The skyscrapers are far from Peckham
Why are young London professionals moving to Peckham , or at least, are they thinking about it?
In another time, Peckham was one of the most underprivileged of the British capital. Nowadays, however, helped by the great improvement of the transportation Thanks to the arrival of the Overground (Commuter line) in 2012, this London district is yet another example of gentrification .
Thus, it is a place where young newcomers to the neighborhood -although, yes, generally, with more economic resources than lifelong residents-, they are causing big changes . And it shows: in 2016, the district of southwark -where the neighborhood of Peckham is located- experienced a rise in the average purchasing power 5.3%, ten times more than the country's average.
Furthermore, it is no longer just about the arrival of transport: the mix of cultures , with a strong presence of Nigerians - more than a third of the population of Southwark was born there, and a large percentage of the rest, abroad; markets that smell authentic; street life and how close it is to some of the best art schools of the country, have made many young people who work in the creative industries move to this neighborhood.
You will want to do the same after reading this article: here are the essentials to pass a good day in Peckham.
Graffiti and gentrification go hand in hand
You can start the day in Brick House Cafe , a bakery-cafeteria with lots of natural light and decoration industrial , with high ceilings and large windows, which serves one of the best loaves of bread of the capital, the Peckham Rye.
They specialize in breads made with sourdough and they all have an elaboration process that lasts two days . The coffee they serve is Square Mile , a complete guarantee, and perfect for dipping some of its delicious buns for breakfast.
A Pedler will see and be seen. It is one of those places that is always packed at ** brunch ** time, and it has all the ingredients to be a Favourite neighborhood: interesting menu, but without being too daring; cute decoration; photogenic cocktails and hip staff.
The brunch menu ranges from dishes with eggs cooked in a thousand ways (poached, fried, in pancakes, with bacon) to cod with mussels in white wine, chickpea curry or fish pie. Also, the cocktails range from the classic Negroni to mixed with sherry.
Pedler is 'too much'
The Peckhamplex presumed to be the cinema cheaper of London, and the truth is that it may be true: tickets cost £4.99 , a rarity in a city where movie prices are always over ten pounds.
But, in addition to its price, it has another attraction: since it opened in 1994, in addition to blockbusters, it projects independent movies and in original version.
a coffee of Old Spike Roastery it is a delight, and not only because it is roasted with grains from different origins; In addition, it is a company with a social character that offers support and guidance to people who live in situations of helplessness due to not having a home.
However, if you're more into a pint of beer than coffee, Brick Brewery it's your place. It is a micro brewery located under one of the arches of the train tracks, where you can drink lagers, ipas, ales and the much sought after sour beers . You will also have the opportunity to try some "guest" beers at their tap room.
In the pub Four Quarters They also serve craft beer, but with an eighties twist: they have a game room the old way, with video games ranging from the nba jam to Tetris or Tron.
Everyone wants to be in the Tap Room at Brick Brewery
Some shopping before dinner? make them in Khan's Bargain , one of the most recognized businesses in the neighborhood. What does it sell? Of everything. You have to go in, even if it's just out of curiosity.
The selection of books Review always worth it, especially if you are interested in contemporary fiction . A stop at the deli is also necessary which is General Store , one of those stores whose mere existence gets increase the price of the houses around him, perhaps because his presence is indicative of the new profile that lives in the neighborhood.
It is also recommended to visit Persepolis , a deli and café focused on the cuisine of Middle East, and whose owner has already published three cookbooks specialized. Finally, a walk in the park Peckham Rye , where, as in so many other London parks, seeing squirrels is normal, revitalizing.
Now, yes: let's go to dinner. For example, a fast taco in Taco Queen , a Mexican in which the nachos of a tropical fruit known as jackfruit (widely used in the vegan world to mimic the texture of meat in certain sandwiches) are much talked about.
We can also have a more relaxed meal in the Force Win , a good Italian restaurant with a very careful menu, or in the celebrated Peckham Bazaar , a reliable place to try Ottoman cuisine.
After filling our stomachs, we stop at Bussey Building , where something is always cooking. It's one of the essentials , but not only from Peckham, but from all over the capital. It has a cultural offer Very complete , with activities spread over several floors: endless parties; yoga, pilates or theater classes; comedy performances; live music... We must thank the community group **Peckham Vision & The Chronic Love Foundation (CLF) ** for their efforts in preventing this space from being demolished in 2007, when the future of this concrete mass was in question.
To put the finishing touch to the night with a good party, another interesting alternative is Canavan's Peckham Pool Club . There, in addition to billiards and ping pong , has a dance floor where DJs play music of all styles until four in the morning.
Ending the night in the Bussey Building is a 'must'