The spiritual home of sunset Negronis, with the staircase that launched a thousand Instagrams, Frank’s Cafe in Peckham is a smashing summer spot. And every year when it closes for the season, South London’s denizens are left eagerly awaiting its return. But rest assured: they’re back andproviding the vibes to go alongside some delightfully sunnier and warmer weather.
When Frank’s Café first opened over fifteen years ago(!), it seemed like a bit of a punt. Believe it or not, back in 2009, inviting Londoners up a piss-stained stairwell to the top of a multi-storey car park in Peckham didn’t necessarily scream ‘bang on-trend.’ But the drinks were great, the views were epic, and the space was expansive, and soon enough Frank Boxer and the Bold Tendencies crew had a bit of a hit on their hands. The rest, as they say, is history.
What to eat, drink, and do
While rival rooftop bars play to the masses with crazy golf and street food stalls, Frank’s has stayed to true to its left-field roots. The bar is actually just one part of the Bold Tendencies art gallery. When Frank’s Cafe originally opened, the wooden structure was actually considered an artwork itself and won an architecture prize.
That means that the venue is surrounded by a whole cluster of site-specific installations to appreciate. These include Richard Wentworth’s snaking, silvery ‘Agora’, which still graces the rooftop floor, and a variety of other sculptures and artworks.
This summer there will also be a programme of exciting live events themed around ‘Communion’. These include orchestral and operatic performances, book readings, album listening sessions, and plenty more.
Guests can also enjoy a revamped food menu of tasty seasonal goodies. Details are thin on the ground for now, but last year’s offering included the likes of a Pastrami Brisket Bun, Vada Pav (deep-fried spiced potato patty in a bun), and more – as well as a hefty brunch menu to boot. Put it this way: the food at Frank’s Cafe ain’t your typical rooftop grub!
To wash it all down, and sip through the night, they serve classic and contemporary cocktails, plenty of beers, and a range of wines. The Negroni is, however, almost always the way to go. It just photographs so well against the gorgeous sunsets and fits with the vibe perfectly. Otherwise, they also do a banging Frozen Paloma and a mango-led riff on the spicy margarita, the Mango Picante.
If you’re with a big group you can also share cocktail jugs that range from the ultra-summery white sangria to rum punch, and beyond. Just imagine sipping on a few of those, sat in the (sporadic) London sun. What bliss…
The sights at Frank’s Cafe
As you may have already guessed, the sunsets are pretty bloody special. The views out across the city are so good, in fact, that we even popped the car park rooftop in our guide to the best places to take in panoramic views of London.
And of course, any write-up of Frank’s Cafe has to mention THAT iconic staircase…
The unadorned stairwell was given a fresh lick of paint – well, more than a lick, if we’re honest – by artist Simon Whybray, back in 2016 as one of the site’s commissioned artworks. And every year, it returns to our Instagram feeds without fail. But we’re totally fine with that, to be honest – it’s just such a charmingly eye-poppingly pink sight!
With the full complement of Peckham Levels’ bars and restaurants on the lower floors, a rendezvous at Frank’s Cafe also comes with a handy Plan B if the weather betrays you.
To be Frank, it’s a must-visit for any trendy south Londoner’s summer.
Frank’s Cafe is open for the summer until September 14, 2024.