PAC-MAN and Ping Pong: Why Peckham's Bars Are Totally Worth Visiting This Summer

The facade is inconspicuous. In fact, if you weren’t looking out for it, you’d probably stroll right past. Nothing but a modest doorway beneath a discreet sign advertises this place, and that’s probably why it’s remained under the radar of most people for so long – with the exception of locals, to whom this place is famous. Despite its humble exterior, this club is anything but modest. Towards the entrance, Canavan’s boasts an impressively sized dance floor and upon venturing further back, you discover the place’s real gem: a whole room dedicated to pool and ping pong. Be sure to bring your A game.

If you’ve ever had the desire to play PAC-MAN whilst simultaneously enjoying a pint of beer, then this is the place for you. You trade your English pounds for a few American quarters at the bar and then you’re free to spend your new currency on any game you want. There’s a decent selection of retro arcade games on the ground floor including Street Fighter, Sega Rally and of course, some old school PAC-MAN. Upstairs there’s a club that hosts DJs at weekends, so when you’re done gaming, you can head up for a dance.

Situated beneath Peckham’s train tracks, under a railway arch, bars don’t come more edgy than this. Its exposed brick walls and low arched ceiling creates a shabby, yet pleasantly intimate vibe. You can sit inside or opt for the charming outdoor space, decked out with long tables and benches beneath shimmering fairy lights. With an impressive selection of beers on tap, great music and plenty of space for socialising, Bar Story always guarantees a great atmosphere.

This one is located at the top of a multi story car-park. Enough said. Frank’s has become pretty legendary on the Peckham bar scene, not least for its stunning views of London’s skyline, meaning you can get some seriously Instagram-worthy photos here. It’s only open in the summer months, which means when Frank’s Café does open for business it tends to be pretty busy all the time, but it is just the perfect place to spend those balmy summer evenings – and takes a drink with a view to a whole new level.