Everyone knows about Shoreditch, Brixton and Soho, but Peckham in South London is among the capital’s most vibrant and up-and-coming areas, full of great bars, restaurants and cool things to do.
Play retro arcade games at Four Quarters
Bar, Restaurant, British, American, $$$
Boasting a nostalgic selection of arcade games, Four Quarters is brimming with retro appeal. All of your childhood favourites are available to play, from arcade classics such as Pac-Man and Donkey Kong to a whole attic of retro consoles. When you get tired of button bashing, head down to The Confession Box, a basement cocktail bar that hosts lively parties every weekend. Fans of craft beer, whisky and the 1980s will love this place.
Found in – and otherwise referred to as – the Bussey Building, the CLF Art Cafe is a cool creative centre that hosts music, theatre, comedy, film and art events, attracting culture vultures from all over London. It’s also home to the popular funk and soul night, The South London Soul Train.
Drawing inspiration from the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East, the affordably priced Peckham Bazaar serves up tantalising cuisine in a fairly modest setting. When the food is this good, a restaurant doesn’t need to worry too much about elaborate frills – the experience here is all about satisfying the taste buds.
Occupying a former multi-storey car park, Bold Tendencies is an arts and entertainment complex that has become something of a Peckham institution. On the very top floor is Frank’s Cafe, a rooftop bar that offers stunning panoramic views of the London skyline. It’s the perfect spot to spend a sunny summer evening in the capital.
Start the day right at Pedler, Peckham’s premier boutique brunch spot. A local favourite with an edgy vibe, it serves up tasty fried breakfasts and gin cocktails.
Fans of the big screen who like to support smaller film houses will love Peckhamplex, an independent multiplex cinema that shows a range of new releases to rival the big cinema companies. With tickets priced at £4.99 all day, every day and 3D features costing just £1 more, this much-loved cinema is one of the best and most affordable in the capital.
Lurking under the railway arches by Peckham Rye train station, Brick Brewery is a microbrewery that opens on evenings and weekends to serve up its craft beers to the thirsty public. With a selection of staple beers available alongside seasonal and small-run taproom exclusives, Brick Brewery beer tastes even better knowing its story started in a humble garden shed.
