Look, we get it. The suggestion that you should spend your day in a car park is an odd one at best. But it’s one that absolutely anyone who has visited Peckham Levels will wholeheartedly endorse. After all, housed within the six floors is a whole world of things to do.
The driving force behind Peckham Levels is to support the local community whilst simultaneously drawing in visitors. The spot provides space for local makers, creators, start-ups, and more in their co-working spaces and studios. Within these spaces, Peckham Levels counts “hundreds of local creators, makers and traders collaborat[ing] across [the] six eclectic levels.” By solving one problem for these small companies and workers – the where – they allow for the incubation and creation of London’s next companies, artists, food vendors, and much more.
It’s likely, however, that most of your time when you visit will be spent checking out the well-curated bar space on the sixth floor. There, street food traders jostle for attention, with options ranging from Korean street food brand Green Choy to sourdough pizza from Well Kneaded, West African culinary delights from Plantain Kitchen, and more. From the bar, guests can enjoy a selection of international and local craft brands and a rotating selection of seasonal cocktails. And all the while, thanks to your sixth-floor perch, you’re treated to incredible views of London.
In the mood for something lighter? On the sixth floor you’ll also find their Percolate coffee shop, where you can enjoy specialty coffee and a selection of small bites and pastries.
More than just food and drinks
There is also a variety of retail and services spread across the fifth and sixth floors. These range from The Scissors of Oz (a hair and wellness salon) to the LGBTQ+ inclusive tattoo studio Dog and Bone Tattoo, ethical artisan jewellery makers Behô Studio, and more. Some of these vendors even provide workshops and courses, sharing their own passions with the public.
And on top of all that is their dazzling event space and music venue: 450. Acting as a home for the area’s rich creative scene, 450 offers opportunities for musicians, promoters, and platforms to bring people together and strengthen the Peckham and South London community ties. Activities include the likes of weekly DJ sets, art exhibitions, maker markets, yoga sessions, storytelling experiences, and much more. Head to the Peckham Levels events page to find out more.
Upstairs, on the tippy-top rooftop of the whole affair, you’ll find Frank’s Cafe. From here you can enjoy incredible, panoramic views of London as well as a rotating selection of public art housed on the rooftop and in the surrounding area. Oh, and plenty of further food and drink options, of course!
There’s lots to do at Peckham Levels. Although, ironically, the only thing you can’t do here anymore is park your car… But that’s hardly a loss given how much it has brought to the community.
Peckham Levels