Have You Uncovered All of Peckham’s Secrets?

Its best days were associated with the hugely successful BBC sitcom ‘Only Fools and Horses about dodgy market wheeler-dealers. Even then people were happier being on the outside looking in. However, now it’s a wonderfully diverse area full of young artists, delicious cafes serving world cuisine, retro computer game halls and the obligatory coffee on top of a reclaimed car park. So make sure you head south-east on an overground train from London Bridge for 15 minutes and experience the ramshackle wonders of London’s newest kid on the block.

Peckham Pelican

The Pelican is the very best of modern pubs. Not just somewhere to sink a couple of ales and enjoy a hearty Scotch egg, but also a hub of the local creative community. It exhibits a different collection of artwork every month as well as literary events, theatre scratch nights and political events. 92 Peckham Road, London, SE15 5PY

CLF Art Cafe aka The Bussey Building

It’s not just The Pelican that is a hive of activity in Peckham. This reclaimed warehouse has been quietly and not so quietly going about its business since its first very tentative steps in 2007. Since then it has hosted some of the capital’s hippest music, theatre, film, anime, art and comedy events. Over that time they’ve built up relationships with big hitters such as Bestival, The Royal Court and Phlegm Art Exhibitions as well as many more independent and smaller promoters, artists, thinkers and exhibitors. But it’s at night that this place really heats up, with tremendous soul, disco, funk, hip-hop and lashings more good times. Block A, Bussey Building, 133 Rye Lane, Peckham, SE15 4ST

The Begging Bowl

This place just has to get a mention. Since it opened it has become a hub for anyone who enjoys a hefty East-Asian kick to their food. If your wallet mostly contains moths you can still eat well here. Pop in for a quick snack of one of the 3 S’s: Sticky pork belly with cassia and star anise, stir-fry of morning glory with crispy Thai garlic, soy & white pepper or spiced mutton wrapped in crispy roti dough. With limitless rice for £2 you can feel nicely stuffed with some crackerjack fireworks lighting up your tongue. 168 Bellenden Rd, London, Peckham, Greater London SE15 4BW

The Four Quarters

Who can forget when you were 14 and all that mattered was your Mega Drive, your big brother’s record collection and, if you were lucky, nicking one of your Dad’s beers whilst he was out? Well in Peckham there is a place that’s a teenage Valhalla for games, pinball wizards, craft beer connoisseurs and lovers of all the very best things in life. 187 Rye Lane, Peckham, Greater London SE15 4TP

Persepolis

We’d love to tell you that this is an emptied shop-front dedicated to playing one of our favourite animation films on a constant loop, but it’s something almost as good. Hidden within the inviting nook on Peckham High Street you can find all manner of exotic titbits and flavour explosions including remarkably generous mezzes for £5, baked sweet potato filled with Persian baked beans that will make you wonder why Heinz doesn’t move production to Tehran and the most fragrant Persian tea in town. Hospitality has never been this tasty. 28-30 Peckham High St, London SE15 5DT

The Dye House

Few locations encapsulate the regeneration of Peckham better than this reclaimed industrial space which is now constantly brimful with remarkable and striking works of sculpture, design and film-making, plus a cracking roof terrace on which to enjoy the London skyline from an unexpected angle.Nutbrook Studios, 33 Nutbook Street, SE15 4JU

Peckhamplex

Remember when going to the cinema wasn’t something you had to save up for? Our friends at the Peckhamplex have turned themselves into a people’s cinema: all day, every day, every film for just £4.99. Which leaves you more money to spend on buckets of popcorn and mega-Cokes the size of your head. 95A Rye Lane, London SE15 4ST

Canavan’s Pool Hall

Think you’ve got the sort of hustling skills that would make you a sharp-shooting legend in the Old West? Or at least enough to give John Virgo a scare? This is one of our favourite haunts: killer music, welcoming vibe and plenty of cheap fun to be had playing pool and ping pong. 188 Rye Lane, London SE15 4NF

Anderson & Co.

One thing we always look for in a cafe is a place that doesn’t put time constraints on breakfast. Whether you’re a night owl or just a lazy bum, the good people of Anderson & Co. will be ready until 3pm to serve you rocket fuel coffee, Brindisa-sourced chorizo sausages or porridge laden with fruity goodness to kickstart your day no matter what the time on the clock says. 139 Bellenden Road, London, SE15 4DH

Peckham Palaias

This multi-level club and arts space is deep in the heart of South London and is a major calling card for the area. Just like the re-purposed Bussey building, this ex-department store has gone from being derelict to be resurrected in a new, beautiful incarnation. Split across three floors, this venue has eccentric 70’s style big spaces serving perfect for club nights, which will give you an almighty bang for your buck! 1 Rye Lane, Peckham, SE15 5EW

Guest post by Frugl Ben. ‘For more great local events and offers going on in London every day check out Frugl