Bellenden Village

AREA GUIDE

Yes, it’s got a (very) funny name. But that’s by no means the only thing about this picturesque part of ever-popular Peckham that will make you smile.

The so-called Bellenden Village covers the criss-cross of streets packed with pretty Victorian and Edwardian properties around Bellenden Road – the area’s hub for eating, drinking and shopping.

This part of town has long attracted creative types. Sculptor Anthony Gormley had a studio here a few years ago and designed Bellenden’s street bollards, while fashion designer Zandra Rhodes dreamt up the futuristic look of the local lamp-posts.

And in contrast to the lively pace of central Peckham, Bellenden Road has a far more relaxed feel. It’s certainly busy – the popular restaurants, pubs, bars and shops thronging this street see to that. But the area is filled with families and professionals, and they’re putting down roots.

With both Peckham Rye and East Dulwich stations in easy walking distance, you can reach central London in just 15 minutes but with all this on your doorstep, we can’t imagine why you’d want to stray too far from home.

Lou Smith,Local Artist - Captured on the Rye

The Bellenden Road area is more than just a parade of local shops; it is home to lots of artists’ studios such as The Arches on nearby Blenheim Grove. This has been an artists’ community for over 20 years and includes ceramicists, jewellers, knife-makers and screen-printers

Area Highlights

Entertainment

Lordship Lane is just a ten-minute walk away and boasts a Picture House cinema, plus Peckham has the fantastic Bussey Building with an action-packed schedule of arty events.

Parks & Activities

Peckham Rye Park has a pond, a Japanese garden, a cafe and a bowling green – alongside acres of space for everything from sunbathing to snowball fights.

Restaurants & Shopping

Don’t miss local artisan chocolatier Melange, and for dining out try Thai sharing plates at the Begging Bowl, gastropub fare at the Victoria Inn and incredible Indian food at Ganapati.

Schools

The local Harris Academy schools have a great reputation, including a new boys’ secondary right by Peckham Rye Park. The renowned independents of Dulwich are close by too.

Transport

You can get to London Bridge in under 15 minutes from East Dulwich station, or Peckham Rye offers speedy routes into Victoria, Blackfriars, London Bridge or over towards Canary Wharf and Shoreditch – all in far less than half an hour.