East Dulwich is one of South London’s most liveable neighbourhoods in the borough of Southwark. Situated between Peckham, Forest Hill and Dulwich Village, it’s a leafy, community-minded area with a relaxed pace of life and a strong independent spirit. With its creative energy, family-friendly feel and calm surroundings, East Dulwich offers the best of both worlds. You’ll find excellent cafés, a wealth of restaurants, a thriving wellness scene, independent shops, and a genuine sense of local pride. This guide covers some of the best things to do, places to shop and where to eat in East Dulwich, London SE22.
Best Things To Do in East Dulwich
Begin your visit with a stroll through Goose Green, a serene patch of open green space that gives the area a village-like feel. It’s ideal for a morning walk or a coffee in the sun. 76 East Dulwich Road, London SE22 9AN.
As you walk around the neighbourhood, keep an eye out for street art that was part of the Dulwich Outdoor Gallery. This project invited global artists to reinterpret Old Master paintings in unexpected locations across SE22. Conor Harrington’s version of Le Brun’s Massacre of the Innocents from 1660 appears on Spurling Road, while the London-based artist Stik reimagined Franceschini’s Guardian Angel on a wall near Push Studios. You’ll spot more pieces as you investigate the neighbourhood.
If you plan to visit, consider booking into The House of Dreams, a private art installation and personal shrine created by artist Stephen Wright. It’s like stepping inside someone’s surreal imagination. Online comments are divided; some find it magical and profoundly moving, while others see it as cluttered and overwhelming. Spaces are limited and usually booked out many months in advance. 45 Melbourne Grove, East Dulwich, London, SE22 8RG.
Well-being is a big part of life in East Dulwich. Oru Space on Lordship Lane blends yoga, sound healing, pilates, and a café with co-working facilities. Fit For, also located on Lordship Lane, is a modern gym offering reformer pilates, personal training, and strength classes. Push Studios on Blackwater Street offers a comprehensive timetable that includes barre, ballet, yoga, and box fit classes.
For evening entertainment, check out the East Dulwich Picturehouse. It’s a favourite among cinema-goers, showcasing new releases, documentaries, and independent films in stylish, comfortable surroundings with a café. 116a Lordship Lane, London SE22 8HD.
Dulwich Library is a welcoming space with regular events including book clubs, film screenings and storytelling sessions. 368 Lordship Lane, London SE22 8NB.
Best Places To Shop In East Dulwich
Lordship Lane is East Dulwich’s main shopping street, packed with independent lifestyle and fashion stores. Expect vintage-style furniture and bold home accessories at Mrs Robinson. Roullier White is known for sleek kitchenware and niche fragrances. A colourful mix of fashion, homeware, gifts and bath products fills the shelves at Jumping Bean. Discover the Indian artisan-crafted home accessories and decorative objects at House of Roya. Crystals, incense, tarot decks and floaty clothing line the shelves at Celestial. For woven storage baskets and eco products, Karavan Eco champions sustainable living. Meanwhile, Really Maria is the go-to for sewing supplies and haberdashery.
Also on Lordship Lane are some standout specialist food shops. The Cheese Block offers a wide selection of cheeses from the UK, Europe, and beyond, including fresh sourdough and a variety of charcuterie. Mons Cheesemongers sources cheeses from France, Switzerland and the UK. Next door is Moxon’s fishmongers for seasonal and sustainable seafood. Across the road, William Rose Butchers is renowned for its high-quality, organic, and free-range meats.
On Saturdays, you should visit the North Cross Road Market, featuring street food, vintage finds, flowers and handmade goods. On the same street, you’ll find Forest, a calming café and plant shop with houseplants, books and good coffee. Nearby, Ed offers a range of fashion for men, as does Meet Bernard. Mac & Miller is a boutique featuring fashion and accessories. Pop into Postmark for greeting cards. See art at the Jeannie Avent Gallery, which lets its exhibition space to artists, designers, and others who wish to showcase their work to the public on a fortnightly basis.
On Grove Vale, Fashion-Conscience is a lifestyle store with a strong focus on ethical and sustainable products, offering a range of fashion, jewellery, accessories, cards, and gifts. I also like Jones of Brockley, a well-curated grocery store offering freshly baked bread, local cheeses, seasonal vegetables, snacks, natural wine, and craft beer.
Best Places To Eat In East Dulwich
East Dulwich boasts numerous excellent brunch spots. For coffee and pastries, try Nido on Melbourne Grove. Blackbird Bakery on Grove Vale is another good option. Also on Grove Vale, Golden Yolk serves eggs, pancakes and toasties in a laid-back setting. Just around the corner, Madelina on East Dulwich Grove offers bagels, Benedicts and full breakfasts. Blue Brick Café on Fellbrigg Road is a cosy, family-owned vegetarian spot in a former dairy. Söderberg on Lordship Lane brings a Scandinavian touch. Its Frukostbricka breakfast tray is a Swedish-style brunch with a little bit of everything.
For lunch or dinner, Lordship Lane is at the heart of East Dulwich’s food scene. Trinco serves vibrant Sri Lankan rice bowls during the day and modern Tamil small plates at night. Franklin’s is renowned for its seasonal British cuisine, while Yama Momo offers a stylish Japanese fusion. Kartuli brings hearty Georgian flavours to East Dulwich locals. The Palmerston is a reliable gastropub with well-executed dishes and a strong wine list. For something quick or delivered, Yard Sale Pizza is a local favourite.
On North Cross Road, Monkatsu does excellent katsu and sushi. Evi’s serves Greek dishes in a laid-back setting. The Saturday market is also worth visiting. Food stalls offer fresh-baked goods, global street food, and handmade treats.
Over at Melbourne Grove, Drop is a relaxed spot serving wine alongside quality snacks, such as cheese and salami. Just along the road, Norbert’s is a rotisserie specialist known for perfectly cooked chicken, sides and comforting takeaway options.
Helpful Information About East Dulwich
East Dulwich is part of the London Borough of Southwark, tucked between Dulwich Village, Peckham and Forest Hill. Well connected yet quietly self-contained, it strikes a rare balance between city energy and neighbourhood charm. Trains from London Bridge reach East Dulwich Station in around 15 minutes, with nearby Overground links at Peckham Rye and Denmark Hill. Bus routes, including the 40, 176 and 185, also serve the area.
The best way to explore is on foot. Start with the lively stretch of Lordship Lane, wander along North Cross Road for market stalls and boutiques, then meander through Melbourne Grove and Grove Vale to discover cafés, local favourites and leafy residential streets. Whether you’re here for an hour or the day, East Dulwich leaves a lasting impression.
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London. To avoid disappointment, please verify that the places I referenced in this article are still in operation before visiting.