SC Guide — Peckham’s Best Restaurants
By Something CuratedPeckham proudly maintains its longstanding reputation for being a cultural smorgasbord, vibrant, genuine and, at times, eccentric. With the development of the Overground some years ago, the area has become a notably popular spot for students, creatives and young families. Joining the area’s existing social amalgam, this influx of new tenants has led to the inevitable opening of new restaurants and cultural spaces. Boasting menus inspired by every continent, Something Curated selects some of the most promising eateries that have recently opened around Peckham.
The Begging Bowl || Jane Alty & Jamie Younger
The brainchild of head chef and co-owner Jane Alty, The Begging Bowl is the mingling of her 16 years of experience working for restaurants like Nahm and Bibendum as well as her love of Thailand. “The inspiration for our food comes from every province of Thailand,” she explains. “We explore all the wonderful regionality of Thai food, from the creamy curries of the Muslim south to the fiery grilled meats from Issan in the North East. We use specialist ingredients such as hog plum, rambutan, rose apple, banana blossoms and apple aubergines and source them fresh to retain their flavour, rather than waiting for them to go into storage like many ingredients imported from Asia.”
The Begging Bowl – 168 Bellenden Road, London SE15 4BW
Kudu || Amy Corbin & Patrick Williams
Fronted by Amy Corbin and Patrick Williams, Kudu offers a menu rooted in the pair’s South African heritage, with dishes like braai cauliflower served with raisin purée and purple kale, and the mussel potjie with seaweed gnocchi. Amy, who grew up working in hospitality is daughter of Chris Corbin, of Corbin & King, while Patrick, who will head up the kitchen at Kudu, was previously sous chef at Paradise Garage.
Kudu – 119 Queen’s Road, London SE15 2EZ
Pedler || Tim Moore & Taskin Muzaffer
Taking over the site that used to be occupied by African bistro Delta Tavern, Pedler is run by Tim Moore and Taskin Muzaffer, who are both Peckham residents and founders of the batch produced gin brand Little Bird, a spirit made with orange and ginger, along with more conventional gin botanicals. The pair’s commitment to local-sourcing is one of the few things linking the dishes served, which fuse influences from Britain, Italy and the Mediterranean, as well as the Caribbean and Asia.
Pedler – 58 Peckham Rye, London SE15 4JR
Artusi || Jack Beer
Opened in 2014, Artusi is an Italian-inspired neighbourhood restaurant, featuring a decidedly simple menu, which changes throughout the week to reflect the best seasonal produce available. The eatery sources ingredients from select international suppliers and London markets, including local butchers Flock & Herd and grocers Natoora, as well as wines from a range of Italian regions via Tutto Wines. The venue’s pared-back décor comprises of a slate-grey ceiling and white walls, practical wooden tables and an open kitchen. Understatedly furnished, the restaurant offers a family-style sharing menu, and a large banquet table, seating eighteen, perfect for celebrating special occasions in a relaxed manner.
Artusi – 161 Bellenden Road, London SE15 4DH
Peckham Bazaar || John Gionleka
The pan-Balkan restaurant, founded by John Gionleka, who originally relocated to London with plans of entering a Greek Orthodox seminary, which luckily for us never happened, serves delicious dishes inspired by his native Albania, its Balkan neighbours and influences from further afield. Peckham Bazaar’s eclectic ethos extends to its interior and location. Situated on a quiet residential street in what was almost certainly a pub in a previous lifetime, the tightly spaced tables and dim lighting make for a cosy, intimate experience.
Peckham Bazaar – 119 Consort Rd, London SE15 3RU
Aside|| Robert J Dunne
From the team behind Coal Rooms and Spike & Earl comes Aside, a modern British restaurant serving hyper seasonal dishes, relishing in bold local flavours. Buried in an unassuming residential side of Peckham, the restaurant’s minimal interior offers a comfortable setting to enjoy beautifully constructed sharing plates and a distinct edit of wines.
Aside – 56 Goldsmith Rd, London SE15 5TF
Feature image via Kudu