NEIGHBOURHOOD TOURS IS OUR NEW SERIES WHERE ONE OF OUR TEAM MEMBERS WALKS US THROUGH THEIR FAVOURITE NEIGHBOURHOOD IN LONDON.
Tommy has been creating content for all our brands and venues since April 2022. He spends most of his free time on a quest to find a use for his abnormally long arms with recent endeavours of swimming and next up, boxing.
WHICH NEIGHBOURHOOD ARE YOU TAKING US ROUND?
Peckham
BEST PLACE FOR COFFEE?
Nola
Strong coffee when you need a dose of jet fuel to navigate the chaotic and ever changing currents of Peckham Rye Highstreet or regenerating before the Sunday Boot Sale. Service here is big, bold and beautiful which fortunately contradicts the clean minimal interior which if it was any other business would make you feel less than. The owner Anthony has clearly worked very hard to put heart into Nola and it's felt by all that enter. Display sandwiches, bagels and very naughty sweet treats lay seductively under a glass cabinet as you order, if you do make eye contact with the cinnamon swirl there is no resisting so don't waste time thinking of reasons to indulge. For bigger appetites there is a english muffin stuffed with all the grown-up toppings of smoked salmon, cream cheese, capers and red onions.
GO TO ORDER?
For the perfect return to humanity follow this combination closely: oat late for a long drink to watch the world go by accompanied with a cheese + marmite swirl to help take in the entire warmth of Nola and the best of Peckham's neighbours it becons in throughout the day.
Visit yourself:
NOLA was dreamt, designed and built by local couple Anthony and Josephine. They spent the last 6 years touring the world in their band Oh Wonder using coffee as a way to explore. After abruptly cancelling their 2020 world tour due to the pandemic, Anthony and Josephine used lockdown to focus on their neighbourhood. NOLA is an embodiment of all their favourite experiences of cafes around the world distilled into one beautiful space.
224 Rye Lane
Peckham
SE15 4NL
BEST PLACE FOR BREAKFAST?
Crossways Cafe
I'm a little bit hesitant to share this jewel with the world but alas it is time. Crossways Cafe (really pronounced Caff) has been at my families beconing call for 3 generations now, I remember my Grandad taking me here to eat when off school, catching up with my Dad on the weekend and now it is my saving grace for when the hangover wont be banished a berocca and porridge. The interior is a fuss-free zone which lends its appeal to the affordable menu which always provides what you need - exactly when you need it. During the week and Saturdays you'll be comforted with a full-house of builders and labourers who know how to eat well, a welcome return to reality.
GO TO ORDER?
My order is a full english, extra hashbrown and black pudding.
Visit yourself:
It comes with the standard formica tables and fixed plastic seats. Food is nothing special, but covers all the greasy spoon bases. Special shout out for the fact that is has been around since before the Second World War.
93 Evelina Road
Nunhead
SE15 3HL
BEST PLACE FOR LUNCH?
A short walk to Kartuli on Lordship Lane for some fresh air and Georgian delights will do you the world of good. I escape into my book of the moment with either a chicken baje sandwhich with walnut spread and Georgian spices or the soup of the day served with stone baked Shoti bread. They have an mouth watering wine list and star studded dishes in the evenings if you wanted to fully enjoy an authentic Georgian experience.
GO TO ORDER?
A book, stuffed sandwich and a tea over 2 hours
Visit yourself:
Kartuli is a restaurant and wine shop presenting the best authentic Georgian cuisine and wines in one of the most beautiful and historic buildings of East Dulwich. Their aim is simple: to demonstrate the world-renowned Georgian tradition of hospitality through the production of beautifully cooked and presented classic Georgian dishes that might be found at any Georgian feast or, cooked with love, in any Georgian home.
65 Lordship Lane
East Dulwich
SE22 8EP
BEST PLACE FOR DINNER?
Kudu Grill
Dark and smoky, like the best things in life Kudu instantly makes you feel like the star in a classic hollywood film about the drop a killer plot twist. Kudu has a supernatural power to heighten any celebration or event with it's velvet curtains, luxurious cocktails and irrisitble menu with signature stars and seasonal guest appearances.
GO TO ORDER?
Grilled prawns with peri-peri sauce to start. For mains share with the lucky person you brought the Dry aged T-bone, beer pickle onion, treacle bordelaise with a portion of beef fat crispy fingerling potatos. Melktert choux bun with jasmine ice cream to finish.
Visit yourself:
Kudu Grill is an open fire braai restaurant based in an old Truman’s pub. Gusty flavour packed dishes are cooked over the flame in true South African style. Think seasonal British food given a South African twist, with plenty of smokey notes from the wood and charcoal grill. They've also launched a Sunday roast which is amazing.
57 Nunhead Lane
London
SE15 3TR
BEST PLACE FOR DRINKS?
Zapoi (no website!)
This is THE most romantic bar in London, to prove it their instagram purposefully has no photos so you fully experience the paradise in person. The interiors is a spellbinding combination of cascading foliage, raw arcitecture, vintage furniture, a sea of warm dim lighting and a relaxed atomsphere. The exceptional team create sensational specials but if you just want a classic the'yll hand make whatever your heart desires. I spout a Moscow Mule for a momentary holiday bliss and sink into a velvet armchair to let London's damage wash away into the ether. Perfect for gossiping with a workmate, impressing a date or spending quality time with your favourite Aunt.
GO TO ORDER?
Moscow Mule
Visit yourself:
Zapoi bar opened Summer 2019 and it was an instant hit. You may struggle to find the shabby-chic bar as it’s yet to get a sign, website or social channels - but this just adds to its elusive charm. Zapoi brings a stylish vintage-style bar to Peckham high street. The mismatched floral seating, distressed walls, vintage furniture and botanical decor really epitomizes the shabby chic vibe. It’s a spacious bar spanning across two floors, downstairs you will find the bar serving craft cocktails and upstairs a chill-out lounge area with sofas and comfy seating.
138 Rye Lane
London
SE15 4RZ
WILDCARD RECOMMENDATION
The White Horse is the heartbeat of Peckham and many's second home. My parents had their engagement party here back in the 90's and they've provided space for many of my birthdays, DJ's to drown out a bad tinder dates or distraction from the grumbles with the pool table as I wait for a late night table at Miss Tapas down the road. You'll find the best of all walks of life here and the food offering has grown to match that demand with a guest spot kitchen, currently featuring Mike's Barbaoa coal cooked Caribbean and of course their legendary Sunday Roasts.
GO TO ORDER?
Rum and Coke every time.
Visit yourself:
Sat on the corner of Peckham Rye, The White Horse is a historical pub that balances old school aesthetics with contemporary sensibilities.The White Horse has been serving the good people of SE15 since the early 1800’s, with Parched taking the reigns in 2014. Combining old school values with contemporary consideration, this neighbourhood pub is now a much loved local that’s fun all the week through.
20-22 Peckham Rye
London
SE15 4JR
White Horse Instagram
