time (we had chosen) nothing felt like trouble or difficult, this was going to happen ok we thought, we started to feel reassured. Victoria at our meeting was helpful, supportive, friendly, perceptive, so not selling anything, (Poppy’s costs are so reasonable and no encouraging on buying stuff that you don’t need) business like and kind. The beautiful building made all the difference, lovely rooms so calm and tasteful so alive. Victoria, we felt really got what we wanted, what we were trying to achieve. Signing, organising, planning, preparing all worked well, explaining about carrying the coffin , (were we mad to do this?) Victoria demystified and reassured, Dave was going to be wrapped in calico, lovely we thought as we knew his clothes would not fit anymore and calico sounded just right, The music was arranged, sent and confirmed by Victoria, “I have played it all ok, no problems” On the day before a helpful telephone call. On the day – all on time, the lovely Poppy’s van containing our dear muso friend felt warm and nice “thought the amps and guitars were coming out” a comment from a friend. So reassuring that Victoria was sitting at the back during the service, just great that she was there. Chairs were arranged in part informally as we had requested, pressing the buttons was just fine, just as Victoria had said they would be.
We were pleased with what we did in the space in honour of Dave “It’s your space, your time, you use it how you would like to” (comment from Victoria).
No pomp, no fuss, nothing annoying, just kindness and stuff going ok.
Poppy’s were exemplary, we will be back.
Suzi and Patricia and Russell in honour of Dave.
Poppy’s organised our Mums funeral for us in May. We chose them as they were exactly how we would like the funeral to be. There was no awkwardness with them, they talked us through everything & were extremely helpful. Their friendly approach & outlook to arranging a funeral was amazing. We were able to speak to them as much as we wanted, nothing was too much trouble. We asked Poppy’s to arrange a vicar who was not stuffy, friendly & who would be happy not to be too godly. They arranged for us to use Father Nic he was exactly how they described him & we were so pleased. Father Nic carried out an amazing service for us and everyone commented on how lovely & friendly he was. We would definitely recommend Poppy’s in organising a funeral for your loved one, we could not have picked a better funeral directors. Hannah & Zeban were amazing & from the whole family we thank you very much.
Cleyon
I was recommended by a friend about Poppy’s Funerals. At our first meeting with Poppy’s, we, my family knew straight away that we wanted Poppy’s to be our funeral directors.
We were met with warm & compassion with a great deal of empathy.
Poppy’s funeral made it easy to choose what kind of funeral our family wanted. Poppy’s made it straight forward & more importantly to suit our needs. Any request was promptly done & we was always assured if there is anything else that we needed to enquire or change, they would be available.
During this difficult time, Poppy’s made this experience more comforting.
We will definitely be recommending Poppy’s Funeral Directors.
We would like to say a big thank you to Victoiria Mellor, Zeban Hussain & Sarah Bax.
I wholeheartedly recommend Poppy’s Funerals – everyone I met there was warm, welcoming, patient and very professional. Exactly what you need when dealing with loss and trying to arrange a funeral. The team truly care about making things as easy as possible at such a difficult time as well as helping you arrange the kind of funeral that works for you and your loved ones. Thank you for taking such good care of everything and bringing such a kind and human approach to funeral arrangements.
I could not agree more with all the reviews here. Hannah from Poppy’s dealt with mum and I in a professional and kind manner from beginning to end. We were able to say goodbye to a wonderful husband and father in exactly the way we wanted and, importantly , in a manner I know my father would have wanted. I could not recommend Poppy’s highly enough.
I’m sure it’s not uncommon after a funeral service that people just want to depart quickly, particularly with the wet weather my Mother brought in from Scotland! Our speedy exit meant we didn’t necessarily thank you and the Poppy’s team properly so I am delighted to write a testimonial for your website.
As I said at our first meeting, you made for us, the best experience of a bad situation. That feeling continued all the way through to the funeral service when we said goodbye. You are easy to work with, personal when needed, business-like when required but always compassionate. You managed us all the way through the details and logistics very skilfully and all without any judgement or overt bias in the guidance.
Having a predominantly female team helped us feel that my Mother was handled respectfully and retained her dignity. Having her retrieved from the relative anonymity of the hospital and caring for her on your own premises, was a real comfort to us. I also think you matched us perfectly with our celebrant, Maxine who was absolutely terrific.
We were very pleased with how the funeral went on the day, and knowing you were there at all times behind the scenes was genuinely helpful. We thoroughly recommend your compassionate, respectful, gentle services and can’t thank you enough. My Mother had very high standards and I know she would have been delighted with our choice!
We have recently used Poppy’s for our dad’s cremation. When I had made the first phone call to them, I actually breathed a sigh of relief.
From the first call to the very last conversation with Amy on the day, Poppy’s made what is usually a gloomy, if not downright scary, process into the best it could be. They returned every phone call and email, they were polite and genuinely compassionate all the way through and we absolutely loved the more informal approach to the service itself. (although I believe they can be as formal as a client wants). The Poppy’s hearse was a lovely splash of colour, the range of coffins catered for all tastes, although slanted towards a more eco-friendly approach – Dad had a lovely bamboo one with wooden handles. Having the bearers in more informal clothes also lightened the mood without an ounce of disrespect.. Amy was present throughout the service and we felt as though we didn’t have to worry about a thing. Dad would definitely have approved! If we ever need to organise another funeral, I wouldn’t even think about going anywhere but Poppy’s.
Poppy’s made it easy for us to arrange a lovely humanist service for my beloved partner Chrissie. They provided a wonderful Leopard print hearse, beautiful wicker coffin and professional celebrant – to name but a few aspects that collectively succeeded in producing a memorable celebration of Chrissie’s life on the day of the service.
I cannot thank Amy at Poppy’s enough for all her help. Nothing was too much trouble from helping to find us a celebrant to co-ordinating the event, leaving me with nothing to worry about on the day. I chose Poppy’s as l wanted to go with a family run business for more of a personal service. I can not recommend them enough, The team are lovely – 10 out of 10.
We buried our Mum, with poppy’s Funerals, I found them inconsiderate no feelings. I see my Mum, in a hospital gown on
A table not washed I was devastated To see my Mum like that. I feel they were heartless No sympathy and no people skills and rude
My brother wanted a personalised funeral whereby no one who didn’t know my mother spoke. With the help of Poppy’s who helped me with organising and transferring my mother we were able to have the type of service we wanted. They supported us in lots of a ways at a time that can be so difficult, when you really don’t know who to turn to. Thanks to Sarah and all the team who were amazing! The day went better than expected and I would have no hesitation in trusting them and promoting their work. Huge Thanks! Anita
The loss of my wife is devastating but Poppy’s provided outstandingly kind, sensitive and caring support and all arrangements were made in an incredibly compassionate and professional way.Absolutely nothing was too much trouble and I am so very, very grateful.
I can highly recommend Poppy’s. Unfortunately I have had to arrange 2 funerals in the last 2 years. 2 years ago I arranged my Nan’s with a high street Director. This time I used Poppy’s initially for the reason of being cost effective. But I’m so glad that I did for every reason. Poppy’s made everything so easy and simple. The staff are amazing, all of them. They are kind, caring and attentive and they make the experience of arranging a funeral very personal. You are not just another client. If you want to arrange a beautiful send off for your loved one that won’t break the bank I can recommend Poppy’s highly. Well done team.
As our assigned funeral director, Amy provided a thoughtful and sensitive service at a difficult time and the one point of contact proved invaluable in getting things organised. Poppy’s provide everything from traditional to bespoke funerals and were very happy to advise us on what was available. Amy talked us through a range of options to get the funeral service we wanted for my mother in place and did so in a friendly, calm, reassuring manner, always getting back to us quickly with any questions we had. We were really pleased with the funeral we had and I would recommend Poppy’s personal service without hesitation.
We are truly grateful to Poppy’s in particular Hannah for the support and ability to pull of such a beautiful burial during this pandemic. I would highly recommend them for that personal touch to honour your loved one.
Just have to say what a wonderful, sensitive service Poppy’s Funeral provided to our family for our brother’s funeral on 25/06/20. Detailed advice and support throughout the planning and on the day. All the staff, especially Zeban, Neal and our Funeral Director Hannah were so helpful and supportive to our family, everything we asked of them were done in such a respectful and sincere way that we were able to give our brother a funeral that expressed our love and care for him.
We will happily recommend Poppy’s to all who are dealing with a loss.
Thank you Poppy’s.
I was recommended Poppy’s by a friend who had said they were “outstanding.” I was not disappointed. They answered my initial phone call immediately, which is always a good sign! They were helpful, personable, friendly and efficient. Nothing ever seemed to be too much trouble, and they took a genuine interest in me and my family.
I had never organised a funeral before, and they made everything very simple. Everything was explained to me in a very easy and human way, and I felt that I could phone them at any time to ask any question, which I did! The order of the funeral was meticulously detailed, and they phoned the day before to run through everything and they phoned afterwards to see how we thought the day had been.
I would definitely recommend Poppy’s to anyone, as a wonderfully personal experience.
Helen Elliott
We’re so grateful to Poppy’s Funerals for their help and support in late 2020. My husband died during the pandemic, though not of Covid-19, but the circumstances were extremely difficult with very limited options for a funeral that could in any way represent what we felt for him or would celebrate the life of this lovely person. From the first time my daughter and I spoke to Zeban at Poppy’s we had truly sympathetic support and thoughtful help and guidance, and felt reassured that all the way through they would look after my husband with gentle care and respect. Zeban and Poppy’s compassionate approach helped us come to terms with a painful process, dreadfully exacerbated by the pandemic, and made it far more bearable. We are very thankful for everything they did for us and for the way in which it was done.
Poppy’s were simply wonderful, from beginning to end! As a Vicar, I would recommend them to everyone. Such a great combination of pastoral care and practical support, personal attention and flexibility. They went beyond the call of duty. Thank you Poppy’s!
The team at Poppy’s are faultless. They provide a great service and are just lovely along the way. They took care of everything for me and nothing felt like too much trouble. Great communication and from the moment I spoke to them, I knew I was in good hands for them to arrange the funeral for my mother. They helped give her the best send off with the least amount of stress for me. I dealt with Hannah initially who did most of the early organising, then Emma was the lady on the day who was just brilliant. Thank you team Poppy’s.