Once it was all doom and gloom as Peckham’s reputation for violent crime preceded it. However, like Hackney and Dalston before it, the area is changing and regeneration has seen a rise in popularity for the South London district. In both the Bussey Building and the futuristic Peckham Library it has architecture worth visiting for and the diversity of the neighbourhood is evident in the shops and cafes that have begun to spread. We take a look at some of Peckham’s places of interest.
Frank’s Café and Campari Bar
Frank’s Café and Campari Bar is the seasonal car park bar that is at least partially responsible for the increased numbers of people wandering down to Peckham during the summer. Bar by night, café and art installation by day, it is one of London’s hippest venues and it is 100% Peckham. The views over the city are incredible and they do a fine Negroni too. Just a shame it only opens from July to September.
Persepolis
Persepolis is a beacon of hope for independent produce shops and its popularity in Peckham is well deserved. Selling all things Iranian, the sign says it all, ‘Persepolis… for a taste of Persia.’ There is Persian tea and snacks served in the miniature café, fresh produce, Persian food hampers, handmade crafted goods, cookware and books. If you needed a reason to visit Peckham then Persepolis alone would make it worth your while.
Threads
Vintage clothing shop Threads is one of South London’s gems with a collection of well-sourced clothing, shoes and accessories. And as well as vintage the shop is also home to the burgeoning fashion label Koro Kimono. Located on Bellenden Road, the front half of the shop is filled with vintage treasures from cowboy boots to overcoats and the backroom is a studio-cum-showroom dedicated to creating the in-house range of kimonos, which are also available to buy here.
Peckham Farmers Market
What do the Peckham middle classes do when they don’t fancy the delights of Persepolis and its Persian delicacies? They just head for the Peckham Farmers Market on Sundays and stock up for the week. It isn’t huge but gentrification has got to start somewhere and what better way than with a farmers market? The folk of nearby Brockley will soon be turning up outside the library on Sunday mornings and wanting their share of the fish, meat, cheese and freshly baked bread.
Anderson and Co
Anderson & Co is a café and deli on Peckham’s Bellenden Road. They serve Friday night dinners using locally sourced ingredients but primarily operate a daytime outfit that provides coffee loving Peckhamites with their caffeine fix. The small, sleek shop has that neutral colour/country kitchen thing going on, which is almost as pleasing as the taste of their coffee and pastries.
The Bussey Building
At over 120-years-old, The Bussey Building is doing well to be looking so fresh. But perhaps that has something to do with its new use as a staging post for an arts and events scene that celebrates the new and the up-and-coming. With art, theatre, live music, DJs and dance The Bussey Building (or CLF Art Café) is the arts centre at the heart of the changing appeal of Peckham.
Street Spotlight: Peckham
It may not be quite there yet but Peckham is attracting amorous glances with its arts scene, shops and architecture.
Published Apr 22, 2014