The South London neighbourhood of Penge has officially shaken off its under-the-radar status, being named one of the coolest places to live in the entire UK for 2025.
From Overlooked to Overachiever
In a major announcement earlier this year, The Sunday Times placed Penge amongst its hippest postcodes, marking it as the only London location to break into the national top ten. Tucked between Beckenham and Crystal Palace on the borders of Bromley and Croydon, this modest area is now hailed as 'the most desirable postcode south of the river'.
Journalist Hannah Evans from The Sunday Times summarised the area's appeal by simply stating that Penge 'has it all'. The neighbourhood boasts an impressive four railway stations, making it exceptionally well-connected, while still retaining a feeling of being relatively 'off-the-beaten-track'.
A Hub of Community and Cuisine
At the heart of Penge's charm is its strong community spirit, perfectly embodied by Alexandra Nurseries. This independent garden centre and café, a local gem, has been supporting the area for over a decade. Proprietor Owen Parker, who runs the nursery with his father John, described the immense task of clearing seven skips of debris to transform the abandoned site into what he calls 'a little haven'.
Following John's death in 2021, Owen explained that the nursery represents his 'connection to him', making the garden centre a profound labour of love and a cornerstone for the community. Word on the street suggests they serve some of the finest cakes in the borough.
The food and drink scene in Penge is another major draw. The tapas restaurant El Molino, on Beckenham Road, is so popular that it counts French chef and television star Fred Sirieix as a regular. Staff confirm that Fred 'loves' their excellent Galician-style octopus dish.
For a caffeine fix, residents head to Carnival Coffee Roasters on Central Parade. When it comes to pints, the Southey Taproom is the premier destination, featuring ales crafted in South London and a vibrant events programme. Another excellent watering hole is the Bridge House, which boasts a beer garden and even a West End-standard theatre.
Green Spaces and Rising Costs
For those seeking greenery, Crystal Palace Park on the boundary is an ideal spot. It is brimming with attractions including the renowned dinosaur sculptures, a boating lake, weekly food markets, summer festivals, and a museum.
After a dose of fresh air, the popular Chatsworth Bakehouse on the border of Penge and Anerley is the place to be. Open from Wednesday to Saturday, their must-try focaccia sandwiches are so sought-after that queuing, especially on a Saturday morning, is a given.
Unfortunately, all this newfound charm and recognition comes with a financial reality check. According to property portal Rightmove, the average house price in Penge now stands at a hefty £457,000, a clear indicator of its rising desirability.
