Possibly one of the most talked about car park roofs in South London, Frank’s Cafe in Peckham is the perfect bar to stop by for great skyline views and a laid-back vibe.
It has been on my list of places to visit for ages now and I was so happy to see it in all its urban glory! I really like when overlooked spaces are transformed into something really different to their original purpose and to turn the roof of a working multi-story car park into one of the trendiest hangouts in London is really something. Frank’s is a flagship architectural commission of Bold Tenancies and designed by Practice Architecture and the space also includes art installations with over half a million people visiting.
When it rains, it pours
Frank’s is unpretentious despite what I’d heard about it being a bit of a hipster haven. It was pouring rain for half of our visit so people were hidden under a massive red tarpaulin roof, which sporadically showered poor unsuspecting drinkers with rain water when torrents spilled over the edges. Bar staff came to the rescue every now and then with sweeping brushes and poked the roof to free pools, while we saw a girl climb up onto a table and wedge a bit of tissue into the roof to stop the constant drips into drinks below! It somehow added to the fun atmosphere and I love that even in the rain, people take to the roof tops and get outside to make the most of summer in London.
Eat Up
We hadn’t planned to eat but with really tasty food passing us every few minutes, we ordered hummus and pitta bread and hot chicken wings. The food was really delicious and the waiting staff really on the ball. If you’re a fan of cocktails or Pimms you’ll be in heaven with lots of tables opting for sharing pitchers.
The eco toilets are not for the faint hearted, the general aroma evokes the vibe of music festivals and anyone who has camped and used these kinds of loos will know what I mean! Other than that, Frank’s was top-notch! I’ll definitely be back and on a sunny day the views and chilled vibe are just what I’ll be looking for.
Opening hours:
Tuesday to Friday: 5pm – 11pm
Saturday & Sunday: 11am – 11pm
What we ordered:
Hummus, scotch bonnet oil and pitta £ 5.00
Brown sugar hot wings £7.50
Location
10th Floor, Peckham Multi-Story Carpark, 95A Rye Lane, London, SE15 4st