If you’re wondering where Nunhead is, don’t worry, you’re not the only one. Located right next to Peckham, this south London neighbourhood often flies under the radar to the point where a lot of local Londoners don’t even know it’s here. And fair enough, Nunhead is an up and coming residential neighbourhood on the borders of Lewisham and Southwark respectively. Nunhead is known for its spacious leafy parks, stunning views due to its hilly landscapes, high streets filled with independent shops and grocers and their traditional Victorian boozers. In my opinion, an underrated spot worth discovering especially during sunny times in the capital.
1. Grab a pint at the iconic 200-year-old pub Skehans
Skehans pub is a staple for Nunhead locals, neighbours from Peckham and art school students. It’s got everything you need: karaoke, traditional live Irish music nights, quizzes, pool tables, darts and great Thai food making it one of the best boozers in town. Perfect for cold weather and summer times with their massive terrace – Skehans is a must go if you’re ever around Nunhead.
📍1 Kitto Road, SE14 5TW.
2. Take a stroll through Nunhead Cemetery
In the first half of the 19th century, London’s population very quickly doubles from one million people to over two. As a result, seven large cemeteries known as the “Magnificent Seven” were built. And perhaps one of the lesser-known of the seven is Nunhead Cemetery. Despite being under the radar, the cemetery is just as stunning as the others. Abandoned in the 20th century, Victorian architecture is seen through elaborate memorials and gothic graves with vines covering the gravestones and tombs. The central path lined with towering trees makes the cemetery a beautiful place to walk through, relax and observe nature.
📍Nunhead Cemetery, Linden Grove, SE15 3LP.
3. Admire panoramic views of London at Telegraph Hill
Just a stone’s throw away from Skehans, the upper fields of Telegraph Hill Park give you one of the most epic panoramic views of London. A perfect date spot with your loved one or picnic spot with your pals, Telegraph Hill is a stunningly underrated spot. In the summer, you can also book out tennis courts for a game and as the weather gets colder you can nip into the cozy Hill Station cafe for a warm drink or back into Skehans on your way down the hill for a pint.
📍Kitto Road, SE14 5TN.
4. Grab a pizza at Dinner For One Hundred
Dinner For One Hundred is a solid pizza spot right behind Telegraph Hill located outside of Hill Station Cafe and so it can fund and feed all of your park picnics. They have a stunning menu with loads of veggie and meat options. My go to order is that Jèsus pizza – tomato, basil, fior di latte, pepperoni, jalapeno with their nduja dip on the side. Heaven! Just grab a few pizzas and cocktails and park yourself on the grass with the views of London right in front of you, now isn’t that a perfect summer’s day?
5. Beautify your home and garden with gorgeous plants from the Nunhead Gardener
London isn’t exactly thin on the ground when it comes to picturesque plant shops and glorious garden centres, but if you tell us that there’s a little horticultural haven nestled inside a railway arch at Nunhead station; you can bet your bottom dollar that we’ll come running.
Independently owned garden store, The Nunhead Gardener is a beautiful oasis providing its visitors with the joy and serenity of being surrounded by glorious greenery within a city where you usually spend your time surrounded by high-rise buildings and the armpits of fellow commuters. With a stunning variety of houseplants, flowers and ferns, there’s plenty to choose from if you’re thinking of adding some green to your home in addition to other lovely homeware objects perfect for gifts!
📍1a Oakdale Road, SE15 3BW.
6. Treat yourself to brunch at Mosey Cafe
Mosey Cafe is an adorable little spot, perfect for a pit spot if you fancy some coffee or some delicious baked goods.
📍60 Nunhead Lane, London SE15 3QE.
7. Sip on Spanish Vermouth at El Vermut Wine Bar
Specialising in Spanish Vermouth, they also offer a range of cocktails, beer and wine. Not to forget cheese and charcuterie boards to accompany! They also have live music making it a wonderful spot for a relaxed evening drink.
📍28 Nunhead Green, London SE15 3QF.
8. Shop for beautiful objects from Japan, Korea and beyond at ALKEMI
Right next to Mosey Cafe, you’ll find Alkemi. A lovely shop full of homeware objects and gifts sourced from Japan, Korea and beyond. A great place to purchase presents for friends or something for your home!
📍62 Nunhead Lane, London SE1 3QE.
9. Feast on a Sunday roast at the Earl Of Derby
Located at the foot of pretty Telegraph Hill, The Earl of Derby pub has been restored to its former glory by Parched – a small independent group run by four friends who also own the likes of The White Horse in Peckham, The Roebuck in Borough and the Grove House Tavern in Camberwell – where the lads at Mondo Sando rustle up their bangin’ sarnies.
It’s all about straightforward and hearty food here, with highlights including proper pies, chargrilled meats and fish, weekly specials and Sunday roasts using fresh, sustainable, and organic produce.
📍87 Dennett’s Road, London, SE14 5LW.
10. Enjoy date night at the exceptional Kudu Grill
Kudu has taken over an old Truman’s pub on Nunhead Lane. At this restaurant, there is an emphasis on braai, a South African way of grilling that uses only wood and charcoal. Co-founders Amy Corbin and her chef-partner Patrick Williams cook seasonal British ingredients in true South African style. So you can expect dishes like Citrus cured sea trout, shiso, coconut, jalapeno, Harissa beef tartare, crispy shallots, coriander, Burrata, grilled peach, elderflower, tarragon Dry aged ex dairy prime rib, beer pickle onion, treacle bordelaise and Grilled prawns, peri peri sauce to start with.
Pork chop, monkey gland sauce, Monkfish, cape malay curry, wakame and the infamous Dry aged ex dairy prime rib, beer pickle onion, treacle bordelaise for mains. With a variety of sides to go with your meal – Baby spinach salad, yuzu, truffle, parmesan, Marinated tomatoes, horseradish, thai basil, Courgettes, caper raisin puree, smoked onion, Beef fat crispy fingerling potatoes.
Don’t forget to explore their extensive wine list!
📍57 Nunhead Lane, SE15 3TR.