Peckham, London
Live like a local in
An underrated gem that rivals the cutting-edge, artistic neighbourhoods of East London, Peckham is a rising star sprouting new bars and cafes at quite a rate.
Known to fans of long-running British sitcom Only Fools and Horses as the home of Del and Rodney Trotter and run-down council tower blocks, it’s become somewhat gentrified of late, albeit without losing its grittiness entirely.
The architecture is impressive, and though it’s slightly out of the way from the hub of central London, it’s a breeze to get to on the overground railway.
With a strong Afro-Caribbean population and a rising youth contingent (some might call them hipsters), Peckham is a melting pot of liveliness.
Weekday beers
You’re spoiled for choice, honestly — tucked around Peckham Rye station alone are a plethora of watering holes at which you can discover your new favourite IPA.
Our favourite was Bar Story; a minimal, unpretentious spot with outdoor seating, serving a range of craft beers, cocktails and wine. Tucked under the overground, the indoor area has the feel of a railway tunnel, with a curved roof adding to the cosy aesthetic. The service was friendly, the crowd uber-hip, and the food great — they serve delicious pizzas designed to accompany your choice of cocktail.
For your second round, you can duck next door to the Brick Brewery Taproom, and once you get really peckish, Honest Burgers is right next to both of them.
Saturday night
The Bussey Building is an old warehouse — reportedly a cricket bat factory — that was saved from demolition by Peckham Vision, a local community group. It’s since become a cultural hub, home to gigs, raves, plays and film screenings.
The multi-level space hosts a number of institutions, including the CLF Art Cafe, The Nines bar and the Rye Wax record store and cafe, that offer great coffee and food during the day. On the weekend they host any number of events that’ll have you dancing late into the morning.
Sunday morning
If you haven’t stayed out too late, Peckham has a beautiful, enormous park perfect for a Sunday morning stroll and coffee. Peckham Rye Park & Common is the home of community events and playgrounds, as well as wide, open green spaces perfect for getting some exercise or running a dog around. If you want some brunch after your morning stroll, try Cafe G, a community-orientated place serving delicious, New Zealand-standard coffee (rarer than you might think in the UK). You’ll feel right at home among the groups of friends meeting over a nice cuppa on their lazy Sundays.
The latest flick
One of the best things about Peckham is that, unlike East London, affordable prices are not a rarity. Peckhamplex is a beloved local cinema showing the latest blockbusters and the odd independent film, with all tickets a measly £ 5
( about $ 10), all day, all week. Also right by Peckham Rye station, the cheap and cheerful cinema hosts a range of special screenings, such as an evening celebrating the life of James Baldwin, with frequent Q&As with filmmakers.