Morning Rituals. Afternoon Indulgences. Where To Linger? Work & Wander. A Bite of the World. Drinks & Deep Conversations.
Where do you live? When I first moved to London, I used to think this was such a shallow question, borderline offensive. Why would where I lived be important to someone I just met? Would they judge me or prefer me as a friend depending on my postcode? Would my flat become party central or a convenient nightcap station? There were so many other ways to get to know someone—why start with their address?
But after a couple of months, I understood. London is a city of villages, each with its own rhythm, rituals, and regulars. Your local café, the corner shop owner who knows your preferred brand of olive oil, the pub that serves you before you even order, the Friday night restaurant that always squeezes you in—these places become part of your identity, your map of the city.
Where you live doesn’t define you, but it does shape your daily conversations. "Have you tried that Italian spot? Not the one on the high street, the tucked-away one with the candlelit tables?" "Did you know the wine shop does home delivery and monthly tastings with a private chef?" "The café just over there hosts a book club on Wednesdays." Your neighborhood is your shorthand, your community, your anchor.
Peckham, My Peckham
Oh, and my postcode has changed often. I’ve moved across the city—Clapton, Hackney Wick, Bermondsey, Tower Bridge Moorings—but these days, when someone asks where I live, I say Peckham. "Whereabouts?" they ask. "Just across from Nola," I tell the coffee lovers. "Four minutes from Jumbi," for the music heads. "Let's do an SE excursion," some suggest. So, this guide is for them—for those who want to explore my Peckham, one plate (and pint) at a time.
Breakfast & Brunch
The Begging Bowl
If you’re in the mood for something heartier, the Thai-inspired breakfast at The Begging Bowl is a must. The coconut and turmeric eggs with roti are a revelation, and the rich, punchy flavors make it worth the inevitable weekend queue.
Website: thebeggingbowl.co.uk
Instagram: @beggingbowl
Lunch Stops & Quick Bites
M. Manze
A Peckham institution. Traditional pie and mash, swimming in liquor (the parsley sauce, not booze). It’s one of the few places where London’s past meets its present, and if you’re feeling brave, the jellied eels are a rite of passage.
Website: manze.co.uk
Instagram: @mmanzepieandmash
Peckham Cellars
A wine bar, yes, but also a perfect lunch spot if you like good food with your midday glass of something crisp. The rotating small plates menu leans European—think burrata with seasonal fruit or a rich, buttery croque monsieur.
Website: peckhamcellars.co.uk
Instagram: @peckhamcellars
Where to Work & Drink
Forza Wine
A rooftop bar with stunning views of London, excellent natural wine, and the kind of snack menu that turns into dinner. Grilled flatbreads, nduja croquettes, and their famous tiramisu—all best enjoyed with the city skyline as your backdrop.
Website: forzawine.com
Instagram: @forzawine
Dinner & Drinks
Artusi
One of Peckham's best Italian spots. The menu changes daily, but expect simple, perfectly executed dishes like pappardelle with slow-cooked beef ragu or silky panna cotta. The wine list is as carefully curated as the food.
Website: artusi.co.uk
Instagram: @artusi_peckham
Levan
A modern European restaurant that does sharing plates right. The comté fries are legendary, and the menu is a masterclass in balance—rich, light, comforting, and surprising all at once.
Website: levanlondon.co.uk
Instagram: @levanlondon
Smokey Kudu
For cocktails, Smokey Kudu is the move. A small, dimly lit bar under the railway arches, it serves inventive drinks with South African influences. Order the 'Salted Banana Old Fashioned' and thank me later.
Website: kuducollective.com
Instagram: @kuducollective
This is my Peckham. A mix of old and new, quick bites and slow dinners, early coffees and late-night drinks. If you're in the neighborhood, welcome. If you're not, consider this an invitation.
From SE15 with love.
