Where To Eat, Drink & Dance In Southeast London, By Mike Davies of The Camberwell Arms 

While we’re about to be in the thick of another London Fashion Week, post-show, you’ll find models, editors and ‘content creators’ spilling out of venues and into the city’s most stylish corners, for late-night gatherings and an overdue bite to eat. Most people turn to central London’s host of restaurants and bars for such encounters. But Londoners really in the know head Southeast – to the likes of Camberwell and Peckham, both known for their vibrant creative energy and ever-evolving hospitality scene. Areas shaped by a rich confluence of cultures, generation after generation of artists and musicians and, of course, incredible chefs. It’s this very spirit that first drew Mike Davies, founder of The Camberwell Arms, to the city’s Southeast. 

The Camberwell Arms has become one of London’s most sought-after pubs for traditional British food, taken to the next level. It’s long been a go-to for those working in the food industry – a surefire sign that the menu is next-level – and thanks to being spotlighted frequently on Topjaw (the popular TikTok account for London food recommendations), people from all across the city are joining locals there for crisp pints, candlelit dinners and long Sunday lunches (special mention goes to those pies).

What Mike has crafted is something beyond a typical London pub experience: The Camberwell Arms offers a stellar wine list, great food, and a warm, convivial atmosphere that invites hours of conversation and connection with friends and family. And while its offering may lean more high-end your average local pub’s, Mike and his team have ensured that the heart and soul of The Camberwell Arms remains rooted in the area it calls home, drawing inspiration from its history, culture, and the people who walk through its doors.

“The Scotch bonnet and pork fat on toast dish is a nod to Southeast London’s cultural history,” he says. “It’s been on the menu since day one, inspired by the ubiquity of scotch bonnets in the area.” (The tried-and-tested recipe can be found in his debut cookbook, Cooking For People.)

As much as The Camberwell Arms is the perfect cold-weather spot, during the summertime, Mike’s other baby truly comes into its own. Frank’s Cafe – the outdoor bar and restaurant covering the entire rooftop of renowned Peckham art space Bold Tendencies – is a firm Southeast London staple. Open from May to September, the unassuming entrance (enter the multistorey car park opposite Peckham Rye train station and follow the stone staircase up to the roof – once you reach the bright pink corridors, you’ll know you’re almost there) gives way to one of the best view of the city. Accompanied by sharing jugs of cocktails and small but mighty menu – think pulled pork sarnies and flatbread to mop up moreish tzatziki and whipped cod’s roe – it’s the ideal spot to spend hours soaking up the atmosphere on a hot day (remember those?).

“Bold Tendencies has been championing local artists for years, and I’m very proud that Frank’s has played a small part in their brilliant programming,” says Mike. The once-disused building has been transformed into a not-for-profit arts organisation that fosters community and a place to showcase local art. They work closely with grassroots organisations in the local area and beyond, providing a free space for schools, youth clubs and social services to enjoy and be creative with.

To mark 10 years of The Camberwell Arms boosting Southeast London’s profile on the foodie map, Service95 sits down with the restaurateur to uncover the best local places to dine and drink, from day to night.

The Best Breakfast Spots In Southeast London...

“I don’t go out for a sit-down breakfast often, but we are well furnished by bakeries in Southeast, with two of the best in London currently having opened in the last few years: Toad bakery and Eric’s, both in Peckham, have masterful examples of all things laminated, as well as perfect bread. And when it’s open, I love to go for breakfast at Frank’s, on a warm summer morning – it’s a relatively quiet time with delicious and simple offerings to compliment the view.”

Where To Go For A Light Lunch In Southeast London...

“Head to Camberwell’s Theo’s for beautiful pizza and panuozzo. Falafel & Shawarma, also in Camberwell, is a contender for the best value lunch in London, thanks to its £4 falafel wrap, which is equally massive and delicious. I also love Viet Cafe in Denmark Hill for tasty banh mi and summer rolls.”

The Best Restaurants For A Special Occasion In Southeast London...

“Peckham Bazaar is a local stalwart, making delicious Balkan food with a lot of cooking happening over charcoal. Then, one shameful self nom is, of course The Camberwell Arms, which has felt like a celebratory destination in Southeast London for years now.”

The Best Local Pubs In Southeast London...

“Head to The Blythe Hill Tavern in Forest Hill, for good Irish hospitality and some of the best Guinness in London. Skehans in Nunhead is also great for very similar reasons.”

Where To Go For Drinks, Music & Dancing In Southeast London...

“Véraison Wines in Camberwell has an inviting after-dinner drinks scene, while The Greyhound in Peckham has recently been refurbished and often offers really good music. I also love Venue MOT and Ormside Projects, both between Deptford and Rotherhithe and located on industrial estates, for their lo-fi, seedy, wicked parties. The DIY aesthetic at Spanners on Loughborough Junction gets my vote. And, last but not least, The Carpet Shop in Peckham and, of course, Corsica Studios in Elephant & Castle are both the OG operators in the late-night music space, with lots of wicked line ups.”

Pia Brynteson is Content Editor at Service95