The best bars in Peckham

Helmed by Rhythm Section boss Bradley Zero, Jumbi is a hi-fi bar in Peckham where dancing is not just encouraged, but irresistible. Jumbi sees a steady stream of weekly events – from DJs at the weekends, to live music, open decks and quieter book clubs during the week – plus, they also serve a menu of Afro-Caribbean bangers (think curried chicken, oxtail stew, plantain nachos, patties and doubles). It’s worth checking out for the rum roasted pineapple alone.

Londoners continue to make the annual pilgrimage to this Peckham multi-storey car park’s roof for a Campari. The summer pop–up (typically from May to September) plays host to hundreds and the bar’s striking red tarpaulin cover has become as iconic as those sunset views. All walks of life make the trip to tick Frank’s off their London bucket list, so come early to avoid disappointment.

As its name suggests, the mood is set to funky at this bar on Peckham Rye. On a doodle-strewn menu, the list of cocktails is as tight as a Chaka Khan chorus. Cocktails include a banana-infused Aperol spritz, the ‘Holy Negroni’ with kombucha and a martini made with oolong tea. If all that sounds a bit too much, hit up the stacked natural wine menu.

Peckham is hardly short on rooftop bars. It basically invented the modern model with Frank’s, but alas, most of the neighbourhood’s sky-high watering holes close in winter. For views in any season, head to Forza Wine, a bar with the best of both worlds: an outdoor, bench-filled terrace and an indoor area with tall tables and glass doors revealing that stupidly special skyline. Frozen picantes and raspberry daiquiris are the move on a sunny afternoon, while negronis and old fashioneds will keep you warm on drearier days.

This is a neighbourhood joint so relaxed and laidback, you’d think nothing of popping in for a drink and snack on any day of the week. But, unlike many local joints, it manages to pair this breezy atmosphere with exceptional food and an impressive wine list worth making a long journey on the Overground for. (It’s officially a Michelin Bib Gourmand-winning spot, if you needed any convincing.) It’s no surprise the place has attracted such attention. The collected CVs of the three friends who started it up in 2019 read like an anthology of London’s hottest restaurants: Spring, Quo Vadis, BAO, Rovi and Morito are all on the list.

Levan is your go-to place in the area for ‘Modern European’ cuisine, but sister venue next door, Bar Levan, is dedicated to natural wine. Pop in for a long, brilliant list of by-the-glass choices every night, plus French-inspired small plates like earthy terrine and languid, oily anchovies.

Brought to Peckham by the people behind pioneering east London nightclub The Cause and Hackney Wick venue All My Friends, The Greyhound comes with big screens for sport and a menu of burgers, pies and Sunday roasts. It also features a roomy basement that’s perfect for dancing, and a quality roster of local DJs, collectives and record labels stop by to spin tunes on weekends. Fridays and Saturdays get pretty lively, but you’re always likely to get a seat, and you’ll hear some good tunes too. 

Another railway arch, another great bar. This craft brewery in Peckham throws open its doors from Tuesday to Sunday, letting locals drink directly from the source. There are 20 taps to sample from – don’t miss the ever-popular Peckham Pils – and a few picnic benches to fight over in the courtyard at the front.  

Bussey Rooftop Bar is visable from across the way at the ever-swarming Frank’s Café and should be considered as more than just a back-up plan when that rival rooftop is at capacity. Five storeys up, there’s bench seating, plenty of plant life and cocktails and craft ales to choose from. Take in the skyline a bit more at leisure.

A dedicated classic and retro arcade games bar, The Four Quarters is the place to go if you want to brush up on your 'Street Fighter II' skills or just revel in nostalgia by playing 'Pac Man' until neon ghosts haunt your nightmares. Choose from craft beers and cocktails in between gaming tournaments.

Kiln rooms, artists’ studios, co-working spaces, a club in a record store and spaghetti in a shed: it’s hard to imagine a cooler bit of town than Peckham’s Copeland Park. And at the centre is the Social, a youthful drinking spot with a banging soundsystem. Grab an outdoor picnic bench and soak up the artsy vibes.

Across Beer Rebellion’s 16 taps (six cask and 10 keg) you’ll find grog from south London regulars Fourpure, Siren and Gipsy Hill, plus some revered breweries from further afield in the UK. As well as familiar scuffed up furniture within, there’s a decent sized seating area out front where you can view the comings and goings of Queen’s Road.