My friends who live in London all agree that Peckham, located in the south of the city, is the hottest area right now. Until 10 years ago, it was a unique community made up of a multicultural society with many African and Latino immigrants, and was known as a dangerous area where riots frequently occurred. There are no famous chain stores or entertainment districts, and it has a down-town feel with rows of independent shops, general stores, and hair salons.

Peckham Ley Station, which opened in 2012

Newly built low-rise apartment blocks around Peckham Ley Station

It seems that changes have come to Peckham over the past eight years or so. The main factor is the urban development in preparation for the 2012 London Olympics, which extended the rail line to south London. In particular, Peckham, home to many underground clubs, began to attract people in the music industry and fashionable young people, and its nightlife began to flourish. Eventually, Peckham's image and status improved, and the area continued to evolve, with an increasing number of stylish cafes and community spaces.

Under the overpass near Peckham Leigh station
I've been to Peckham many times over the past year or so, and even just going there once every few months always brings with it new shops and buildings, and I always discover something new. The busiest area is around Peckham Leigh station. After passing through a short arcade lined with traditional, locally-run greengrocers, you'll find tattoo shops and small cafes serving only coffee under the elevated railway. Honest Burger, which started as a food truck and has grown into a popular burger restaurant since opening its first London store in 2011, also has a location near the station.

A local greengrocer
Right next to it is Brick Brewery Taproom, a brasserie with a large terrace. Levan, an international restaurant that opened last year, is a favorite of mine and I find myself returning often. Using fresh, locally sourced organic ingredients, the restaurant serves creative cuisine that combines cooking techniques from around the world, and also offers an excellent selection of natural wines, which are all the rage in Europe. The restaurant offers a rotating menu of unusual and appealing dishes, such as "grilled duck heart and eggs with prune ketchup," "beef stewed in black vinegar," and "roasted scallops with black truffles."

Levan

Levan menu: roast scallops and black truffles

Another factor in Peckham's evolution into a trendy area is its proximity to two art universities: Goldsmiths and Camberwell. As part of Peckham's redevelopment plans, murals by art students have been added and streetlights have been installed to brighten up the town's atmosphere. You'll encounter brightly colored murals every time you turn a corner, creating an artistic atmosphere that helps to liven up the town.

Murals and streetlights have been installed to improve public safety.
In addition, small galleries such as Moca Gallery and Crane's Kitchen have opened in the area, earning acclaim from artists and art professionals around the world. In particular, Crane's Kitchen is located in a quiet residential area a short distance from the station, and its garden cafe in the backyard is a hidden gem that will help you forget the hustle and bustle of the city.

Crane's Kitchen

The garden cafe in the backyard of Crane's Kitchen
Co-working buildings such as Peckham Levels and Market house several floors of offices as well as bars, restaurants, yoga studios, hair salons and nightclubs. These buildings, which attract many freelance creatives, are key to building the Peckham community. I think the reason why sensitive people are no longer just "commuting" but "moving" to Peckham is largely due to the addition of coworking buildings, which have made Peckham an option for living.

Co-working space at Peckham Levels

Market

Co-working space at Market
The nightlife scene, which is one of the reasons people started flocking to Peckham, seems to be getting more and more popular. The most popular spot is CLF Art Cafe, a long-time favorite among locals. Events are held almost every night, covering a wide range of music genres, from jazz to hip-hop and reggae.

CLF Art Cafe
DIY Space For London, a venue handcrafted and run by volunteer music fans, has built a strong community as a live space that young musicians aspire to. World-renowned musicians like King Krule and Mura Masa, hugely popular among young people, have held surprise gigs and exhibitions in Peckham, and the area continues to have a strong connection to music.

DIY Space For London
Though Peckham has rapidly developed, it remains a multicultural community with many immigrants. The addition of art students, creators, musicians, and others to the area, where people of different backgrounds coexist, has given the city a new look. Visit Peckham, which has its own unique culture that is different from that of the city center, and discover a new side to London.


Go to London Trip Vol. 1
Go to London Trip Vol. 2