Thanks to my current social media MVP, Kimberly Cumberbatch, it’s single sexy summer whether you’re single or not.
Chante Joseph made us question relationships as a whole, and Kimberley is forcing us into strategy mode. She’s also releasing a range of single-sexy-summer merch that launches at 7pm tonight, which is important news.
As a result of SSS fervour I’ve felt inspired to jot down my favourite South East London (ish) date spots in case you’re feeling that way inclined. We’ve got around six weeks of summer left, and this heatwave shows no signs of retreating. Ergo, it’s imperative that we use our al fresco window wisely and we simply must be doing lots of outdoor dating.
Here are some of my favourite summer spots in my beloved South East to wine and/or dine someone (or yourself), omitting pubs because that’s not sexy:
Camberwell
Theo’s – mainly a pizza place with a small amount of outdoor seating, but it gets the evening light and you can order affordable wine by the glass and perch in the evening glow with one of their artisanal ice creams in hand, or munching on a pizza depending on whether that screams romance to you or not
The Camberwell Arms – yes this is technically a pub but it’s classy AF and they offer delightful wine and cocktail options, and you can nestle into some tasteful sundowners while feeling whimsical and romantic. Honourable mention to their dirty martini
Kennington & Oval
Cable Cafe – tiny cafe in Oval that has live jazz performances every Wednesday and Saturday from 8pm. There’s the smallest of outdoor gardens at the back for perching and sipping, and their cocktails are strong and tasty. The front door opens onto the street and there’s trendy people spilling into the road, smoking to the soundtrack of jazz behind them, which is categorically a good vibe
Didi and Franc – in the evenings this little deli becomes a restaurant, and in summer you can make use of their hidden and adorable courtyard that’s removed from the busy Kennington road. They have lovely wines and great Italian dishes to nibble on. You can also move from here and hop to my next spot within minutes
The Prince of Wales – ok it’s technically a pub again but if you’ve ever been to The Prince of Wales in Cleaver Square you will allow me this exception. A firm contender for the most beautiful square in London (unbiased), you can grab a drink from the pub and sit on a bench in Cleaver Square, watching people play Boules unless you would also like to join in and make an activity date of it
Borough/London Bridge
Tap and Bottle – an upstairs wine bar in plain Borough with a lovely outdoor terrace and wonderful wine and beer options. The chaos of London Bridge and Borough market doesn’t even get close to this place; it’s NFI
Forza Wine at The National Theatre – I’m not sure we’re really South East London anymore but there truly isn’t a better summer date spot. The terrace is enormous and the wine and beer options are tasty. You also get to try Forza’s famed small plates and can’t leave without trying their crispy cauliflower with aioli, and hope that garlic breath doesn’t ruin your evening (I think it’s okay if you both honk a little at the same time, is there a neutralising effect? Discuss)
Moroccan Bound Book Shop – lovely, miniscule bar, cafe and all-round event concept establishment. They have so many activities going on here throughout the year from drawing sessions to concerts to quizzes, it’s the definition of my least favourite term, the hidden gem. A fun and quirky date spot for you
Peckham
Frank’s – obviously, I don’t believe there’s a better rooftop bar in London in terms of the sheer space available and the views. The drinks are fine and a little pricy and they could definitely benefit from louder or live music but that never seems to stop anyone from coming back. Vibey and classic for a reason
Peckham Cellars – elegant choice for a wine bar with outdoor seating that laps up the evening sun
Nunhead
El Vermut – for all fellow vermouth lovers this is your lucky day because vermouth is the entire concept of this quirky Spanish-themed bar. The furniture is mismatched and it’s always dingy but absolutely rammed inside, and they have a great terrace at the back with plenty of seating. Just watch out with how many vermouth on the rocks you slurp because vermouth is the silent assassin, at least in my case
Bar D4100 – about thirty seconds down the street you’ll find one of my favourite spots in all of London, home to pizza legends Dinner For One Hundred. The pizza is great and affordable and they do spritzes from £4.95 and beers from £5.95 – yes, what the hell? We love them for that, please never change in line with inflation. Also, a banging playlist always, which I now follow on Spotify and encourage you to do the same
Herne Hill
Lulu’s – heavenly Herne Hill has lots of cute spots to offer but for summer al fresco purposes, I think Lulu’s is the top pick. Wine bar and child of the suave Llewellyn’s next door, it’s a lovely and romantic spot
Bullfinch – a microbrewery is not technically a pub in my eyes so that’s allowed. I love this little microbrewery so very much, it feels like you’ve been launched into a slightly hick barn in the middle of the countryside and there’s something adorable and romantic about it. The beers are delicious and extremely affordable. They have occasional kitchen popups and lots of outdoor seating with nice lighting and bunting. It’s so randomly placed (about a 10 minute walk from Herne Hill and anywhere else) that you feel like you’ve discovered something truly unique
East Dulwich
The Victory – there are lots of great pubs in East Dulwich but the most romantic one is The Victory and I’d argue that it’s in the same camp as The Camberwell Arms so we’ll also allow it. They’ve recently taken over the former home of much-loved Franklins and the team behind the revamp hail from impressive spots like Noble Rot and also own The Begging Bowl in Peckham. The beer selection is top-tier and the food is supposedly fantastic; there’s outdoor seating and the vibes are strong all round