Five hidden gems in South London

16 Apr

As South London’s number one fans we’re always shouting from the rooftops about the amazing things you can find down here to see and do! Everyone knows about South London’s main attractions like the Greenwich Market, Battersea Power Station and Borough Market, but there are so many under-the-radar spots we think are well worth a visit that always get overlooked. Having lived here for over a decade we’ve explored every corner of this place and as such have discovered a number of hidden gems. Here are just some of our favourites.

The five best hidden gems in South London:

Tooting Market and Broadway Market
Whenever I’m thinking about where to meet friends, or what I want to do on a Friday night, it’s always Tooting. Tooting Highstreet, right next to Tooting Bec tube station, is home to not one but two incredible indoor markets that host hundreds of small independent restaurants, bars, live music, and shops within walking distance of each other. Both places are really casual, you don’t need bookings and can just rock up to whichever place takes your fancy, but I bet unless you live here or have a friend that does, you’ve never been before! Firstly is Tooting Market. This historic indoor marketplace has served the local community for almost 100 years and is still home to tens of different tenants. Head to Unwined first and chat to the super friendly staff there - make sure you take their recommendation of what to drink because they’re absolute experts. You don’t need to book and can just rock up and grab a stool and a little table and while away a few hours with glasses from around £5. Then head next-door to Broadway Market (it’s confusing because they’re right next to each other but it’s a super similar vibe with lots of different tenants and stalls all under one roof) to check out all-you-can-eat sushi from Tsukiji Fusion Sushi before finishing the night at Del Boys where you can sing along to their live music at the top of your lungs. Everyone does!
Brixton Windmill
Yes, there is a working windmill in the heart of Brixton, and you can even still buy flour that’s ground there. I only know about this place because a guy on a bus once struck up a conversation with me about the famous Brixton Windmill and I couldn’t believe I’d been going past it on the bus twice a day for literally five years without realising. It’s over 200 years old and is now run by a group of locals who open it up for tours a few times a year which we did recently and was so amazing. The view from the top is spectacular, it’s mad to think there was once 12 similar windmills all in the local area. Today, this is the only one that still exists. Next time you’re in Brixton, take a 20 minute detour and snap your picture outside. If the shop next-door is open they even have their own specially designed Windmill merch.
Bermondsey Street
Now I know I know, Bermondsey Street isn’t really a hidden gem, being like give minutes from the bustling London Bridge Station and The Shard. BUT! Unless you live in South London I bet you’ve never spent an evening here! I never hear anyone talk about it, but yet it’s got an extremely high ratio of excellent restaurants, bars, pubs, shops, galleries and museums in such a small area. It’s essentially a whole day out on one street. And also because it’s so central it’s ideally located if you’re meeting friends from outside of South London! Because of its historic nature much of the street falls in a conservation area and many of the buildings are listed which is probably why it still retains so much of that old-world London charm I find so hard to come by these days; it’s so charming and when you’re there gives you that feeling you’re starring in your very own film. Start at the Fashion and Textiles Museum and head down, stop at Chapter 72 to explore their entire espresso martini menu (the velvet vanilla espresso martini is absolutely out of this world) try the steak at The Garrison pub or wait for a table at renowned tapas bar José. Sit back, eat, drink, people watch and enjoy.
Dulwich Picture Gallery
Did you know that Dulwich Picture Gallery is the world’s first purpose-built public art gallery? And it’s located right here in South London, in the heart of picturesque Dulwich Village! It was founded in 1811 when Sir Francis Bourgeois bequeathed his collection of old masters “for the inspection of the public”. Over 200 years later, the Gallery is a vibrant cultural hub hosting some of the UK’s leading exhibitions alongside its permanent collection of Baroque masterpieces while staging a wide-ranging programme of events, talks, exhibitions, workshops and community activities, including our market! Painted in gorgeous colours from fellow South London brand Myland’s paints, the gallery itself is also incredibly beautiful, and just a charming place to spend an afternoon.
Beckenham Place Park
Is Beckenham Kent, or London? Whatever your school of thought, it’s South and it’s East and so I’m going to include it here! Because it’s such a gorgeous gem and again, people tell me all the time they’ve never heard of it. It is Lewisham’s largest green space and includes so many different things including a beautiful Georgian Mansion which hosts regular events like markets, yoga, writing retreats and even weddings, plus a swimming lake, banging pizza bar, independent shops, play park and so much more.