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The graduate’s guide to London: Things to do in South London 😮

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If you’ve landed a graduate job in South London, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to things to do, eat and see.

Home to a huge range of businesses and graduate opportunities, the area of London that contains Greenwich, Elephant & Castle, Brixton and Southwark is the ideal place for graduates to live and work in London.

If you’re applying for graduate jobs in South London, or you’re living in the area, check out our complete guide to South East and South West London below. Or head back to our Complete Guide to London.

Where to eat in South London?

If you’re looking for good places to eat lunch in South London, you won’t have to look far.

South London is home to plenty of street food markets, intimate cafes and chain restaurants to suit every preference.

Check out some of the best food in South London for vegetarians, vegans and meat eaters alike.

 

POP, Brixton

Food markets have surged in popularity over the course of the last few years, and POP Brixton is one of the capital’s most-loved spots.

Home to a huge range of different cuisines, at varying price points, a visit to POP ensures that everyone will be able to find something they like.

If you’re working in Brixton, nearby Clapham or Tooting, it’s a great place to head after work with your new colleagues. 49 Brixton Station Rd, Brixton, London SW9 8PQ.

 

Santo Remedio Cantina & Comedor, London Bridge

We’ve got a whole blog on where to eat lunch in London Bridge; but a new addition to our recommended spots is Santo Remedio.

For some of London’s best Mexican fare on a graduate budget, this Mexican cantina is a must-visit – it’s even frequently hailed as one of the best restaurants in London Bridge! 152 Tooley St, London SE1 2TU.

 

Lenos & Carbon, Elephant & Castle

Fancy trying something new in South London? Add Colombian restaurant Lenos & Carbon to your list of places to go in South London.

Serving up a range of tapas, meat, fish and vegetarian fare, it’s one of Elephant & Castle’s best-kept secrets and is the perfect place to head with friends after work or in your downtime. 113 Elephant Rd, Elephant and Castle, London SE17 1LB.

 

Dosa n Chutny, Tooting / Croydon

Looking for the best way to eat cheap in South London? As cheap eats in London go, Dosa n Chutny is about as affordable as it gets.

Tooting is known for its many well-priced Indian restaurants, but Dosa n Chutny stands out; its menu includes a huge range of curries and tandoor oven dishes, with generous portions for a very reasonable £3 – £6. 68 Tooting High St, Tooting, London SW17 0RN.

 

Persepolis, Peckham

Cheap dinner in London can often be hard to come by; but if you’re searching for somewhere affordable to eat with friends or colleagues, head a little further south of the river.

There’s a growing number of restaurants, bars and nightclubs in Peckham; and Persepolis is top of many locals’ list.

Serving up delicious Middle Eastern food at a very reasonable price point, Persepolis is a must-visit for graduates after work or on the weekend. 30 Peckham High St, Peckham, London SE15 5DT.

 

Where to go in South London?

South London is home to plenty of tourist hotspots (like the Cutty Sark, London Bridge and several theatres) – but for inhabitants of the area, there are also plenty of non-tourist things to do in South London.

From bustling markets to art galleries and museums, there’s a huge range of things to do in South East London and things to do in South West London.

 

Greenwich Market, Greenwich

Open 7 days a week, Greenwich Market sells everything from street food and drink, to antiques, fashion, accessories and art pieces.

If you’re looking for things to do in South London at the weekend, head to Greenwich Market to browse its 120+ stalls and eat at one of the amazing street food vendors. 5B Greenwich Market, Greenwich Peninsula, London SE10 9HZ

 

Frank’s Café, Peckham

A playground for young adults at the weekend, Frank’s Café is a well-known Peckham rooftop bar, situated on the roof of a former multi-storey car park.

If you’re after things to do in South East London in the summer, head south of the river to Peckham.

An honourable mention goes to Peckham Levels; a similarly urban car park conversion with some of the best street food in South London available. Bold Tendencies, 7th-10th Floor Multi Storey Car Park, 95A Rye Ln, Peckham, London SE15 4ST

 

Bankside Mix, Bankside

Situated by the River Thames, Bankside Mix is another ideal spot for graduates on the weekend.

On offer are an array of cafes, bars, market stalls and shops, including both chain stores, and individual retailers. 18 Great Guildford St, London SE1 0FD

 

South London Gallery, Camberwell

If you’re looking to soak up a bit of culture in London, head to Camberwell’s South London Gallery.

Not only is it completely free, but it’s a bit of a well-kept secret; presenting contemporary art exhibitions, as well as live performances and films. 65-67 Peckham Rd, London SE5 8UH

 

Mercato Metropolinato, Elephant & Castle

If you’ve got a graduate job in South London, chances are you’ve heard of Mercato Metropolinato.

Another great food market with some of the best food in South London on offer, they even have a live jazz band on a Saturday night!

It’s the perfect place for socialising after work or on the weekend in London. 42 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6DR

things-to-do-in-south-london-graduate

12 free things to do in South London ✨

  1. Take a picnic to Brockwell Park (or take a dip in Brockwell Lido for a small fee!)
  2. Watch a live performance at The Scoop, London Bridge
  3. Wander around Potters Fields Park
  4. Head to the South London Gallery!
  5. Take in the sights of The Cutty Sark
  6. Cycle along the Wandle Trail
  7. Head to the viewpoint at Addington Hills
  8. Visit the Tate Modern
  9. Wander around Borough Market or Maltby Street Market
  10. Explore the National Maritime Museum
  11. Sit on Clapham Common
  12. Visit the animals at Battersea Cats & Dogs home (not technically free, but for a small admission fee, which goes back into the home’s incredible work)

 

How to get around South London ?

South London benefits from fairly good transport links in terms of the Overground, Network Rail, and the bus system – although the underground network south of the river isn’t quite as easy to get around on.

 

Overground/Underground

If you’re looking at graduate jobs in South London, Network rail trains and Overground trains will become second nature.

With Network rail trains more frequent in South London than North, and the Overground running from New Cross, Clapham, Croydon and Peckham, overground trains are a better option than the tube.

 

Travelling around London by Bus

It’s also easy to get around South London and from South London into Central London by bus.

As well as being one of the most budget-friendly methods of transport in London, it’s also usually less cramped and stressful than the tube.

 

If you’re looking for graduate jobs in London, you might find that a job in South London is the one for you.

Home to many of the city’s best restaurants, bars and entertainment venues, including several of the top food markets, South London is the area of choice for thousands of graduates.

Find more career advice for fresh graduates on our blog – or check out the latest London jobs for graduates.

 

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