London’s Peckham neighborhood is full of highlights and hidden gems, including its impressive food scene, charming town center, legendary independent cinema, and local art gallery. Use this guide to plan a day exploring the neighborhood, and then meet others with these guides from Brixton and Walthamstow.
Has a diverse food scene
You can sample dishes from all corners of the world without leaving the perimeters of Peckham. Bao serves fluffy Taiwanese buns and cocktails; the Begging Bowl serves spicy dishes to share Thai; Persepolis Cafe offers delicious Middle Eastern dishes; And for a hearty Italian meal, visit Forza Win, a converted grain store restaurant filled with long communal tables. Rye Lane is packed with shops and market stalls selling a wide range of ingredients, from sweet potatoes and tropical fruits to Turkish baklava and Asian spices.
Independent cinema is fun and affordable
The PeckhamPlex is a kind of Peckham institution. Set back from the main drag and a bit rough, this independent cinema screens the big releases for a small price – tickets are just £ 5 all day, every day (extra for 3-D movies). It’s almost always full on weekends, so it’s best to book tickets in advance. And whatever you save on tickets, you can spend on post-movie cocktails at Frank’s bar right next door.
Has a cool rooftop bar
Frank’s rooftop bar settles on the 10th floor of a multi-story parking lot every summer. While it doesn’t seem like the healthiest place, the views are breathtaking and the crowd is as eclectic as it sounds. Order an Aperol Spritz or campari-based cocktail while taking in the views and artwork (it’s run by the local non-profit arts collective, Bold Tendencies).
The library is an architectural gem
With an eye-catching design that resembles an inverted letter L, the Peckham Library won the prestigious Stirling Prize for Architecture in 2000. The local landmark is clad in green copper and stained glass and features an elevated reading room and fun library child on the fourth floor. It is located in Peckham Square, which also hosts a popular farmers market every Sunday.
Draw a creative crowd
One of London’s premier centers for the creative arts, the Bussey Building on Rye Lane is a converted Edwardian factory that once made cricket bats. It was saved from demolition by a passionate community group and now serves as Peckham’s cultural center with a regular series of art installations, theater productions and workshops on several floors. The post-industrial building also serves as one of London’s best nightlife spots, with events spanning all manner of musical genres, including the legendary monthly funk and soul night, South London Soul Train. There is a vinyl record store and cafe in the basement, and in the summer months, you can watch movies on the roof.
The town center is beautiful
Home to elegant Georgian townhouses, gastronomic bars, independent boutiques and world-class restaurants, Bellenden Road feels like an elegant town in the heart of Peckham. British sculptor Antony Gormley used to have a studio in the area and designed a series of cast iron street poles as part of a regeneration project in 2002. You will also see street art and murals scrawled on the sides of pubs and houses as well as pieces. commissioned by the nearby Dulwich Picture Gallery. Shop for fancy foods at the general store, shop for quality vintage clothing at Threads, or join a chocolate and wine tasting workshop at the Melange Chocolate Shop.
Has a contemporary art gallery
Founded in 1891, the South London Gallery is a center for contemporary art and focuses on presenting new work by British and international artists. Free tours are offered daily and there is an exciting line of talks, workshops, and family events. The cafe serves locally roasted coffee, pastries, and an excellent brunch menu, and in good weather you can sit on the small patio. Don’t leave without strolling through the peaceful garden designed by Mexican artist Gabriel Orozco.
It’s full of cool bars
From posh gastropubs to late-night drunks, Peckham is full of great bars. Rye Lane is home to the Four Quarters, a former butcher shop filled with retro arcade machines and an impressive craft beer menu, and John the Unicorn, a hot spot for beer, cocktails, and pop-up food options. Head to Bellenden Village and check out Bar Story, an industrial space in a railway arch that serves cocktails and pizzas to the beat of live DJs and The Montpelier, a traditional pub with colorful interiors, a cinema in the back and live music. events. In nice weather, head straight to The Rye, a charming pub with a huge beer garden.
