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Neighbourhood Guide: Deptford

Deptford is quickly becoming a place for city hustlers and artists to rub shoulders. The high-rise buildings of the South of London sit next to the hipster cafes and markets on the welcoming high street. This guide shows you the best Deptford has to offer, just in time for our Open Studios within Cockpit Arts.

Deptford Market

On your way into Cockpit Arts from the station you will pass the market, which is full to the brim with bric-a-brac, clothes and home products from African, Caribbean, Chinese and Vietnamese stalls. After visiting the Open Studios and you have some energy left, then take a stroll to the end of the high street which has fabulous street food. Off Deptford High Street is Douglas Way, which holds more treasures but make sure you have time to have a proper rummage!

When: Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays

Where: Douglas Street and Deptford High Street

Wunderlust

This relaxed restaurant serve incredible street food-style burgers and hot dogs as well as delicious cocktails. Expect an incredible meat selection by the owner who has used his Austrian/South London heritage to create this wonderful pop up spot.

The iconic red London bus had been converted and is parked outside the restaurant for a completely unique dining experience!

Where : 30 Deptford Church Street

Street Art

South London is not shy of colourful spray painted walls, and Deptford holds some brilliant examples. The creative superpowers at Artmongers have made their mark (literally!) on the streets, including the ‘Deptford Pearls’, the his ‘n’ hers mural in Griffin Square. The pearls are painted with oil paints, and shimmer in the sun as you walk past.

On the face of the Cockpit Arts building is the Love Over Gold mural. This mural was named after the Dire Straits album after the lead singer, Mark Knopfler, had become inspired by a bit of graffiti in the local area. “There was just some graffiti that was on the wall in Deptford really that stuck in my mind. Someone had written ‘Love Over Gold’ on the wall as an idea and it stuck with me”. The mural was then created by Gary Drostle who worked with the local primary school to depict “the local area, issues of wealth distribution and the environment as well as disability and equality of opportunity.” It is a beautiful piece of art to have adorned on the Cockpit building which I love to see on my walk into work.

Where: Griffin Square and Cockpit Arts Studios

Off t’pub!

Don’t end your journey to Deptford at Cockpit Arts, relax in one of the many pubs in the village. Each pub is very different and will therefore cater to every need, here are our top three:

The Bird’s Nest: This pub hosts incredible gigs ranging from blues to rock music. Where: 32 Deptford Church Street

Dog and Bell: Expect the best ales in a cosy setting. Where: 116 Prince Street

The Job Centre: Yummy cocktails with an eclectic interior. Where: 120 Deptford High Street

Come and find us in Deptford’s Cockpit Arts in the third floor, studio 307! Cockpit Arts Open Studios 9th-12th June!

It’s super easy to head to this part of South London, with only 1 stop from London Bridge it takes less than 5 mins to get here! You can also head down to New Cross on the East London Overground or head over the Greenwich on the DLR!

Exploring this creative corner of London has been fascinating, it may be a little rough around the edges, but I have met some amazing characters and creative pockets of the high street which I am very excited to get to know more. Deptford really is a wonderful village, which with great investments like Cockpit Arts, is a place to keep a close eye on in the next few years!

Written by Eleanor for Lorna Syson’s Our World.

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