Sandwiched between the ever-trendy Peckham and suburban East Dulwich, it’s easy to overlook Nunhead. This south-east London neighbourhood has a lively social scene all of its own though.
After a recent rejuvenation, living in Nunhead has become an attractive choice for creatives, young professionals and families alike. A wander down the high street proves there’s no shortage of pubs, trendy restaurants and independent stores.
The area is also surrounded by parks, including Nunhead Cemetery and Peckham Rye Park and Common — the perfect retreats from the hustle and bustle of city life. What’s more, you can hop on an overground at Nunhead Station to be at Victoria in just 20 minutes.
Thinking of living in Nunhead? Here are some of the best places to visit.
Babette
Parisian-inspired bar-restaurant Babette is a chic hangout of an evening. The menu is minimal, focusing instead on diverse flavours that fuse the best of British and French cuisine. Expect the likes of Welsh rarebit and black pudding paired alongside celeriac dauphinoise and oxtail bourguignon.
The best way to visit is with friends or on a date so you pick a few of the dishes to share. There’s also a small beer and cider menu that champions breweries in the area. Or savour a glass of French wine for relaxed à la mode dining.
Address: 57 Nunhead Lane, London SE15 3TR
Phone: 020 3172 2450
Email: [email protected]
Follow: @babettenunhead
The Beer Shop London
The husband-and-wife-run micropub The Beer Shop London serves an expansive menu of beers by independent breweries. From Wales’ Tiny Rebel to Manchester’s Cloudwater to London’s Anspach & Hobday, you can taste the best of British beers and ales.
The cosy communal tables inside encourage a close-knit neighbourhood vibe. Unwind with friends after a long week and work your way through the ever-changing menu. Different beers are added regularly, so you’ll never run out of drinks to try whilst you’re living in Nunhead. Occasionally, the pub hosts meet-the-brewer talks from local breweries. The pub also doubles up as a shop, letting you buy beers to enjoy at home.
Address: 40 Nunhead Green, Nunhead, London SE15 3QF
Phone: 020 7732 5555
Email: [email protected]
Follow: @beershoplondon
400 Rabbits
400 Rabbits pizzeria keeps things simple by serving only good food with good beers. The sourdough pizza menu features all your favourites, as well as more adventurous monthly specials. The choice of beers on tap and in cans also change regularly. What's more, vegans can rejoice with a classic tomato ‘Red One’ or vegetable-laden ‘Clean One’, whilst meat lovers can enjoy ‘The Beef One’ and ‘The Double Chorizo One’, among others.
Keep an eye on their social media to learn about their special deals for pizza and beer nights. As well as their trendy Nunhead restaurant, you can find 400 Rabbits in a few other London locations. Or indulge in pizza at home with their takeaway menu.
Address: 143 Evelina Rd, Nunhead, London SE15 3HB
Phone: 020 7732 4115
Follow: @4hundredrabbits
GOODCUP
Independent coffee shop GOODCUP is on hand to provide your caffeine fix whilst living in Nunhead. The café is conveniently located along the main high street, just a 5-minute walk to Nunhead train station, making it easy to pop by on route to the office.
Visit in the mornings for a little pick-me-up courtesy of Allpress Espresso coffee. Or if you’re more of a tea person, the café stocks London’s loose leaf tea brand, Good & Proper Tea. The relaxed atmosphere attracts a crowd of freelancers on weekdays and brunch lovers at weekends. Try their menu of sweet pancakes, avocado and mushrooms on toast or comforting porridge bowls.
Address: 44 Nunhead Green, Nunhead, London SE15 3QG
Follow: @goodcuplondon
The Old Nun’s Head
Self-coined the ‘Ryan Gosling of pubs’, The Old Nun’s Head is a stylish take on your neighbourhood pub. Inside, there’s a mismatch of antique furniture and bold wall art, giving it a cosy-cum-contemporary vibe.
The kitchen mimics this as the pub opens up to different food vendors. From classic Sunday roasts and hearty burgers to African street food and Indian barbecues, there’s always something different on the menu. Pair your pub grub with a pint from a local London brewery.
Furthermore, throughout the week, the pub hosts regular stand-up comedy nights and quizzes, making it the perfect place to hang out with friends.
Address: 15 Nunhead Green, Nunhead, London SE15 3QQ
Phone: 020 7639 4007
Email: [email protected]
Follow: @theoldnunshead
BYO
Promoting a more sustainable lifestyle, BYO (Bring Your Own) is a plastic-free grocery store for those living in Nunhead. The shop encourages you to cut down on food waste and take a zero-plastic approach by making it easy for you to purchase groceries responsibly.
Pop by the shop and fill up on a vast selection of pantry goods, from grains and pastas, to dried fruit, nuts and baking ingredients, using reusable containers or paper bags. All foods are consciously sourced and focussed on organic farming, helping you make smarter choices about your environmental footprint. You can also pick up eco-friendly bath, beauty and household products.
Address: 147 Evelina Road, London SE15 3HB
Phone: 020 7639 4007
Email: [email protected]
Follow: @bringyourownuk
The Waverley Arms
Bringing beers to Nunhead for more than 100 years, The Waverley Arms has been given new life after a recent refurbishment. The pub retains much of its original Victorian decor, but with a modern facelift.
You can expect all of your favourite pub classics on the menu, including award-winning Sunday roasts (vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options available). As well as renowned beers on tap, the pub pays homage to its roots with a number of local South London beers, like Brockley Brewery. Cosy down with a pint and hearty pub grub during the winter months. In the summer, soak up the sun from the beer garden at the back.
Address: 202 Ivydale Road, Nunhead, London SE15 3BU
Phone: 020 7635 2890
Email: [email protected]
Follow: @thewaverleyarms
Living in Nunhead
So, if you’re looking for a good balance of calming green spaces and a strong sense of community spirit, Nunhead is a corner of London you should consider living in.
Find out more about living in South London or living in East London by reading our guides to the best places in each area.
