Instagrammer’s guide to South London

As I compiled this – the last of my London guides – I reminisced on the time spent curating all of them – East, West, and North – and realised just how many wonderful independent gems there are in this great city. To round it off, here are my favourite discoveries in South London – home to some truly beautiful cafes, shops and more, cementing it as a creative hotspot full of independent retail and hospitality. 

Milk Cafe

Milk is a Balham-based daytime cafe with artisan speciality coffees and innovative brunch cuisine that doubles up as a shop. You can expect stripped back whitewashed brick walls and tiles, complemented with lots of plants. They don’t take bookings so you can also unfortunately expect a queue on weekends! 

18-20 Bedford Hill, London, SW12 9RG

IG: @milkcoffeeldn

Maison Curate

Maison Curate is a lifestyle store based on Battersea’s Northcote Road, offering a lovingly-curated range of homewares, gifts and botanicals. Every corner provides you with fresh inspiration for your home. And they’ve recently announced that they are opening up a sister shop in Dulwich Village. 

61 Northcote Rd, London SW11 1NP

IG: @maisoncurate 

Nola

I truly can’t resist a great coffee shop and Nola is one of them! The minimalist and light wood decor creates a sense of calm throughout. The couple behind the Peckham local work hard to keep their coffees seasonal, and constantly change their selection to bring new coffees to the community.

224 Rye Ln, London SE15 4NL

IG: @drinkatnola 

Jo’s House

The ethos of Jo’s House is to provide great, simply designed accessible products, which were handpicked and curated for their enduring quality. It’s hard to resist leaving without a little treat for yourself, whether it’s beeswax candles or a new skincare product to incorporate into your self-care regime (I recommend the Meraki exfoliating bath mitt).

299 Railton Rd, London SE24 0JN

IG: @joshouse299

Feeling Food 

Just down the road from Nola’s is Feeling Food, an authentic Italian restaurant and shop. You’re pleasantly welcomed by a wonderful selection of fresh focaccia (and other Italian goods) and the beautiful tiles transport you from South London to a European city!

40 Peckham Rye, Peckham, London SE15 4JR

IG: @officialfeelingfood

ALKEMI  

ALKEMI store is a lifestyle shop that work with lots of independent makers to bring together a beautiful selection of objects for everyday life. I couldn’t resist repurchasing a bottle of Meraki’s Meadow Bliss hand wash – the best I’ve used!

62 Nunhead Ln, London SE15 3QE

IG: @alkemistore 

iyouall 

This shop offers a stunning curation of lifestyle products and the temptation to NOT buy everything was seriously tough. As well as their own brand, you can expect a range of brands such as HAY, Ferm Living and High Tide. They also offer bespoke interior design services and have a furniture showroom in Deptford.

48 East Dulwich Road, London, SE22 9AX

@iyouallstore 

The Find Store

The Find Store started life as a beautiful lifestyle and interiors shop, stocking sustainably-made products. These days, whilst you can still buy an inspiring coffee table book or a house plant for your home, you can now extend your experience by making your own crafty creations in their pottery studio! Or grab a coffee from their in-store café while enjoying the ambience and stylish surroundings.

133 Burnt Ash Rd, London SE12 8RA

IG: @the.find.store

Elkins

Elkins in Crystal Palace stocks a carefully curated selection of homewares, clothing, jewellery and gifts all under one roof. With everything from woven throws and ceramic egg cups, it’s a little treasure trove in the heart of SE London.

85 Church Rd, London, SE19 2TA 

IG: @elkinsshop

Paper Stories

A five minute walk from Gipsy Hill station, you’ll find Paper Stories – London’s first paper craft cafe; a unique space to sit down with a coffee, make a collage, and unfold. With regular workshops, you can hone your crafting skills all whilst sipping on delicious coffee and indulging in delicious pastries.

234 Gipsy Road, London, SE27 9RB

IG: @paperstorieslondon 

Lamp London

For me, Lamp London is Peckham’s true hidden gem. Their ethos is helping their customers to shop for luxury consciously. They’ve taken the time to learn the stories behind all the brands they stock. Despite the name, you can expect a lot more than just their custom lampshades. They stock stationery, tableware and some vintage goods too. 

20b Maxted Road, London, SE15 4LF

IG: @lamp_london_home

Hortus 

Hortus is a beautiful spot in Blackheath, offering contemporary, design-led accessories for both the home and garden. You will be completely spoilt for choice and fortunately their range caters for all budgets! They also offer bespoke garden design and build services. 

IG: @hortus_london