Whenever I say I went to Deptford, people in London ask 'But why?' Apparently, no one living in London seems to go there intentionally. Well, I did. This area in South East London appears to me as a peculiar mixture of very local flavour that manifests itself in local plea markets, unpretentious eateries and booze bars and some new restaurants that keep popping up here, and which actually may be the only reason Londoners from the other boroughs stray to Deptford.

Travel: South East London | Eat: Stockton - Bluethroat - Lemond -The Watergate | Experience: the Deptford Yard Market - the High Street - the local plea markets

Landing high in the rankings for the 'world's coolest streets' the High Street is the heart and bones of Deptford. It shows its friendly diversity on the market food stalls, in coffee shops, tattoo parlors, restaurants, bars and on its corners where the locals preach their religion. You won't buy vintage items or antiques at Deptford markets but you will find here everything, from handcrafted art, through used books and china to toiletries and toilet paper. 

Deptord Yard Market is another bustling spot just by the Deptford Station where younger Deptford residents flock to have a bite. Those are the ones who moved to Deptford for cheaper living and add the modern vibe to the area.

If you get hungry afterwards visit Stockton cozy bistro and bar in white. Their meticulously prepared small plate dishes use simple ingredients to combine surprising tastes to enhance your culinary experience. Stockton's fellow bistro and bar The Watergate, just as you head out of Deptford towards Greenwich, will welcome you with similar small plates of tapas-like tastes complemented by their list of intriguing cocktails.

Deptford left me with the impression of a very friendly district where the locals who have been living their simple modest life don't disturb the younger generation still arriving to try their living here or those who introduce reinvigirating culinary and cultural sphere in the area. Looking forward to checking out the latter on my next visit.

Eat breakfast at the Lemond. The avocado toast with grilled halloumi and matcha latte was exactly what I needed to kick off a day. The Lemond staff's laid-back posture makes you slow down, literally, as they warned we would be waiting 20 minutes for our order, and they didn't lie. It was worth the wait so I could watch how a cycler impatiently waited for his coffee to go, a girl at the neighboring table digged into her bowl and a company of three opposite our table enjoyed their meals in a relaxed atmosphere.

The Deptforf Market Yard hides more eateries and bars under its arches you should check out, the Little Nan's Bar & Kitchen, Naked, Bluethroat to name a few. Who said you can't have a drink right after your brunch, right?

Bluethroat will seat you in a mysterious interior by the bar where the bartender will serve salty snacks and be all ears for what kind of a drink you fancy. Make a wish as your taste dictates and they will deliver. You can inspire your palate with their signature cocktails menu at hand but be advised to try their variation on plum sake as well.