The best of Streatham

Streatham is sometimes seen as the less sexy cousin of more vibrant neighbouring areas, such as Brixton and Clapham. But don’t be fooled. From the perspective of a resident, Streatham has a lot to offer and that is only growing.

Greenery

#FLODown: First off, one of the biggest selling points of this area is that it has an array of excellent parks and commons nearby, depending on where abouts you are in Streatham – it’s big!

Rookery Gardens, Image: The Rookery Cafe

Brockwell Park is around a 30-minute walk from the Brixton end of Streatham and boasts a great view of the city skyline and has a meadow-like feel. It’s easy to miss the walled 'Old English' herbaceous flower garden in the middle – but don’t, it’s well worth a stroll around. The Herne Hill market is also great for a gander and lunch-to-go on a Sunday, the Rainforest Creations stall will allow you to pretend that you’ve made strides to remove all your weekend sins.

Tooting Common borders the residential areas that sit to the right of Streatham High Road, and is great for a walk or run around (completing a loop is around 7k). If you’re feeling mischievous afterwards, then why not take a detour for a pint from the Rose & Crown Pub when it opens again. Or, if you need some sustenance mid-stroll, they also do great and inexpensive pizza at the pub.

Much further into Streatham, you’ll find Streatham Common which has a hidden gem – The Rookery Gardens. When the sun is shining, this will look great on your Instagram.

Coffee Shops

Image: Nathan Dumlao

#FLODown: A personal favourite is Batch & Co which sits at the top of Streatham High Road (Brixton end), serving great coffee and lunches. During lockdown they’ve been serving up a tempting artisan sandwich meal-deal, which is a welcome break from whatever can be found in the fridge between zoom calls. Don’t leave without a baked good either!

Further down the high road is another reputable coffee stop, Perfect Blend, it’s spacious and has outdoor seating so good for a catch-up with a friend during (less restricted) corona times.

Drinks

#FLODown: There is a fab little takeaway beer shop called Art & Craft doing all sorts of weird and wonderful craft beers in nicely designed cans. As pubs are not currently an option, grab a few cold ones from here to have with another Netflix night-in.

Or, instead you could stop off at the Streatham Wine House for a glass of sparkling wine and sit in the window watching all the comings and goings of Streatham High Road. This independent wine bar and shop boasts an array of excellent international wines, cider, beer and cheese that you can enjoy inside and wine for takeaway or delivery. Follow their Instagram to be taken on a global wine journey!

If you’re looking for something lively and a little quirky, The Hamlet has a good cocktail selection and a bit more of a night-out vibe than the average Streatham bar.

Hardys Wine, an independent booze shop on the high road, also has to get a mention after having spent a lot of time (and money) in there during lockdown on delectable Italian reds and international beers. Great for sourcing a decent bottle to take to a friend’s for dinner (when one is allowed again).

Eating Out

Image: Olivia Samuels

#FLODown: Hood Streatham may look like a brunch place on passing by, but also has a fantastic Modern British lunch menu and well-priced evening set menu (£32 for 3 courses). During the current lockdown Hood is offering a dine at home set menu for £27.50. If you live in the area, this has to be added to your weekend agenda.

Streatham is also home to one of the best (if not the best) pizzas in London. Enter Bravi Ragazzi, an independent pizzeria quite far into the depths of Streatham, but so worth the bus ride down there. Make sure you order something that includes nduja and/or smoked mozzarella. Jessie Ware has also been quoted on her podcast that this is also home to South London’s best tiramisu. If the pistachio version is on the menu – get it! For a more detailed review on this pizzeria, chekc out Pizza Diaries London.

Food shops

Image: Olivia Samuels

#FLODown: Having lived in the area, it would feel wrong to not mention two independent food retailers that kept my culinary interests alive during lockdown.

Aptly named The Mediterranean, this independent grocer is home to an array of niche Greek and Turkish food stuffs. If you want truly authentic Greek yogurt, and the best fried cheese you’ll ever eat called Saganaki (you may have had this on holiday in Greece), head in here. Saganaki goes down a treat as a gift to friends. And don’t forget to head next door to the bakery for excellent fresh baklava.

Brasileiro sells traditional Brazilian delights and is just off the High Road. The very affordable marinated steak is ready to throw on the BBQ and will be sure to impress, and their cheese breads (pão de queijo) will take you right to the streets of Brazil.

Words by Olivia Samuels