Poetic Endings

23 reviews

Poetic Endings is an award-winning funeral service covering all of London, supporting you to put together a meaningful funeral or celebration of life.

Latest Verified Reviews

Dee Bryan 5th May 2022

I had the pleasure of seeing Louise Winter on a webinar during the pandemic in 2021 and immediately I was struck by everything about her and 'Poetic Endings'. A young, female funeral director is not something I have ever come across. It was a ‘eureka moment’ for sure. After my initial conversation with Louise, I knew she was the right funeral director for me. I realised she was forward thinking, creative, flexible in what was possible, as far away from the traditional, conveyor belt funerals. “This was right up my street.” I wanted to research funerals before my husband died, as I wanted to be prepared and devote the time and effort he deserved to give him the best possible celebration of his life. Through Poetic Endings, I found Jo Napthine, a celebrant amongst many others to choose from and once again after our initial chat, I knew Jo was the right one for me.  They both came to visit us in Kent at our home and met my husband 3 months before his death. During our conversations about the funeral, a beautiful, happy, unexpected event came about and that was having our wedding vows renewed and Jo created the most beautiful ceremony and a memory that my children and myself will always treasure. Because we had already started the process of my husband’s funeral, when he died I didn’t have to worry about starting from scratch in my grief because I knew we would be well looked after which was very re-assuring for my husband. I would recommend to anyone to think about engaging with this process, it’s really worth it. You will know you have honoured your loved one in the best way possible. From the day of his death to the day of the funeral, Louise and her team conducted every aspect of his care with compassion and sensitivity at every stage. So many people actually said to us after the service “that was the best funeral we have ever been to and it was a wonderful day.” This is a testament to Louise and her amazing team.  "Thank you all at Poetic Endings". I will be recommending you to friends and family. Thank you Louise for such a positive experience at such a difficult time.  

Fran Keene 22nd Jun 2021

Clare, Louise and the whole Poetic Endings team supported my family through the aftermath of the death of my Dad with the utmost love, care, attention and flexibility. Clare was always there, on the end of the phone and in person when the rules allowed to guide, soothe and lead us when necessary. She was honest and straightforward when some of the things we wanted for Dad were not possible but equally went the extra mile to find alternatives. In the end we had the funeral we wanted, in the way that we wanted it, with the people that we needed around us. The pricing was transparent from the outset and there were no *** surprises along the way. I couldn't recommend Poetic Endings highly enough. If you want to create a funeral that is bespoke to your loved one, with all the support and information and care that you and your family need, then Poetic Endings is your first choice. 

Valerie Beer 25th May 2021

Clement Beer"s funeral 22nd April at East Devon Crematorium, The team at Poetic Endings were  considerate, friendly, enabling and endlessly patient while we thought through to the private, personal funeral we wanted for Clem.  They organised the journey to Devon and the service  at the Crematorium so that our own difficult an emotional journey through the day was simple and uncomplicated. Thank you for all your help. The Beer Family

Reviews

Funeral arrangements

  • Home visit
  • 24 hour telephone support
  • On-site parking
  • Chapel of rest
  • Hearse
  • Limousine
  • Horse-drawn hearse
  • Bespoke vehicle
  • Coffin
  • Personalised coffin
  • Casket
  • Headstone / Plaque
  • Urn
  • Memorial jewellery
  • Floral tributes
  • Charitable donations
  • Newspaper announcement
  • Online obituary
  • Memorial book
  • Order of service sheets
  • Music
  • Video tribute
  • Funeral webcasting
  • Catering
  • Dove release
  • Balloon release
  • Fireworks

Types of funeral

  • Traditional burial
  • Simple funeral
  • Traditional cremation
  • Green funeral
  • Direct cremation
  • Burial at sea
  • Non-religious funeral
  • Anglican funeral
  • Roman Catholic funeral
  • Muslim funeral
  • Jewish funeral
  • Sikh funeral
  • Hindu funeral
  • Buddhist funeral
  • Children’s funeral

Financial arrangements

  • Financial advice
  • Wills & probate
  • Pre-paid funeral plan

Additional services

  • Repatriation
  • Bereavement counselling
  • List of mourners

Location

37 David's Road
Forest Hill
London
SE23 3EP

Open map

Opening Hours

Day Hours
Monday Open 24 hours
Tuesday Open 24 hours
Wednesday Open 24 hours
Thursday Open 24 hours
Friday Open 24 hours
Saturday Open 24 hours
Sunday Open 24 hours
Call: 020 3835 2170

About Us

Funeral director Louise Winter is supported by her caring and sensitive team, to arrange truly personalised funeral services in London. Poetic Endings’ focus is on reflecting the things that are the most important to people who are experiencing the loss of a loved one.

Poetic Endings is an independent funeral service who can help you to arrange a funeral that’s appropriate and meaningful, wherever you are in London. Their female-led team offers a bespoke approach, offering unrivalled choice and flexibility in the arrangements.

Louise and her team promise to be open-minded, honest and sympathetic to your needs and have a flexible approach to requests, details and budget. They're LGBTQIA friendly, a member of the Association of Green Funeral Directors and recommended by the Good Funeral Guide and the Natural Death Centre.

This London funeral service believes that your loved one’s funeral should be affordable and whatever you want and need it to be – whether that’s a traditional funeral, a simple cremation, a green funeral, a creative celebration of life, or a ceremony with a more modern approach.

You can reach the Poetic Endings team by telephone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Call Poetic Endings funeral directors to learn more about their services and begin planning a meaningful farewell for the person who has died.

Verified Reviews

Verified Reviews

  • 5 Dee Bryan 5th May 2022

    I had the pleasure of seeing Louise Winter on a webinar during the pandemic in 2021 and immediately I was struck by everything about her and 'Poetic Endings'. A young, female funeral director is not something I have ever come across. It was a ‘eureka moment’ for sure. After my initial conversation with Louise, I knew she was the right funeral director for me. I realised she was forward thinking, creative, flexible in what was possible, as far away from the traditional, conveyor belt funerals. “This was right up my street.” I wanted to research funerals before my husband died, as I wanted to be prepared and devote the time and effort he deserved to give him the best possible celebration of his life. Through Poetic Endings, I found Jo Napthine, a celebrant amongst many others to choose from and once again after our initial chat, I knew Jo was the right one for me.  They both came to visit us in Kent at our home and met my husband 3 months before his death. During our conversations about the funeral, a beautiful, happy, unexpected event came about and that was having our wedding vows renewed and Jo created the most beautiful ceremony and a memory that my children and myself will always treasure. Because we had already started the process of my husband’s funeral, when he died I didn’t have to worry about starting from scratch in my grief because I knew we would be well looked after which was very re-assuring for my husband. I would recommend to anyone to think about engaging with this process, it’s really worth it. You will know you have honoured your loved one in the best way possible. From the day of his death to the day of the funeral, Louise and her team conducted every aspect of his care with compassion and sensitivity at every stage. So many people actually said to us after the service “that was the best funeral we have ever been to and it was a wonderful day.” This is a testament to Louise and her amazing team.  "Thank you all at Poetic Endings". I will be recommending you to friends and family. Thank you Louise for such a positive experience at such a difficult time.  

    Louise Winter replied
    It was an honour to take care of your lovely husband, Roger. Thank you for trusting me with his funeral and for taking the time to write this beautiful testimonial.
  • 5 Fran Keene 22nd Jun 2021

    Clare, Louise and the whole Poetic Endings team supported my family through the aftermath of the death of my Dad with the utmost love, care, attention and flexibility. Clare was always there, on the end of the phone and in person when the rules allowed to guide, soothe and lead us when necessary. She was honest and straightforward when some of the things we wanted for Dad were not possible but equally went the extra mile to find alternatives. In the end we had the funeral we wanted, in the way that we wanted it, with the people that we needed around us. The pricing was transparent from the outset and there were no nasty surprises along the way. I couldn't recommend Poetic Endings highly enough. If you want to create a funeral that is bespoke to your loved one, with all the support and information and care that you and your family need, then Poetic Endings is your first choice. 

    Louise Winter replied
    Thank you so much for taking the time to write this touching testimonial, Fran. It was an honour for us to take care of your dad. Best wishes to you and the rest of the family.
  • 5 Valerie Beer 25th May 2021

    Clement Beer"s funeral 22nd April at East Devon Crematorium,

    The team at Poetic Endings were  considerate, friendly, enabling and endlessly patient while we thought through to the private, personal funeral we wanted for Clem.  They organised the journey to Devon and the service  at the Crematorium
    so that our own difficult an emotional journey through the day was simple and uncomplicated.

    Thank you for all your help.

    The Beer Family

    Louise Winter replied
    Thank you for taking the time to write this testimonial, Valerie. It was an honour for us to be involved in the arrangements and to witness the beautiful funeral you created for Clement.
  • 5 Caryl Harter 15th May 2021

    We were able to make our own contributions to the funeral, like painting the coffin, while everything was arranged with the least possible bother to us. After the funeral itself several people commented on how the funeral directors seemed invisible when we needed to feel alone and yet were there for anything that was needed. They were both matter of fact and kind, a very good combination. Thank you for everything. 

    Louise Winter replied
    Thank you so much for your kind words, Caryl. It was an honour for us to be involved in David's funeral.
  • 5 Jane Clarke 8th Mar 2021

    Poetic Endings were kind, thoughtful, flexible and respectful throughout the entire process and were available to speak with 24 hours a day. 

    My mother was treated with compassion and dignity and her family were kept informed of the process from hospital to funeral every step of the way. 

    Poetic Endings gave us the flexibility to create the funeral that both my mother would have liked, and that her living family needed, in order to honour her life. The celebrant was warm and thoughtful and was able to include all the elements of the Christian service important to my mother.

    I cannot recommend Poetic Endings highly enough largely because it is clear that all involved in the company are doing this work because their hearts are in it.

    Louise Winter replied
    Thank you so much for taking the time to write this, Jane. It means a lot to us.
  • 5 Jan Hendrickse 22nd Feb 2021

    We found Poetic Endings to offer a personalised and compassionate service, which enabled us to organise exactly the sort of funeral that we wanted for our mother. Their communications are very good and they are sensitive to the situation, I would definitely recommend this company.

    Louise Winter replied
    Thank you for taking the time to write this testimonial, Jan.
  • 5 Toni Mount 21st Feb 2021

    Very professional, considered and flexible approach from Louise. She helped us create a funeral service which was very personal and fitting 

    Louise Winter replied
    Thank you so much, Toni.
  • 5 Paul Crowson 11th Feb 2021

    Gentle but very well organised and creative. We’ve had a stream of compliments on the funeral. A pleasure to deal with at such a sensitive time

    Louise Winter replied
    Thank you so much for taking the time to write this, Paul.
  • 5 Melanie David-Feveck 9th Feb 2021

    Louise Winter has provided exceptional support during our difficult time. Efficient, proactive and attentive to our needs especially with the pandemic restrictions. I would highly recommend Poectic Endings. We would also highly recommend Debi Roberts our celebrant that was found on Poetic endings website. Debi was absolutely amazing with us and we are greateful Poetic Endings has taken steps to include and recommend celebrants from diverse backgrounds which will hopefully continue. The whole process with navigating funeral arrangements was made so much easier having Louise and Debi.

    From
    David-Feveck family, London

    Louise Winter replied
    Thank you so much for taking the time to write this, Melanie. It was an honour to take care of your father.
  • 5 Matthew Ostrowski 5th Feb 2021

    At a time that was obviously very stressful for myself & my family, Louise was wonderful. Most everybody involved lives abroad, and Louise helped us develop a very moving ceremony that could be streamed to the family across the world. I could not recommend her more highly.

    Louise Winter replied
    Thank you so much for taking the time to write this testimonial, Matthew.
  • 5 Nana Edwards 4th Feb 2021

    I sadly lost my cousin Clinton from cancer and fungal infection. It was a very sad and difficult time for the whole family as we lost the youngest member of the family in the first week on 2021.
    Planning a funeral was going to be another challenge but after several researches I found Poetic Endings.
    Louise from Poetic Endings was a God sent. Going through a had time and planning a funeral was a very difficult thing to do but after speaking with Louise, we were assured everything will go smoothly. Louise is a kind lady, caring, helpful, comforting and very understanding,I cannot praise Louise and her team enough.Louise was with us through the whole process and guided us to create a beautiful day for Clinton. Louise was always available 24/7. With the help of Louise Clinton's funeral ceremony was a very beautiful day and was exactly how Clinton would have liked it. From small details to big details to allowing Clinton's friends
    to have their time to say their final goodbyes. Everything expected was delivered to perfection. We were extremely pleased with Louise and her team who were also very warm and professional.

    I would highly recommend Poetic Endings Funeral.

    Louise Winter replied
    Thank you so much for writing this testimonial, Nana. It was an honour to take care of your lovely cousin, Clinton.
  • 5 Thomas Ludot 3rd Jan 2021

    I wanted to say thank you to all the PE team for organizing my sister Emilie's ceremony in December. I wanted something special, a ceremony that celebrates Emilie's uniqueness and originality. I remembered explaining how Emilie was passionate about ancient Egypt, a student of traditional Japanese sword and also my mum asked for a catholic priest. I was amazed you made it happened. I only received amazing feedbacks from all guests: "The ceremony was incredible, it was so authentic to Emilie". The way we were in contact was so delicate as well as effective. Thank you for the work you are doing, you make terrible times feel lighter. Toma.

  • 5 Natalie Jones 30th Dec 2020

    A totally unexpected death is very difficult to deal with especially with COVID restrictions. But the help and guidance I was given by Clare and other members of Poetic Endings made me feel that we were
    able to honour my husband in exactly the way he would have appreciated. Words are not enough to say thank you. Natalie Jones and family

  • 5 Raquel Pires-Dos Santos Vilhete 29th Dec 2020

    I did not want a typical funeral, so when looking online I realize they have something different. So I choose Poetic Endings. They help me to make the funeral I wanted for the unexpected passing of my 20 years old bubbling daughter.
    It was really painful, buy their were very patience guiding me. Always giving me my time and space to decide. Joanna has a kind and calm voice that helps me get through the decisions. My ideas were respected and done as far as the situation allows it. The visit was a great experience despite the pain for her loss. She was dressed as we wanted and looks so beautiful. I am grateful I choose Poetic Endings.

    Thank you Joanna and the rest of the team for your help, support and presence along the journey.

    Louise Winter replied
    Thank you so much for taking the time to write this testimonial, Raquel. It was an honour for the team to support you to put together such an extraordinary sendoff for your beautiful daughter. Stay safe and take care.
  • 5 Kriskin Allum 4th Jun 2020

    Highly professional, compassionate, and caring. From my initial contact with Joanna of Poetic Endings on the day my partner passed away, onto making the arrangements with Louise (during a pandemic), everything was planned beautifully and without worry. If you find yourself in a situation, like I was, where you need to quickly find a funeral director, you cannot go wrong with Poetic Endings. The care and attention that I was given during such a difficult time was greatly appreciated. I am eternally grateful.

    Louise Winter replied
    Thank you so much for taking the time to write this, Kriskin. It was an honour to help you at such a difficult time. Stay safe and take care.
  • 5 Alison Anderson 22nd May 2020

    Poetic Endings (especially Louise) were the most sensitive, helpful and friendly funeral directors who guided us through a very sad time. We could not visit the office due to social distancing and all our arrangements were by phone or email but Louise helped to make this process run smoothly. The funeral service went extremely well on the day despite restrictions at the crematorium. Poetic Endings helped us through our sad loss from the beginning through to aftercare.

    Louise Winter replied
    It was an honour to work with you, Alison. Thank you so much for taking the time to write this review.
  • 5 Rod Wilson 19th May 2020

    Thank you Joanna and all at Poetic -Endings for a first class funeral

    - Kind Regards from Rod, Russell & Roger Wilson

    Louise Winter replied
    Thank you so much, Rod. It was an honour to be able to help you and your family.
  • 5 Karen Adler 24th Feb 2020

    We couldn’t have wished for a more personal and caring service than that provided by Clare at Poetic Endings. Everything was well communicated, she took time to listen to us and advise us, and helped to make a terribly sad time into a memorable and fitting occasion.

    Louise Winter replied
    Thank you so much for taking the time to write this Karen. Wishing you all the very best.
  • 5 Kim Randall 21st Feb 2020

    Sensitive and practical, they worked with my ideas to ensure a service which was exactly what I was aiming for, tactful but always open and friendly. Completely reliable, thought of all the little details beforehand and on the day. So nice to deal with women too, you felt they were really aware at all times of how emotional the event was.

    Louise Winter replied
    Thank you so much for taking the time to write this Kim. Wishing you all the best.
  • 5 Michael Hanson-Lawson 11th Feb 2020

    The whole process from the initial meeting to the actual cremation was handled professionally, efficiently and with great sensitivity. The service itself was exactly what we wanted and our friends and relations commented very favourably. Poetic Endings did an excellent job and I would have no hesitation in recommending them highly.

    Louise Winter replied
    Thank you so much Michael. With our very best wishes to you and your family.
  • 5 Polly Arnold 7th Feb 2020

    Poetic Endings are a wonderful company doing an amazing job in what must be a difficult space. The staff are sensitive, kind and thoughtful. They all exhibit such a high level of professionalism and each display great emotional intelligence. Their approach is supportive and collaborative and they are all so gentle. I cannot recommend them more highly.

  • 5 Jade Berman 7th Feb 2020

    Louise and the rest of her team were absolutely amazing!
    She was patient, empathetic and resourceful. This meant that I could create the day that my dad deserved, and I could honour his wishes of natural burial!
    Louise recommended an amazing celebrant who compiled and conducted an extraordinary service. People that came along even commented that they wanted her to conduct their funeral.
    I would not hesitate in recommending poetic endings.... They went above and beyond the norm, in order to make the process as easy and personal as possible.
    I cannot thank them enough.

    Louise Winter replied
    Thank you so much Jade.
  • 5 Philip Littlehales 7th Feb 2020

    Caring, thoughtful and a delight to deal with during a difficult time. Helpful advice throughout.

    Louise Winter replied
    Thank you so much Philip. It was an honour to be able to help you and your family.

Address
37 David's Road
Forest Hill
London
SE23 3EP

Open map

Opening Hours

Day Hours
Monday Open 24 hours
Tuesday Open 24 hours
Wednesday Open 24 hours
Thursday Open 24 hours
Friday Open 24 hours
Saturday Open 24 hours
Sunday Open 24 hours

Latest Verified Reviews

Dee Bryan 5th May 2022

I had the pleasure of seeing Louise Winter on a webinar during the pandemic in 2021 and immediately I was struck by everything about her and 'Poetic Endings'. A young, female funeral director is not something I have ever come across. It was a ‘eureka moment’ for sure. After my initial conversation with Louise, I knew she was the right funeral director for me. I realised she was forward thinking, creative, flexible in what was possible, as far away from the traditional, conveyor belt funerals. “This was right up my street.” I wanted to research funerals before my husband died, as I wanted to be prepared and devote the time and effort he deserved to give him the best possible celebration of his life. Through Poetic Endings, I found Jo Napthine, a celebrant amongst many others to choose from and once again after our initial chat, I knew Jo was the right one for me.  They both came to visit us in Kent at our home and met my husband 3 months before his death. During our conversations about the funeral, a beautiful, happy, unexpected event came about and that was having our wedding vows renewed and Jo created the most beautiful ceremony and a memory that my children and myself will always treasure. Because we had already started the process of my husband’s funeral, when he died I didn’t have to worry about starting from scratch in my grief because I knew we would be well looked after which was very re-assuring for my husband. I would recommend to anyone to think about engaging with this process, it’s really worth it. You will know you have honoured your loved one in the best way possible. From the day of his death to the day of the funeral, Louise and her team conducted every aspect of his care with compassion and sensitivity at every stage. So many people actually said to us after the service “that was the best funeral we have ever been to and it was a wonderful day.” This is a testament to Louise and her amazing team.  "Thank you all at Poetic Endings". I will be recommending you to friends and family. Thank you Louise for such a positive experience at such a difficult time.  

Fran Keene 22nd Jun 2021

Clare, Louise and the whole Poetic Endings team supported my family through the aftermath of the death of my Dad with the utmost love, care, attention and flexibility. Clare was always there, on the end of the phone and in person when the rules allowed to guide, soothe and lead us when necessary. She was honest and straightforward when some of the things we wanted for Dad were not possible but equally went the extra mile to find alternatives. In the end we had the funeral we wanted, in the way that we wanted it, with the people that we needed around us. The pricing was transparent from the outset and there were no *** surprises along the way. I couldn't recommend Poetic Endings highly enough. If you want to create a funeral that is bespoke to your loved one, with all the support and information and care that you and your family need, then Poetic Endings is your first choice. 

Valerie Beer 25th May 2021

Clement Beer"s funeral 22nd April at East Devon Crematorium, The team at Poetic Endings were  considerate, friendly, enabling and endlessly patient while we thought through to the private, personal funeral we wanted for Clem.  They organised the journey to Devon and the service  at the Crematorium so that our own difficult an emotional journey through the day was simple and uncomplicated. Thank you for all your help. The Beer Family

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Update

Prices vary by time and day of week