New Cross Gate Restaurant Guide

2023 Review: “Tasty thin-crust dough – cooked well in the middle, so no soggy bottoms” – is the secret to the appeal of this seven-strong South London sourdough pizzeria group, where the emphasis is on local ingredients (including Shipton Mill flour and British-made buffalo mozzarella) washed down with locally brewed craft beers and juices from Kent.

This “exceptional local wine room”, one of the prime movers and shakers in the Peckham foodie scene, presents an “interesting list of wines” in a “fun and unpretentious atmosphere”. There’s also a short but well-received menu of modern European nibbles and larger plates. A long-heralded spin-off called ‘Little Cellars’ was due to open in Camberwell in 2023.

Patrick Williams and Amy Corbin’s original Peckham opening (it now has siblings like Little Kudu, see also) has become a well-known pin on southeast London’s restaurant map (owing only partly to the celebrity of Amy’s father, Chris Corbin, among the capital’s foodie commentariat). Amidst the menu choices, there is the occasional nod to Patrick’s heritage (South African), but the inspiration for the “tasty, small plates” magpies from all over the globe. Brunch is a big occasion here for which there’s a dedicated menu; and “friendly” service is also a feature. Top Tip – eat in the back garden on warmer days.

2023 Review: “Always fresh sourdough pizza” has helped build a strong local following for this hip southeast London group, with outlets in Crystal Palace, Nunhead, West Norwood, Herne Hill and Elephant & Castle. A new natural wine selection from specialist importer Les Caves de Pyrène is now available alongside the craft beers on tap. Top Tip – “make sure you leave room for the ice cream”.

Open in June 2023 from Peckham’s Kudu Collective, Little Kudu replaces the Smokey Kudu cocktail bar in Queen’s Road (which has shifted to the RIXO fashion emporium on Chelsea’s King’s Road). There’s a strong focus on South African wine here, with simple, tapas-y/small plates food to soak it up (eg Braaibroodjie: a Saffa cheese toastie).