A Sunny Lunch at Peckham Market

There are plenty of food markets in south-east London these days, but that doesn't mean there isn't room for one more. Today, I finally got the chance to visit Peckham Market, which started up a few weeks ago. It's open every Saturday from 10 am until 2 pm, and although it's still quite small and quiet, it's still a great place to get some lunch and pick up some produce while escaping the hordes of my local Maltby Street Market.

Peckham Market is a bit like a smaller version of Brockley Market, which also operates on Saturdays: both are held in school car parks (Peckham Market is based at the Academy at Peckham, just off Peckham Road) and both combine some of the regular street-food favourites with farmer's market-style produce and flowers.

It has been a gorgeous sunny day today and, to help visitors get into the festive spirit, there was a brass band playing carols, face painting for kids and free mulled wine. The kids:dogs ratio here is definitely much higher than hipster-er than thou Maltby Street. There were about 20 stalls in total, including a few places to get some lunch or brunch. I was tempted by a pizza from Peel & Chimney, but Original Fry-Up Material's brekkie muffin (sausage patty, bacon, fried egg and cheese on an English muffin) won my heart. Because when it's brunch o'clock, brunch must be had. I definitely chose wisely because my muffin was delicious.

I also picked up a mini Christmas tree for my kitchen and some fresh pumpkin and amaretti pasta from Mansi.

While I was in the neighbourhood, I decided to stroll down the lovely Bellenden Road. Just opposite Anderson & Co is the wonderful General Store — the local food shop you've always dreamed of. Inside, the shelves are filled with gorgeous food and drink goodies — many from local producers. I stocked up on some Christmas gifts and ordered a macchiato while I browsed. Who needs to leave the SE postcode area when there are so many great places nearby?

Peckham Market. The Academy at Peckham, Peckham Road (enter on Lyndhurst Way or Bellenden Road), London, SE15 5DZ (Peckham Rye Overground). Website. Twitter.

General Store. 174 Bellenden Road, London, SE15 4BW (Peckham Rye Overground). Website. Twitter.