My ten reasons to visit Bellenden Road London list gives you the low down on this beautiful South East London street in SE15. You’ll find it situated between Peckham, Camberwell and East Dulwich. The road takes its name from the 7th Lord Bellenden of Broughton, and in the early days, it was populated by French Huguenots. The area has links to famous artists, including Anthony Gormley, Tom Phillips and John Latham. With independent restaurants, shops and boutiques, it’s a charming street to explore if you’re in the vicinity. Read on to discover why I think it’s worth visiting.
10 Reasons To Visit Bellenden Road:
1. Appreciate the artist street improvements
2. Instagram Roa and Walter Kerhaw’s street art
3. Enjoy freshly made pasta dishes at Artusi
4. Share Thai small plates at The Begging Bowl
5. Feast on Portuguese tapas at Uva
6. Satisfy your hunger at the cheaper eateries
7. Buy vintage furniture at Frost or Worn Not Torn
8. Treat yourself to premium groceries and wine
9. Browse Form SE15 or D.A.Y for fashion finds
10. Broaden your reading with a book from Review
My Ten Reasons To Visit Bellenden Road
1. In the late 1990s, Southwark Council collaborated with local artists for a renewal project to elevate the Bellenden area. You’ll see these improvements as you walk around. Anthony Gormley designed quirky bollards. Tom Phillips created lovely lamps and marvellous mosaic shop fronts. John Latham installed artwork through the front of his house and studio, Flat Time House. The house is now a place for education and houses the John Latham archive. You may also notice The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) it’s a project-based museum where exhibitions are curated for virtual viewing or specific sites.
2. Instagram the rat-like animal street art on the side of The Victorian Inn by Roa, the Belgium street artist and Walter Kerhaw’s Windmills near The Begging Bowl restaurant.
3. Bellenden Road has some lovely independent restaurants. We had lunch at Artusi, an Italian restaurant with a concise menu featuring freshly made pasta and Italian wines.
4. The Begging Bowl is another excellent restaurant with a Thai-inspired menu featuring small plates to share. Expect tempting dishes such as hake dumplings in green curry. I can personally recommend this restaurant.
5. Another restaurant of note is Uva, a Portuguese tapas and wine bar. You can cook Surf n Turf yourself on a hot stone plate at your table.
6. For cheaper eats, you try Cod Fellas (fish and chips), Made of Dough (wood-fired pizza), Cool Caribbean (jerk chicken and curry goat), Lovely House (dim sum) or the Crossroads Cafe (fry-ups and more). Also, Ganapati (South Indian) faces Bellenden Road but is officially on Holly Grove. I’ve eaten at Ganapati and can highly recommend it.
7. Interior lovers will be super happy exploring Frost for mid-century modern, industrial or reclamation furniture, lighting and objects. Those wanting to spend less may prefer Worn Not Torn, a secondhand store with chairs, wooden crates, storage trunks and more.
8. Treat yourself to speciality groceries and wine from Gather (zero-waste refill store), General Store (bread, dairy, veg, fruit, soft serve ice cream and takeaway coffee), Flock and Herd (butchers) and The Sourcing Table (wine).
9. Buy yourself a new outfit at one of the boutiques. D.A.Y sells Scandi-inspired clothing for men and women. Form SE15 features curated men’s and women’s clothing from Europe and lifestyle goodies.
10. I also wanted to mention Review, the indie book shop. It has a reputation for being a friendly and informative shop and has quite a few dog-related books.
See My Bellenden Road Video
Helpful Information About Bellenden Road
A couple of other things to mention in the area are the Bellenden Road Nature Reserve and Peckham Carboot Sale. The Nature Reserve opened in August 2010 and is managed by the London Wildlife Trust. The aim is to promote sustainable gardening and engage schools and the community about nature. However, I went to look, and it seemed abandoned, with many drink cans on the floor, which is a real shame. Peckham Car Boot Sale is held every other Sunday from 10 am until 2 pm at the Harris Academy at the bottom of Bellenden Road. I haven’t been to it, so I can’t tell you if it’s any good, but worth checking out if you are exploring the area on a Sunday.
On the corner of Bellenden Road and Maxted Road, you should look at the historical photographs of the area on the wall.
Bellenden Road is in the London Borough of Southwark in London SE15. The closest station is Peckham Rye, where you can get a train or the Overground. Before your visit, I recommend checking the restaurant and shop opening times. If you intend to dine at one of the upmarket restaurants, I advise that you book a table to avoid disappointment.
If you want to explore the area, you may be interested in these articles:
Best Things To Do In Peckham:
Best Places To Eat In Peckham:
Levan European Restaurant Peckham
Mr Bao Tiwanese Restaurant Peckham
The Begging Bowl Thai Restaurant Bellenden Road Peckham
Artusi Italian Restaurant Bellenden Road Peckham
Ganapati South Indian Restaurant Bellenden Road Peckham
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London. Please check that the places I referenced in this article are still in business before you visit to avoid disappointment.
