Why should we cross the river and head over to South London?
South London is an amazing part of this sprawling city. Contrary to people’s usual perceptions of London, south London is very green, one of the reasons it’s worth a visit! There are numerous commons (i.e. green spaces) including Tooting, Streatham, and Clapham. These spaces are popular amongst those exercising and picnickers alike, as well as playing host to events such as music festivals throughout the year. South London is also home to famous parks such as Battersea Park, which is idyllically perched on the river side.
As well as all the greenery, South London is home to some very famous London landmarks which should be part of any visitor’s itinerary. Visit the Shard for amazing views across the city, The ’02 Arena to admire Richard Rogers infamous structure and take a trip on the London Eye.
There are also many gems off the beaten track which I would also encourage visitors to explore. Brixton Village is a must visit for any foodies. And, Brixton is also home to one of London’s top music venues. There’s the Whirled Cinema under a railway arch in Loughborough Junction, and the top notch Jazz venue, the Hideaway, in Streatham.
Local Customs
It’s a well-known story that cab drivers ‘don’t go south of the River’, which is a pretty much extinct view now. South London is such a diverse and multicultural place, as London as a whole is, that it’s hard to define customs. A sign of a born and bred Londoner is the love of Pie and Mash, and many of these shops are a wonder to visit with old-fashioned tiled walls. Try Manze’s in Deptford and Harrington’s in Tooting…will you be brave enough for a jellied eel? Another London wide custom, always stand on the right-hand side of the escalators to let people pass on the left.
Where do the locals hang out?
Brixton Village for food and drinks, Abbeville Road and Northcote Road, both in Clapham have an assortment of bars and restaurants. Head over to Abbeville for a village feel and to Northcote for a party or a browse and coffee on a Sunday morning. Frank’s bar in Peckham is the go to bar in the summer, on the roof of a multi-storey car park it has awesome views and great cocktails. The Ship, in Wandsworth, is the place to go if it gets to Sunday and you still want to party. With live bands and a BBQ in the summer, its riverside location makes it a popular spot with young South Londoners.
Featured Recommendations
THE LONDON EYE
BIG RED PIZZA BUS
THE 02
GREENWICH
HIDEAWAY
MEZA
