globetravelguide-blog

[globetravelguide-blog]

Peckham Picks

Name: Florence Nettle Higgs

Role: Head of PR & Events

Where do you live?: Peckham, SE15

1) You matched with a stunner on tinder and they’ve agreed to go for dinner and drinks in the local areas. Where do you take them?

Well! I like an activity on a date, so I’d take them to Peckham Peculiar pub to sit in the garden and have a large white wine (well…maybe a few). If it’s going well and I like them I would take them to Ghost Notes. It’s a cool gig venue, and always has some different genre event going on throughout the week — I’d also like to see if he can handle a week night! Peckham Levels is must-go, it’s a converted four story car park full of amazing, authentic activities, food and drinks. Probably the best thing to happen to London in recent years, combining community with young professionals from all different backgrounds and industries, giving them that platform to do anything they want. The community manager, Kwabena, is very inspiring - if you haven’t been, GO!

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2) The date went well but you wake up the morning after with a tequila-induced hangover. Determined not to call this day a ‘write-off’, you head out to your favourite brunch spot. Where do you go?

In the summer it has to be Franks. This rooftop bar has a small but delicate menu, with a range of ciders, beers and cocktails as well. Franks overlooks the whole of London and its amazing view means it’s always so busy (queues for miles). It has a young and social atmosphere and you can find people from all over the world checking the Peckham sunset out. To get to the top you have to go up a barbie pink staircase (very instagrammable btw), up to a huge rooftop in front you will see whatever sculptures on the cards that week! Fun Fact: The band, Jungle, filmed a music video there... but I can't remember which one.

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3) The parents have called and they’re coming over to see your new gaff. You need to convince them that you’ve got your life together and don’t spend your Sundays in your PJs . Think, suave and swanky. You all hop in the Uber Exec. Where do you go?

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Well after wiping the make-up off my face from the night before and putting on some half decent clothes and lippy, I would take them to Artusi, a modern Italian. Mum loves the outstanding presentation, and the customer service is impeccable! My dad always wants to discuss wine with a meal and Artusi are so clued up on it!

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4) It’s pissing it down outside but you want to get out the house. Where’s the best place to chill?

Peckhamplex! It’s London’s most popular independent cinema and round the corner from my flat. It only costs £4.99 for a ticket — absolute bargain.You can’t go wrong with popcorn, a large drink and a tub of Ben and Jerry’s.

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5) In traditional British fashion, it’s stopped raining and is now a sweltering 30 degrees outside. Your Whatsapp groups are pinging like mad and your mates are demanding organised fun. Where do you take them in your area?

I would meet everyone at the local off license and get the ingredients for a summer cocktail, some malibu and lychee juice, a pack of ice, lime, cutters choice and coconut oil — then go sit on Peckham Rye Common with a pack of cards.

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6) You’ve been out and about all day. Where do you go for some late night drinks with your friends?

I’d head over to Peckham Springs where I’d sit outside with my e-cig and drink ‘The best value cocktails in the whole of London’. Then I’d try gather my friends up and walk round to the Bussey Building and see what events are going on. If it looks good I’d go — especially if it’s the South London Soul Train night. If you want an early morning (7am) finish then Rye Wax is the one; it’s got some sick underground names.

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7) After a long day in the office, all you want is a pint of lager and a bag of nuts. Best boozer for the job?

All I want after work is a pint of cold Guiness and a pool table, so I’d call my mate Shauna and head to the White Horse, it has an amazing outside seating area and Jeff and Nicky behind the bar are amazing!

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8) It’s the week before payday but you don’t want beans on toast again, where do you eat for under a tenner?

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The chicken shop in front of Canavan’s, I like to talk about my boy troubles with Osman.

9) Enough of the drinking, let’s go be cultural. I’m talking an informative and educational day out and about. Museums, galleries or exhibitions. Where do you go?

I’d always check what’s going on down Peckham Road. South London Galleryis renowned for showcasing emerging and established artists through exhibitions, installations, live art and graffiti. I loved the ‘Welcome to Iraq’ exhibition recently, that showcased eleven contemporary artists all from the Middle East. They have a fab exhibition on at the moment and it’s free — so definitely worth the trip.

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10) And finally, what spot is massively overrated and should be avoided at all costs?

Wetherspoons — I’ve never been a fan.

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https://www.koalago.co/london-under-30

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YOUR DAY IN LONDON UNDER £30

Here at Koala, we want to provide you with the real version of our cities. We want you to explore all the city has to offer with real knowledge from locals and the people in the know. We search for the best spots so you don’t have to.

So, you have got yourself to London with that three connection airplane ticket – you are tired as shit and you have no money to go party with the other tourists in Leicester square (aw shit did we just ruin the illusion for you that this was cool…..). Thankfully, you have Koala here to guide you through having a baller day on a budget.

The great thing about London is that you can essentially see all of the sights for free. Now we know these guys have to monetise the public purse and charge for amusement at certain venues but ultimately seeing the beautiful architecture and getting that selfie in front of shit for your mum is easily attainable.

Taking this into account, get the tube to Tower Hill and as you exit you will be greeted by the beautiful Tower of London and Tower bridge (two different things …. Who knew !! ).

Beautiful to see and free to walk across. This is the start of the Thames River walk – stay on the river on the southside and you will get to see Tower Bridge, HMS Belfast, the mayor’s office, Borough Market, the Shard, Shakespeare’s Globe, the Tate, St. Pauls Cathedral, Southbank, the London Eye and then the final river spot will be Big Ben (currently sleeping) and the Houses of Parliament/ Westminster Abbey (think Joey and Chandler in Friends moment). Food and drink options are cheap along the route and there really is no better way to see London.

If you are feeling energetic at Westminster you can continue the route to check out Buckingham Palace, 10 Downing Street (check for current prime minister at time of reading lols), Trafalgar Square, SoHo and all the West End has to offer. Remember, we started at Tower Bridge yet this is all in a day’s stroll – you will deserve that pint in the evening but feel like you have really experienced London in the process (while not feeling like a tourist). Full disclosure, we use this route on our families/ friends when they come to visit because it is bearable for a Londoner…………. LOLS.

It's worth noting all the museums and art galleries are FREE to enter (they do push a donation but not mandatory). The Imperial War Museum south of the river is a hidden gem and beautiful to see – this might not be as busy as the bigger players. We also recommend the Whitechapel art gallery for the same reason. Visit London showcases all the best sights in one article.

Night time is a little tougher to keep it cheap, but London has many great markets and venues offering good value experiences. Mercato Metropolitano in elephant and castle is a hidden gem Italian food court, cinema and bar venue with many good value offerings and a great atmosphere inside. Southbank has a summer rooftop bar with incredible views of London and why not then go checkout a show at the Underbelly Festival (tickets starting at £5). We suspect though all the walking will lead to a chilled evening...or not.