Bursting with creativity and independent businesses, New Cross is one of South East London’s prime social neighbourhoods. Living in New Cross you can expect numerous stylish hangouts, one-of-a-kind music venues and community-minded pubs. Home to Goldsmiths, the area thrives off of the university’s esteemed artistic reputation, making it the perfect place to live for creatives.
Well located with strong transport links from New Cross and New Cross Gate stations, you can readily access other parts of South London and Central London’s Thames riverbank. Neighbouring Greenwich is also within walkable distance.
If you’re considering moving to this side of London, discover the very best places to visit when you live in New Cross.
The Fat Walrus
Situated next door to Goldsmiths University, The Fat Walrus is one of the most popular pubs in New Cross. Welcoming locals from across the Lewisham area, the pub always has a buzzing social atmosphere.
The pub boasts a selection of favourite pub dishes and snacks on the menu. Build your own burger with their pick-and-mix of burgers, toppings and sides or nibble at the bar on their popcorn prawns and halloumi bites. The bar is well stocked with international wines and London craft beers, championing local breweries.
Address: 44 Lewisham Way, New Cross, London SE14 6NP
Phone: 020 8378 6689
Email: [email protected]
Follow: @fatwalruspub
Red Lion Coffee Co.
Just a five-minute walk from both New Cross Station and New Cross Gate Station, Red Lion Coffee Co. is conveniently situated along your commute route. Order a coffee to go and treat yourself to one of their daily selection of tray bakes and pastries on the counter.
If you’ve got more time to spare, pull up a seat inside and enjoy the brunch menu of toasties, pancakes and fruity porridge bowls. The menu is carefully curated utilising ingredients from local suppliers with everything made fresh on the day. The speciality coffee is courtesy of East London’s Climpson & Sons roastery, while there are also craft beers from local breweries and a choice of biodynamic wines available.
Address: Batavia Road, New Cross, London SE14 6AX
Email: [email protected]
Follow: @redlioncoffeecompany
The Rose Pub & Kitchen
Modern British pub The Rose Pub & Kitchen serves classic dishes in laid back, cosy surrounds. Boasting one of the biggest pub gardens this side of London, the outdoor area is the perfect place to make the most of the sunshine with friends – dog friends too. The pub champions British breweries, with a number of London names behind the bar, alongside familiar international brands.
The team of expert chefs offer a changing menu that reflects seasonal produce, but you’ll always find their own spin on traditional burgers, pizzas, and fish and chips. The pub also caters well for different dietary requirements with a number of vegan and vegetarian options. Visit on Sundays to choose from their special roasts menu.
Address: 272 New Cross Road, New Cross Gate, London SE14 6AA
Phone: 020 8692 3193
Email: [email protected]
Follow: @therosese14
Telegraph Hill
Expansive parkland Telegraph Hill offers stunning views across London. As the biggest park in the London borough of Lewisham, it’s an ideal spot for runners, dog walkers and picnickers. A short walk from New Cross high street, you don’t have to wander far to escape the bustle of the city and be in nature.
Split into two halves, you’ll find tennis courts and grassy banks at the upper park; this side doubles up as an excellent vantage point of London’s skyline – a romantic place to watch the sunset or enjoy the New Year fireworks. The lower park features other sports pitches, playgrounds and picturesque ponds, making it a good choice for families.
Address: 75 Kitto Road, London SE14 5TN
The Pizza Room
Authentic pizzeria The Pizza Room brings the flavours of Italy to New Cross. The menu is filled with a mouthwatering array of different toppings and bases, with some more adventurous than others. Vegans, vegetarians, meat lovers, pescatarians, celiacs and halal alike can rejoice as there’s something on the menu to cater to everyone.
As well as classic margarita and veggie filled pizzas, you’ll also find a white-based pear and Gorgonzola pizza, butternut squash and goats cheese, and spicy meaty calzone on the menu.
The pizzeria offers a delivery service within the SE14 New Cross and Deptford areas. You’ll also find sister branches in Mile End, Poplar and Surrey Quays.
Address: 459 New Cross Road, London SE14 6AJ
Phone: 020 375 49203
Email: [email protected]
Follow: @thepizzaroomlondon
The New Cross House
Whatever your drink of choice, The New Cross House has an enviable selection of beers, wines, cocktails, bubbly and spirits. Inside, you’ll find a relaxed vibe from noon until night with plenty of space for families, couples looking for a pared back date, and friendship groups to unwind.
The pub is home to its own pizza oven, serving authentic stone-baked pizzas, made fresh on the day with locally sourced ingredients. There’s also an outdoor courtyard area to enjoy in sunny weather, complete with decking, wooden lounge benches and plants aplenty.
Address: 316 New Cross Road, New Cross, London SE14 6AF
Phone: 020 8691 8875
Email: [email protected]
Follow: @thenewcrosshouse
Goldsmiths Centre for Contemporary Art
Highly esteemed within London’s art scene, Goldsmiths Centre for Contemporary Art celebrates the university's world-renowned reputation with art from a mix of students, local artists and international creatives.
There’s always something different to see on the rotating exhibition list, from photography and mixed media artworks to sculptures and immersive engagement pieces. Goldsmiths CCA focuses on displaying artworks that ignite conversation and reflect current society, be it politics, sexuality or race.
Address: St James's, New Cross, London SE14 6AD
Phone: 020 8228 5969
Email: [email protected]
Follow: @goldsmithscca
Living in New Cross
New Cross offers an undeniable creative charm, making it a popular place to live. Good transport links to Greenwich (where our Union Wharf building is) and Canary Wharf make it a well-located part of South East London. If you’re considering moving to South London, read our guide to other attractive places to live south of the Thames.
