Introduction
Peckham (SE15) is one of South London’s most exciting and talked-about
neighbourhoods. With its electric mix of cultures, creativity, and constant reinvention,
Peckham has transformed from a once-overlooked district into a hotspot for artists,
foodies, and young professionals. Despite the gentrification headlines, Peckham has
retained its soul — proudly multicultural, full of energy, and unapologetically itself. It’s
a place where a Nigerian supermarket sits next to a vegan taco bar, and where
street art and brutalist architecture coexist with rooftop yoga and cinema.
Housing & Transport
Peckham’s property market reflects its character: diverse, dynamic, and full of
contrasts. Bellenden Road is a go-to for those seeking picturesque Victorian
terraces and a strong sense of community — think sash windows, front gardens,
and independent shops just around the corner. Lyndhurst Way and the surrounding
streets are popular for their handsome period homes, leafy atmosphere, and
proximity to both culture and calm.
First-time buyers and creatives often gravitate towards converted flats, ex-local
authority properties, and newer developments clustered around Peckham Rye
Station. The area has seen significant investment in recent years, with stylish new
builds popping up along Rye Lane and nearby side streets.
Transport is one of Peckham’s biggest advantages. Peckham Rye Station offers
Overground services to Shoreditch, Canada Water, and Clapham Junction, plus
National Rail links to London Bridge, Victoria, and Blackfriars.
Buses are plentiful and reliable, and cyclists benefit from flat terrain and growing infrastructure.
Lifestyle & Culture
Peckham thrives on creativity. It’s long been a magnet for artists, musicians, and
designers, and that energy pulses through its streets. The Bussey Building — once
a warehouse, now a multi-level cultural hub — hosts everything from immersive
theatre to rooftop cinema, DJ nights, and yoga classes. Just across the way,
Peckham Levels offers street food, co-working spaces, art installations, and pop-up
events across several floors of a converted car park.
But it’s not all about reinvention — Peckham’s community spirit runs deep. There’s a
strong grassroots culture, with local collectives running galleries, workshops, and
festivals. The annual Peckham Festival showcases local talent and celebrates the
area’s diverse voices, while institutions like the South London Gallery and Bold
Tendencies bring high-calibre art into everyday spaces.
Shoppers will find everything from Afro-Caribbean markets and fabric shops to indie
bookstores and sustainable lifestyle boutiques. Rye Lane may be chaotic, but it’s
also full of life — noisy, colourful, and very much the heart of the neighbourhood.
Food & Drink
Peckham’s food scene is as bold and varied as its community.
Highlights include:
Mr. Bao: cult favourite Taiwanese buns with a local twist.
Peckham Cellars: wine bar and bistro with a seasonal, modern European menu.
Kudu: contemporary South African-influenced fine dining with serious style.
Ganapati: beloved South Indian restaurant tucked away on Holly Grove.
Forza Wine: rooftop Italian small plates and sweeping skyline views.
You’ll also find world cuisines in abundance — Caribbean takeaways, Nigerian jollof
joints, Vietnamese noodle houses, and Turkish grill spots. Whether it’s a night out or
a Sunday morning coffee run, Peckham has a venue (and vibe) to match.
Pubs and bars are equally eclectic, from long-time local hangouts like The
Montpelier to newer crowd-pleasers like The Prince of Peckham, which blends
Caribbean food with live events and late-night energy.
Schools & Family Life
As Peckham matures, more families are putting down roots. Schools like The
Belham Primary School (run by the Dulwich Hamlet Educational Trust) and Harris
Academy Peckham have helped shift perceptions, providing solid educational
options and community involvement.
There are several nurseries and playgroups in the area, and the proximity to
Peckham Rye Park — with its ornamental gardens, woodland walks, and adventure
playground — makes it a hit with kids and parents alike.
While Peckham retains its edgy, urban energy, there’s plenty here for families who
want culture and convenience in equal measure.
Local Tips & Highlights
– Head to the Rooftop Film Club atop the Bussey Building for an open-air
cinema with skyline views.
– Choumert Road hosts pop-up galleries and street food — and transforms
completely during the Peckham Festival.
– Try Coal Rooms at Peckham Rye Station for upscale dining in a former ticket
office.
– Peckham is full of unexpected green spaces — from Burgess Park’s lake
and BBQ areas to the peaceful Peckham Rye Common.
– Keep an eye on CLF Art Lounge, a relatively new jazz and cocktail venue
with big plans.