Peckham Cellars

Set up and run by three wine-loving friends, this sociable fun-loving addition to the Peckham scene is equally good for date nights, serious imbibing or a neighbourly midweek catch-up over a glass or two. Inside, all is warm, casual and full of light, with an open kitchen, bar seating and a bevy of casual staff; ‘everyone has a good knowledge of the wine menu,’ observed one visitor. Food is tailored to drinking, so expect a short ‘veg-heavy’ roster of snacks and sharing plates, with vegetable dishes as the ‘outstanding winners’: big, moreish porcini croquetas; fried artichoke with Parmesan cream and serrano ham; roasted cauliflower with red curry and cashews. The chef is Spanish (as you might have guessed), and his repertoire also includes dishes such as ‘really flavoursome’ Basque-style hake with mussels. The 150-bin wine list is a well-informed compendium of bottles from small-scale, eco-friendly producers, with plenty of options by the glass. The owners also run a wine club and an online shop.