WHY I LOVE PECKHAM
WHY I LOVE PECKHAM
Rudolph Diesel is the head of London interior design company Rudolph Diesel Interiors. In this article, he describes areas of London that have earned a special place in his heart.
Love to look at
While there may be a lack of National Trust houses and postcard-worthy landmarks, Peckham has an engaging cultural quarter with a reputation envied across London. The Copeland Gallery is a vast exhibition, gallery and events space to admire. It’s even better when filled with one of its vintage markets – perfect for picking up a luxury interior design finishing touch.
With an exterior as handsome as the artwork inside, the South London Gallery is another Peckham highlight. The building’s period features have been retained throughout, providing the perfect foil for some exciting contemporary art collections.
And no visit to Peckham is complete without a trip to the Bussey Building. This red brick remnant of the Edwardian industrial era is a community focal point, especially its open air rooftop bar – in the spring and summer it is the place to sip sidecar cocktails and watch the sun set.
Love to shop
I love a multi-purpose shop and the General Store in Peckham ticks so many boxes. Not only are the displays up to high end interior designer standards, there are some exquisite homeware finds stocked alongside deli-style groceries and cult ingredients. If your style of buying means extensive browsing, then Peckham Levels on Rye Lane is for you. There are almost 100 local and independent creative businesses plying their trade – look out for emerging textile and print artists who can add something unique to any luxury interior.
Love to eat
A match made in heaven is Donnelly’s Street Food and Peckham Riviera, located between the bridges of Peckham Rye station. The cobbled courtyard and container bar strike the right balance of urban chic, while the burgers are something else! Keeping with the train station theme, nestled in one of Queens Road’s station arches is the Blackbird Bakery. It’s impossible to resist the freshly-made breads, brioches and chocolate brownies – dairy-free, gluten-free and vegan, if you require.
Also along Queens Road is Pedler, where the all-day menu is brimming with Asian-influenced dishes and mouth-watering sharing platters. Try the peanut butter tofu buns - you won’t be disappointed! If you like your food on the more avant garde side, try Kudu. There are plenty of ingredients on the menu that I had to Google but sound amazing!