South London’s Lewisham, often dubbed as a growing cultural hub, this February became one of only six London boroughs to be awarded the Mayor’s Cultural Impact Award, part of the London Borough of Culture award scheme.
Lewisham received £216,000 to spend on a creative project in conjunction with Sadler’s Wells and The Albany.
To celebrate the boroughs recent success, here are five Lewisham hotspots you ought to visit while in the area.
Birdie Num Nums – New Cross
This quaint café is located in the heart of New Cross. You can sit outside and enjoy the view of the Goldsmiths University main building or equally take a seat on the old-fashioned curtained stage which often plays host to live jazz nights. The affordable menu is popular with students and locals alike boasting food that is both vegetarian and vegan-friendly.
Former employee Alice Western said:
“Sev (the owner) is great who puts everything into the cafe, she is a super hardworking and talented lady.”
Birdie Num Nums. Pic:Grace Goslin
Skehans- Nunhead
Found at the top of Telegraph Hill, this traditional Irish pub is Nunhead’s local. Complete with a juke box, pool table, large beer garden, board games and a weekly open mic night, Skehans is an ideal spot for a pint.
If you’re looking for somewhere to eat, aside from the main pub building, there is a conservatory area serving Thai food every day from 4pm and roasts on a Sunday. One of the less known areas of Lewisham, Nunhead also has one of the oldest gothic cemeteries still in existence just a 5-minute walk from the pub.
Open mic performer, musician and Nunhead local Lucy Rushton said:
“Skehans is a great environment to present and listen to music of the local area which creates a real feeling of community.”
Skehans. Pic: Oxyman
Deptford Cinema
Deptford cinema is an independently run single screen cinema displaying both critically acclaimed and rare art house films as well as hosting weekly life drawing classes. A versatile space, the cinema recently faced bankruptcy threats but as a result of community support managed to remain open. Located adjacent to Deptford high-street, their Easter programme is packed with events after closing for refurbishment until April 2. They will be showcasing the three times Oscar award winning Moonlight on April 3 after reopening.
More information on upcoming events can be found here.
Deptford Cinema. Pic: Grace Goslin
Deptford Bunker
Just along the street from the Deptford Cinema, Deptford Bunker is a late-night basement club. Whilst a ticket for entry could cost as much as five pounds on a busy evening, the clubs infamous three-pound doubles make for an affordable night out. Bunker’s nights span across a range of genres from techno and disco to funk and soul. The clubs most well-attended event is the monthly ‘Northern Soul’ night which has toured to festivals such as Glastonbury.
Expect to be warm and dancing almost continuously. Although the basement is seemingly unkept, this only adds to the venue’s charm. The ‘side bar’, away from the main dance-floor is decorated with a variety of pop culture paraphernalia, from a poster of Stephen King’s The Shining twins, to a large cut out of Disney’s Micky Mouse.
Outside Deptford Bunker. Pic: Grace Goslin
The Fox and Firkin – Lewisham
The Fox and Firkin is a pub turned music venue which prides itself on promoting: swing, reggae, rave and drum and bass music. As a venue the Fox and Firkin remains true to its grassroots origins hosting a range of local talent. Located on Lewisham high-street and embedded into Lewisham’s music history, it has an inside bar and stage as well as a large garden performance space. Throughout the summer the venue hosts a reggae all-dayer every two weeks, where the garden becomes a small festival complete with outside bar, large sound system, food stalls and vinyl sellers. These sessions begin on April 1 and continue into the Summer months.
Fox and Firkin. Pic: Chris Whippet
