Peckham Rye is buzzing with vibrant energy, and the bars and pubs around the rail station are at the heart of it all. Whether you’re after a cosy pint in a traditional pub or a craft cocktail in a trendy bar, this area has got you covered. From laid-back spots perfect for a casual drink to lively venues where the night truly comes alive, the choices near Peckham Rye Rail Station are sure to impress. Ready to discover your new favourite hangout? Let’s dive in!
John the Unicorn
Address: 157-159 Rye Lane, London, SE15 4TL
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? John the Unicorn is situated on Rye Lane in Peckham, South London, a bustling area known for its vibrant mix of cultures and emerging trendy spots. It’s just a short walk from Peckham Rye station, making it easily accessible.
- What’s the Vibe? The atmosphere at John the Unicorn is eclectic and welcoming, combining a laid-back, community-friendly vibe with a quirky, chic aesthetic typical of the Antic pub chain. The venue is spacious, spanning multiple floors, each offering different nooks and crannies to explore. The décor is a mix of retro and modern, with an intentionally dishevelled charm, featuring unicorn-themed trinkets and marble-effect tables that add a touch of whimsy.
What’s On Offer
- Craft Beers & Cocktails: John the Unicorn boasts an impressive selection of local craft beers on tap, including options from nearby breweries like Five Points and Gipsy Hill. The cocktail menu is equally enticing, with offerings like the Mezcal Margarita and the Unicorn Island—a tropical concoction of rum and orgeat.
- Rotating Kitchen and Pop-up Food: The pub doesn’t have a permanent kitchen but instead hosts a rotating line-up of street food vendors. This means the food offerings are always fresh and diverse, with past vendors serving everything from succulent pork dumplings to inventive toasties, making it a great spot for casual dining.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? The pub opens at 5:00 PM on weekdays, with closing times varying between 11:00 PM and 1:00 AM depending on the day. On weekends, it opens earlier, at 2:00 PM on Saturdays and Sundays, and stays open until 1:00 AM on Saturdays and 11:00 PM on Sundays.
Bussey Rooftop Bar
Address: Roof B, Bussey Building, 133 Rye Lane, SE15 4ST
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Bussey Rooftop Bar is perched atop the Bussey Building in the vibrant area of Peckham, South London. It’s a part of the larger Copeland Park complex, just a short walk from Peckham Rye station, making it easily accessible by public transport.
- What’s the Vibe? The rooftop offers a laid-back yet lively atmosphere, combining urban charm with a tropical twist. With 360-degree views of London’s skyline, the bar is adorned with palm trees, fairy lights, and pastel-coloured decking, creating a relaxed, beach bar-like vibe. It’s a perfect spot to unwind during the day or kickstart a night out, with a crowd that enjoys good music and scenic views.
What’s On Offer
- Crafted Cocktails: Bussey Rooftop Bar is well-known for its summer-inspired cocktails, which are both refreshing and inventive. Their drink menu includes popular options like the “Meloncholy” and “Berry Garcia,” offering a taste of summer with each sip.
- Share A Slice: In addition, the bar serves delicious pizzas from Share A Slice, a socially conscious initiative that donates a meal to someone in need for every pizza sold, adding a feel-good factor to your dining experience.
- Rooftop Events & Cinema: The venue is not just about food and drinks; it also hosts a variety of events, including comedy nights through “Rooftop Comedy Experience” and collaborations with the neighbouring Rooftop Film Club. These events turn the bar into a hub of entertainment, making it a popular destination during the warmer months.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Tuesday to Friday: 17:00 – 22:30
- Saturday: 12:00 – 22:30
- Sunday: 12:00 – 22:30
- Mondays: Closed
- Bussey Rooftop Bar combines scenic views, vibrant events, and a relaxed atmosphere, making it a standout spot in Peckham for locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re looking for a casual drink, a fun night out, or a unique dining experience, this rooftop gem has something to offer.
The Montpelier
Address: 43 Choumert Road, Peckham,SE15 4AR
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Montpelier is situated in the heart of Peckham, South London, just a short walk from the Peckham Rye station. This location places it in a vibrant and culturally rich area, known for its eclectic mix of independent shops, cafes, and art spaces.
- What’s the Vibe? The Montpelier exudes a trendy yet welcoming atmosphere, blending the charm of a traditional pub with the vibrancy of Peckham’s creative scene. The interior is a mix of vintage and modern decor, featuring mismatched furniture, quirky art, and a laid-back vibe that attracts a diverse crowd, from local residents to young professionals and artists.
What’s On Offer:
- Independent Cinema: One of the standout features of The Montpelier is its intimate 30-seat cinema, known as the “Back Room Cinema.” This unique space hosts a variety of screenings, from cult classics to independent films, providing a cosy and distinctive cinematic experience right in the middle of the pub.
- Locally Sourced Menu: The pub prides itself on offering a menu filled with locally sourced and organic produce. The food ranges from British seafood and small plates to more substantial dishes like their popular Sunday roast. This focus on quality and sustainability resonates well with the pub’s clientele, who appreciate good food in a relaxed setting.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Bar:
- Monday to Wednesday & Sunday: 12:00 – 23:00
- Thursday: 12:00 – 00:00
- Friday to Saturday: 12:00 – 01:00
- Food Service:
- Monday to Thursday: 12:00 – 15:00 / 17:00 – 21:30
- Friday: 12:00 – 15:00 / 17:00 – 22:00
- Saturday: 12:00 – 22:00
- Sunday: 12:00 – 21:00
- Bar:
- This venue offers a unique blend of dining, entertainment, and atmosphere, making it a favourite among locals and visitors alike in the vibrant Peckham area.
The Nags Head
Address: 231 Rye Lane, Peckham, SE15 4TP
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Nags Head is situated on Rye Lane in Peckham, a vibrant and culturally diverse area in South London. The pub is easily accessible, with Peckham Rye station just a short walk away, making it convenient for both locals and visitors.
- What’s the Vibe? The Nags Head offers a no-nonsense, traditional pub experience with a lively atmosphere. The interior is straightforward and functional, featuring bare wooden floors and a simple setup that appeals to a diverse crowd. Regulars often prop up the bar, giving the place a down-to-earth and community-centric feel.
What’s On Offer
- Live Sports: One of the standout features of The Nags Head is its dedication to live sports. The pub boasts multiple televisions showing a range of sports, including football and horse racing, making it a popular spot for sports enthusiasts. The atmosphere during major games is particularly vibrant, with patrons deeply engaged in the action on screen.
- Affordable Drinks: The Nags Head is known for its reasonably priced drinks, including pint cans of popular lagers at budget-friendly prices. This makes it an attractive option for those looking to enjoy a few drinks without breaking the bank. While the selection may not be extensive, it’s well-suited to the pub’s straightforward, unpretentious vibe.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? The pub is open from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM, Monday to Thursday, with extended hours until 1:00 AM on Fridays and Saturdays. On Sundays, it opens slightly later at 12:00 PM and closes at 10:30 PM.
Zapoi
Address: 138 Rye Lane, Peckham, SE15 4RZ
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Zapoi is nestled in the vibrant heart of Peckham on Rye Lane, a bustling street known for its eclectic mix of shops, eateries, and bars. The venue is conveniently located near Peckham Rye station, making it easily accessible.
- What’s the Vibe? Zapoi exudes a charming, shabby-chic vibe that is both inviting and quirky. The interior is an eclectic blend of mismatched floral seating, distressed walls, and vintage furniture, creating a unique and cosy atmosphere. The bar is filled with over 1,000 tropical plants, offering a lush, almost oasis-like ambiance in the midst of the city. It’s the perfect spot for those looking to enjoy a relaxed evening with craft cocktails in a laid-back setting.
What’s On Offer
- Craft Cocktails: Zapoi is renowned for its bespoke craft cocktails, which are made to order by expert mixologists. There’s no set menu, so patrons are encouraged to share their flavour preferences and let the bartenders work their magic. Cocktails are affordably priced, typically around £6, making it a great spot for both quality and value.
- Vegan Food: In addition to its drinks, Zapoi offers a selection of vegan plates that complement its sustainable ethos.
- Hi-fidelity Sound System: The venue also features a state-of-the-art Monitor Audio Platinum II hi-fidelity sound system, perfect for audiophiles who appreciate high-quality sound while enjoying their cocktails.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Monday to Thursday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Friday and Saturday: 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
- Sunday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Ready to Visit?
Peckham Rye is a lively and vibrant area in South London, teeming with an eclectic mix of bars and pubs that cater to a diverse crowd. Situated around Peckham Rye Rail Station, the local scene offers everything from traditional pub experiences to trendy, quirky bars. Notable spots include John the Unicorn, a multi-floor venue known for its craft beers and rotating food vendors, and Bussey Rooftop Bar, a laid-back rooftop venue offering scenic views and summer-inspired cocktails.
Share the Love
Why not try out one of these fantastic bars in Peckham? Visit John the Unicorn or Bussey Rooftop Bar, and don’t forget to share this article with friends. After your visit, leave a review to let others know about your experience!