Peckham & New Cross

Peckham and New Cross are South East London neighbourhoods that have developed a strong creative and arts scene over the past decade — centred on converted industrial spaces, rooftop bars and a diverse local food culture that still feels genuinely local rather than gentrified.

Peckham Rye

Peckham Rye is a 64-acre common and park, free to enter, with a popular Saturday farmers' market and a relaxed atmosphere very different from the more tourist-facing parks of central London. The lane of restaurants and cafes on Bellenden Road nearby is worth exploring for lunch.

The Bussey Building & Rye Lane

The Bussey Building (CLF Art Café / Peckham Levels) is a converted cricket bat factory and multi-storey car park turned arts venue — Frank's Campari Bar on the rooftop runs in summer and is one of London's most atmospheric outdoor drinking spots with views over the South East London skyline. Rye Lane below is one of the city's most interesting multicultural high streets.

New Cross

New Cross Gate and New Cross have a younger, more studenty character (Goldsmiths University is here) — good for live music in small venues and a less polished but often more interesting bar and café scene than comparable areas further into Zone 2.

Getting There

Peckham Rye (Overground and National Rail). New Cross Gate (Overground).

Tips

• Frank's Campari Bar on the Bussey Building rooftop is summer-only and worth specifically planning for.
• Rye Lane is one of London's great multicultural high streets — walk the full length.
• Bellenden Road has the highest concentration of independent restaurants in the area.