With London’s biggest marina, picturesque riverside views, the sprawling Stave Hill Ecological Park and Surrey Quays shopping centre all on your doorstep, you’ll have no shortage of hangouts and amenities when living in Surrey Quays.
The South East London area has been recently revived, now home to numerous trendy restaurants and pizzerias, as well as no-fuss pubs to enjoy a pint at with friends any day of the week. The central Surrey Quays and Canada Water stations make it easy to travel into the City within 20 minutes via the Overground service and Tube; or hop over the river to lively Canary Wharf and Isle of Dogs in just 10 minutes.
So read our guide to find out more about living in Surrey Quays.
The Yellow House
Located next to Surrey Quays station, The Yellow House is a stylish haunt for modern British dining. Formerly a pub, the restaurant has retained much of the classic interiors with a few stylish updates, making it both good for a casual bite to eat or a classy evening cocktail.
The seasonal menu changes every week, featuring pub-inspired grill dishes, wood-fired pizzas and Sunday roasts. The chefs source produce from local butchers, farmers and suppliers, offering an authentic take on British cuisine. And to cap it all off, the sauces, soups, pastas and puddings are also lovingly made by hand.
Address: 126 Lower Road, Surrey Quays, London SE16 2UE
Phone: 020 7231 8777
Follow: @theyellowhouserestaurant
Pizza 1889
Italian ingredients and flavours are at the heart of Pizza 1889. Situated outside Surrey Quays Shopping Centre, the restaurant serves stone-baked Italian pizzas. The vast majority of produce is sourced directly from Italian suppliers, so you can rest assured you’re in for an authentic tasting experience.
The pizzeria has perfected their simple dough recipe over the years, offering classic flavour combinations and more adventurous toppings. From the spicy sausage (known locally as spianata piccante) to the wood-smoked salami (salame tipo Napoli) to the Neapolitan mozzarella (fior di latte), there are plenty of pizza toppings to whet your appetite. Eat in at their cosy venue or click-and-collect to enjoy in the comfort of your own home.
Address: Surrey Quays Shopping Centre, Redriff Road, London SE16 7LL
Phone: 07871 597502
Email: [email protected]
Follow: @pizza1889
The Ship & Whale
For traditional British pub grub whilst living in Surrey Quays, head to The Ship & Whale. Nestled near the waterside overlooking Greenland Pier, the pub is a relaxing spot any day of the week. Believed to date back to the mid 18th-century, the pub is one of the oldest buildings in the area, adding to its charm.
Visit with friends to enjoy the vast selection of craft beers on tap and by the bottle, including many from local London breweries. On Sundays, choose from the generous roast menu, served with all the trimmings. Throughout the week, you can order classic pub dishes, such as sausages and mash, fish and chips, and barbecued ribs.
Address: 2 Gulliver Street, Rotherhithe, London SE16 7LT
Phone: 020 7237 7072
Email: [email protected]
Follow: @shipandwhale
Plough Way Café
The lovingly crafted menu at Plough Way Café has been designed by Italian chefs to bring authentic Italian dining to South East London. Combining the finest ingredients with a home-cooked ethos, the café-restaurant boasts a delicious menu of pasta dishes, pizzas, and seafood.
There’s something to tempt all taste buds, whether you’re a meat lover, vegetarian, vegan or celiac. All of the pizzas are made on the day, with a choice of Romana or wholegrain dough. On the pasta list, you’ll find rich mushroom Pappardelle, classic Bolognese lasagna, and a salty seafood linguine. And to finish, satisfy your sweet tooth with traditional desserts like tiramisu, panna cotta and pistachio gelato.
Address: Plough Way, Seafarer Way, London SE16 7UD
Phone: 020 7237 1327
Email: [email protected]
Follow: @ploughwaycafe
The Pear Tree
With its Australian-inspired menu, The Pear Tree is a unique eatery for those living in Surrey Quays. The welcoming neighbourhood vibe makes the restaurant good to visit for weekend brunch with friends or a more dressed-up evening meal. You can also pick up pantry goods, homemade bread, cheeses and charcuterie from the in-store deli.
On the brunch list you’ll find all your favourites with a Pear Tree twist, including smashed avocado on toast, syrupy pancakes, and eggs Benedict. The dinner menu focuses on fresh flavours and produce, sourced from independent suppliers. What's more, the waiters will be able to recommend a wine to pair with your dinner, including a few Australasian bottles. Or you can choose from the craft beer list which champions local breweries.
Address: Yeoman Street, London, SE8 5ER
Phone: 020 7237 6171
Email: [email protected]
Follow: @peartreeatgreenlandplace
Café East
If you’re craving a feast of Asian-fusion dishes, Café East is a hotspot in South-East London. Centred on Vietnamese cuisine, you can expect a mix of spicy rice dishes, pho noodle soups, and meat- or veggie-laden dry vermicelli plates.
Proud to be a family-run business, Café East is dedicated to crafting the very best Vietnamese cuisine, home-cooked daily on the premise. In fact, many of the spices are procured from the bustling markets of the Far East, adding an extra layer of authenticity to each dish.
Address: 100 Redriff Road, Rotherhithe, London SE16 7LH
Phone: 020 7252 1212
Follow: @cafeeastpho
The Pizza Room
The ideal place to visit with a group of friends, The Pizza Room serves a pizza to suit all palates and dietary requirements. A 5-minute walk from Surrey Quays station, the pizzeria boasts cosy furnishings and a relaxed neighbourhood vibe. Pull up a seat in the rustic interiors and watch the chefs create your pizza before your eyes in the traditional oven.
As well as classic flavours, you’ll also find more unusual pairings such as crispy pancetta and butternut squash, pear and Gorgonzola, and even a Nutella pizza for dessert. If you’d prefer to enjoy your pizza at home, you can order online for delivery across the SE16 area. Or pop by their alternative London branches in Mile End, Poplar and New Cross.
Address: 237 Lower Road, Surrey Quays, London SE16 2LW
Phone: 020 3643 9509
Email: [email protected]
Follow: @thepizzaroomlondon
Sushi Momoda
If you’ve got a day of shopping planned at Surrey Quays Shopping Centre, Sushi Momoda on the ground floor is a good place to stop for lunch. Serving Japanese sushi, all fresh and hand-rolled on the day, the little café is run by a husband-and-wife duo who are enthusiastic about the exceptional craft that goes into making sushi.
Choose from the numerous individual sushi rolls or pick up one of the set menu sushi boxes, platters and poké bowls. If you’re relatively new to sushi, the platters are a great way to try different types in one meal. The colourful bubble teas are the perfect accompaniment for a healthy lunch.
Address: Surrey Quays Shopping Centre, Redriff Road, London, SE16 7LL
Phone: 074 7911 5118
Follow: @sushimomoda
Living in Surrey Quays
Thinking of living in South East London? Surrey Quays offers a unique mix of stylish hangouts and relaxing nature hotspots, set amid the impressive network of canals. You’ll be well located to other vibrant places in the area, such as Canary Wharf and Greenwich (where our Union Wharf building is located), while being within commutable distance to central London. Read our complete guide to living in South London for more recommendations.
