Tag Archives: Peckham

Peckham Bazaar, Peckham

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I’ve tried to visit Peckham Bazaar several times now but their small restaurant doesn’t accommodate many and it is always full to the brim with ravenous locals. Last Friday however I managed to secure a table for two at 9.30, a chance at last to try their highly regarded cuisine.

It is a bit off the beaten track, and even after I had convinced my parents that Peckham is not ‘a bit stabby’ (their words, not mine) I was beginning to reconsider. There is a distinct lack of street lights and the towering housing estates on either side of the road create an eerie wind tunnel. Freezing and hungry, we arrived at the shabby but grand ex-pub, which houses Peckham Bazaar on the ground floor.

They describe the food as Pan-Balkin, and cook the majority of the dishes on a giant, smoke-pumping grill, which leaves a tempting scent in the air. Albanian chef John Gionleka is found engulfed in a cloud of charcoal smoke, we nodded in appreciation as we walked in. Sitting at the back of the venue we could survey the room, and all the groups of friends joyfully consuming the tasty grub.

The room is not fussy or trendy but comfortable and welcoming. After a nice glass of light house white, we tucked into Charmoulah chicken wings (£6.50) which are marinated in a delectable mix of spices and skewered on sticks. Served with a sweet roast butternut squash puree, kohlrabi and onion, there are a lot of vibrant flavours to excite the tastebuds. The chicken is encased in a caramelised crunchy skin, and yet remains tender inside.

For main course, we took the waitress’s advice despite eyeing up the pork chops on the neighbouring table. Grilled English rump steak with winter artichoke and new potato stifado was a tour de force, lean chunky strips of meat on a sumptuous pile of potatoes and vegetables, seasoned immaculately. The Grilled marinated quail is a speciality and did not disappoint. I carefully stripped it of every scrap of meat, charred and delicious on the outside, succulent inside. The accompanying herbed pilaf, moutabel (aubergine dip) and adjika (red pepper sauce) were a little sweet for me but texturally worked well, pomegranate and mint leaves added dashes of colour.

Peckham Bazaar definitely serves the best Greek food I’ve tried in London; in fact… I challenge you to find better. Guess that’s another restaurant to add to my ever-growing Peckham favourites list.

More information here: www.peckhambazaar.com

Peckham Refreshment Rooms, Peckham Rye

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I moved to Peckham less than a week ago and I have already found my favourite local restaurant. Peckham Refreshment Rooms opened recently, just behind the train station, amidst the vegetable stalls and hairdressing shops. It is easy to miss with a plain exterior and no sign, but inside the chic basic dining room and bar is nearly always packed. On the occasions I visited I was pleased to find it full of keen foodies rather than ‘cool kids’ needing a place to hang-out, they seem to stick to the Bellenden Road area. As word gets out about this hidden gem, I’m sure the clientèle will change.

The restaurant offers a concise and tasty menu… Modern British food, done simply and priced reasonably. There aren’t many choices, but what is on offer is delicious. Big flavours and inspired ingredient combinations cooked by a few talented chefs in the open kitchen, which seemed remarkably calm when I peered inside. To start we gorged on a few plates from a tapas style ‘bar food, charcuterie and cheese sections’ – the Confit Shallot and Mozzarella with Salsa Verde were particularly memorable. They used the best quality products and were modestly prepared in ways that emphasised their best qualities.

For meat fans, Bavette (also called skirt of flank) is a great cut to sink your teeth into, cooked immaculately with a caramelised crispy edge and a velvety texture inside. It was served with the quirky tasting pickled walnut and vinegary parsley salad. Duck Confit is unmissable, perhaps the best duck I have ever tasted, it had a generous amount of meat on the bones and an indulgent crispy skin. Paired with soft simple carrots that have been flavoured with the duck fat, it was a brilliant dish.

I couldn’t decide what to drink, there is a precise and thoughtful list of sensibly priced wine, and a list of inventive cocktails ideal as an aperitif. I opted for the Spiced Sidecar, a short strong drink made with cognac, calvados, homemade spiced syrup and lemon, it was wintry, carefully balanced and smooth. Costing just £8, you can afford to have a few.

We were very disappointed to discover the chocolate pot with biscotti had run out, but dark chocolate salted toffee tart was a fine substitute. A thick and gooey delight topped with sea salt crystals and a small dish of single cream to cut through the cocoa richness. It was divine, and finished in seconds.

As a restaurant reviewer I rarely get to try an eatery more than once, but I have already broken this rule for Peckham Refreshment Rooms, where I hope to spend many more delicious evenings.

More information and book a table here: peckhamrefreshment.com

Things to do in Peckham

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Many are calling Peckham the new Shoreditch, with an exciting food scene, thriving nightlife, fun activities on offer and an alternative street style. I just hope it doesn’t become as popular, nowadays it is difficult to fight your way through the phoneys on Shoreditch’s streets, Peckham still has a sense of mysterious allure. Here are a few of my favourite places in the neighbourhood.

Rooftop Film Club – This seasonal film club makes good use of the Bussey Building rooftop terrace. Presenting classic feel-good movies under the stars with comfy deck chairs and high quality wireless headphones and cosy blankets, all you need to remember is the popcorn!

Artusi – a darling little Italian restaurant serving up delicious home-cooked dishes. The menu changes regularly, we tried homemade Taliatelle Al Crudaiola and Leg of Lamb with courgette and aubergine. Pancotta and Peaches was the perfect summer’s dessert.

Frank’s Cafe – the most talked about bar in town is found on the top of a disused multi-storey car park in Peckham. Offering sublime views of the city and selling good food and drinks, it is the best place to watch the sun go down.

Begging Bowl – a relaxed and welcoming restaurant serving up fragrant and authentic Thai street food. Choose five small dishes between two people, the Stir fried beef sirloin with grilled chilli jam, onions and cumin was absolutely irresistible.

Bar Story – Youngsters flock to this bar for the cheap cocktail happy hour from 6-7 pm. Located beneath Peckham Rye station the bar has stark industrial design and list of classic drinks to choose from. I recommend the delicious Whiskey Sour.