Eastbound and Down - Perfect day in South East London

So you’ve read the title of this article and thought ‘Ha yeah, right. Perfect day in South East London would be going a day without being stabbed.’ Am I right? Well shame on you because despite the slightly harrowing crime statistics and ever increasing stereotype of the area being rough and dangerous South East London has plenty to offer by way of lazy weekends. We also offer it at a lower price than our neighbours north of the river which can only be a good thing in these recessionary times. So here is my definitive weekend guide to this diverse, vibrant and grossly misunderstood area of our capital city.

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    So, I think you will agree that Saturday morning must begin with a good breakfast and although there are plenty of cafes and greasey spoons that will ensure you begin your day with a full belly I have to recommend the Deptford Deli especially. Tucked away down Deptford Broadway this little gem offers a fantastic breakfast complete with their very own homemade and delicious pork sausages. It also provides plenty of vegetarian options and a wide selection of teas and coffees expertly made. There is plenty of outdoor  seating and the staff are welcoming and relaxed; it is truly the perfect way to ease yourself in to the weekend and set you up for a bit of shopping...
    The last thing you would want to attempt on a Saturday is a trip to the West End to walk around the shops. What can begin with the intention of having a peruse around the stores in Oxford Circus can end in the hard to suppress desire to clothes line the fourteen year old girls inexplicably congregated outside Topshop. Give that potential tragedy a miss and give Deptford Market a visit which is held every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday on Deptford High Street. Offering everything you could hope to expect from an East End market and giving a little something extra hidden away in a car park located opposite Griffin Street with an Aladdin’s cave of secondhand wonders. To the naked eye this complete mish mash of stalls may not seem to compare to Portabello or Spitalfields but if you have the time, which on Saturday afternoon you should have in abundunce, there can be little gems found if you rummage through the books, records, clothes and assortment of miscellaneous trinkets. The stalls are arranged chaotically and it can be a struggle to find someone to pay but it really is a delight to amble around. On my last visit I picked up three good quality hardback books, a china teapot and a record all for £4. Take that Bond Street.

    Following the seemingly labyrinthine mess of stalls you may be in need of a quick caffeine boost. For this I recommend heading towards New Cross and enjoying a coffee or tea in The London Particular. A cosy little cafe, and yes by cosy I do mean tiny but as they say the best things come in small packages and what this place lacks in space to swing a kitten it makes up for in coffee and brioche. They also provide a good menu with homemade tarts using all fresh ingredients just in case you’re feeling peckish.
    Next on the angenda a nice stroll around a park wouldn’t go a miss, weather permitting of course. Again, I here your reservations, ‘Why oh why would I take a wander through a park in South East London?’  well because Pekham Rye Park is one of the most beautiful parks in South London with flowerbeds to rival the best in the capital. Although it fell victim to neglect following the Second World War, the Friends of Peckham Rye Park (FOPRP) have been working tirelessly since 1995 to ensure this treasure of South East London never suffers from the same problems again and their efforts really are noticeable. Perfect for picnics, a game of football or just a leisurely walk around the woodland area and gardens this is a true testement to the community around the area who have done their utmost to ensure Peckham retains this urban haven.
    After exerting yourself in Peckham Rye Park I think you may be deserving of a quick tipple and for this I recommend heading in to Camberwell and taking a pint at The Tiger on the Green, a traditional style pub with nooks and crannies and bits and bobs a plenty sat on the busy junction at Camberwell Green. They have a good heartiful menu also, serving food through the day in large and tasty portions. It is frequented by the perfect balance of residents and students and the staff are friendly, in fact it is the perfect place to while away a whole Saturday if you so wish, sat in their comfy sofas reading the paper and watching the day’s sports unfold. However, this is about packing as much of South East London in to one day as possible and so don’t get too comfortable and take a short walk down the road to Angels and Gypisies for your evening meal. This tapas restaurant is truly superb, offering all you would expect from a taps restaurant with some extra little surprises also, such as their roasted pear, draped with melted ragstone goat's cheese and paper-thin serrano ham, outstandingly delicious yet elegantly simple. They use completely fresh and homegrown ingredients, such as Neal’s Yard Cheeses. It also offers a good Spanish wine list and the staff are charming and prompt, you really would be hard-pressed to find a better tapas restaurant in the capital.
    For a change of pace and a more Saturday night feeling take the short trip back in to Peckham and head to Bar Story. A distinctly unique cocktail bar situated within the railway arches of Peckham Rye station with a cool D.I.Y. atmosphere and brilliantly made cocktails. They have Happy Hour everyday from 6pm-7pm and serve good bar food all day. It has the feel of a European squat bar with a communal tone yet stylish and comfortable which is surprising given it’s location. They have frequent DJs spinning but also put on intimate gigs in the back garden area displayig the best in new musical talent. There could not be a cooler way to finish your day in South East London.