Slightly off the usual beaten tourist track in Peckham, South London is one of the most exciting new venues to pop up in the city in recent years.
Peckham Levels is a food & drink destination and creative workspace all rolled into one, which has been transformed from an empty multi-storey carpark into what you see today.
Following on from the huge success of its rooftop bar Frank’s is Near & Far, a neon dream of a cocktail bar with amazing views over the city skyline that people (myself included) can’t get enough of.
Once you find out it was dreamed up by the same people behind Shoreditch’s quirky Magic Roundabout bar and event space, it all starts to make sense.
The interiors are just as unique but a lot slicker, with lots of neon and a serious Palm Springs vibe.
The quirky cocktails come with names like Greenwich Meanthyme (with Monkey Shoulder rum, pale ale and Angostura bitters), Emergency Brexit (Hendricks gin with Campari, thyme and orange peel) and Catch Me If You Cannes (Noilly Prat dry vermouth with calvados, Appletiser and white wine vinegar.)
Even better is the fact they've got 50% off loads of their drinks during Happy Hour on weekday evenings.
The space is very open plan, so things tend to get even more lively in the evenings as people spill over from the other bars and restaurants on the same floor and the one below.
And if you’re feeling peckish (no pun intended) you definitely won’t be stuck for places to eat.
You’ll find some of the best chicken wings you’re ever likely to have from Drums & Flats, delicious vegetarian options at Wildflower and a 100% vegan menu at PickyWops Pizza – there’s really something for everyone here.
It’s a bit of a trek if you’re staying in north or central London but Peckham Levels has enough going on to keep you busy (and well fed) until long after the sun goes down and the DJ sets at the various venues get underway - Near & Far included.
