This may not be the tallest roof garden in Peckham.
But it’s up there.
And you’ll find it in Peckham’s beating heart, just a few yards from Peckham Rye station itself atop the Copeland Park & Bussey Building. Not to be confused with the CLF Art Cafe (which is a far more tub-thumping club space and, frankly, nothing like a cafe at all) the Lounge is actually a lot like a lounge. It’s one of those places that you would never come across unless you knew it was there, stashed away behind an unmarked black door. It’s got two floors of laid-back drinking, dining and live entertainment… and one of those floors is a roof.
The lounge space is one of those beautifully moody, low-lit, speakeasy-style spaces that immediately makes you feel like you’re stepping into a 20s detective novel. A notion which is only deepened by the live jazz frequently drifting off the stage, and at the bar, where they’ll furnish you with whatever poison you fancy. The place is sponsored in part by Hennessy, so you’ll find a whole lot of cognac rolling around the cocktail menu, too.
The food takes a slightly different direction, being entirely Dominican, courtesy of Boca Chica. And if you’d like a brief rejoinder on Dominican food, that means you can expect Dominican-style fried chicken (seasoned with lime, oregano, etc.) with green plantain; some ultra-tender slow-cooked goat with dark rum; and cassava croquettes. Then to finish, you can score a serving of Morirsonando – a traditional dessert made with fresh orange juice, evaporated milk, and sugar cane all artfully whipped up into a mousse.
And finally, there’s the all-important rooftop garden. It’s large enough to have its own bar, and its own stage for live music too. It’s got lush greenery, weather-safer awnings, and a killer view.
Just remember *not* to confuse it with the CLF Arts Cafe.
NOTE: The CLF Art Lounge And Roof Garden is open Wed-Sun. You can find out more, book a table, and see who’s playing at their website right HERE.
The CLF Art Lounge And Roof Garden | 4a Station Way, Peckham, SE15 4RX
Looking for somewhere to eat beforehand? Take a look at our guide to the best restaurants in Peckham.