Peckham Area guide

Now one of the coolest corners of the capital, Peckham has shaken off its Del-Boy and Rodney reputation to become South London’s answer to Shoreditch, brimming with bustling bars and an enviable restaurant scene.

To the south you’ll find the Peckham Rye area and lovely Bellenden Lane, which boasts well preserved Victorian properties, gastropubs, a chocolatier, and acclaimed restaurants including The Begging Bowl (Thai) and Ganapati (Indian).

Head north, closer to the Old Kent Road, for more modern architecture, flats, and a short cycle or bus ride straight into the city centre.

Peckham juxtaposes the ever-lively Rye Lane – a constant hub of activity – with quiet conservation areas, super-speedy railway links into central London and a peaceful expanses of green space such as Peckham Rye Park and Burgess Park.

There’s plenty to inspire your creative side in this cultural hotspot too. Fancy a movie and you’ll have the choice of the local multiplex or a rooftop cinema. The Bussey Building – a multi-level warehouse space – also has a non-stop schedule of arts activities from live music to exhibitions and events.

"I love Peckham…from the bars, restaurants and the cinema to the melting pot markets and the green expanse of the Rye…it’s brimming full of life!"

Eliot Giuralarocca – Actor, Director & local landlord

Area Highlights

Entertainment

Head to the Bussey Building on Rye Lane for a diverse line-up of live music, cabaret, theatre, comedy and film.

Parks & Activities

Peckham Rye Park features a café, a Japanese garden, and a small lake complete with resident herons, kingfishes and terrapins.

Restaurants & Shopping

Londoners flock to Frank’s Bar in the summer, to enjoy spectacular city views from this pop-up bar at the top of a multi-storey car park. It’s put Peckham firmly on the map as far as nightlife goes.

Schools

The local Harris Academy schools have a good reputation, and you’ll be within reach of a range of independent options in nearby Dulwich too.

Transport

Hop on the fastest trains from Peckham Rye and you’ll reach London Bridge in just 10 minutes, Victoria in 13 minutes and Blackfriars in 15. If it’s Canary Wharf or Shoreditch you need, take the Overground to Canada Water – a nine-minute journey – and switch to the Jubilee Line.