Need a new kind of Streatham taxi? Addison Lee

Named after two Streatham icons of differing social standing, Pratts & Payne is unequivocally Streatham’s coolest pub. The icons in question – since you asked – were Pratt’s department store and Cynthia Payne, a local madam. The pub itself retains many an homage to the former but thankfully not really the latter. They serve a great range of ales (constantly on the change), wines and spirits, a well as an excellent food menu. Including a rather decent Sunday lunch. The interior is very much retro chic and occasionally features a table tennis table for those long winter nights. Come summertime, there’s an idyllic garden out back which is undoubtedly the nicest spot in Streatham on a warm evening.

103 Streatham High Rd, SW16 1HJ
prattsandpayne.com

Another excellent choice for both a Sunday roast and a drink outside is the Manor Arms. Located on the corner of Streatham Green, where Mitcham Road and the High Road meet, The Manor is as an appealing sight from the outside as it is from the in. Inviting oak panelling adorns most walls, including the restaurant area at the front. Whereas in the back there’s more of a relaxed feel. A place to watch sports, a long bar and even a garden that you almost wouldn’t know was there. Step outside and you’ll find a cosy alcove that stands up well on balmy hot days with heaters for lesser, springtime evenings.

Mitcham Ln, SW16 6LQ
www.themanorarms.com/

Step away from Streatham High Road down towards Norbury and you’ll hit Streatham Common. Right at the bottom of the common, you’ll see the unmistakable blue front of the Bull. This recently refreshed Streatham pub has all the hallmarks of a typical Young’s boozer. It’s light and airy on the inside, making it a great place to while away a Sunday afternoon (bit of a theme in SW16). While its large garden – complete with American style burger shack – is probably one of the best spots locally to enjoy the afternoon sun with a cold pint. Good place to recharge after a long walk round the common.

498 Streatham High Rd, SW16 3QB
www.thebullstreatham.co.uk/

This one’s a strong runner in the “Streatham’s best restaurant” category. Opened in 2015, Hood is a family run neighbourhood restaurant that uses locally sourced, fresh and seasonal ingredients to shape its excellent menu. They take enormous pride in creating food that excites through innovative pairing of flavours rather than fancy presentation or methods – a philosophy that extends to their drinks menu too. With a range of beer and wine that has been chosen to match the food as well as possible. The decor is light, breezy and unimposing. Exactly how you hope it would be really.

67 Streatham Hill, SW2 4TX
www.hoodrestaurants.com/

Our favourite place in Streatham to get breakfast – and there are a few. Boyce Da Roca started out life in nearby Crystal Palace. But after some quick success, decided on Streatham as the place for their second venture. The cosy cafe is full of trinket-y style bric a brac but somehow never feels cluttered. Instead it’s inviting and lovely to a tea (get it?) The food is largely based around a hearty base of homemade sourdough bread. And we’re here to tell you it’s really good bread. But for anyone who’s not into that, don’t panic. They also serve pies, rolls and cakes by the dozen. And did we mention their brekkie?

Leigham Hall Parade, Streatham High Rd, SW16 1DR
www.facebook.com/boycedaroca/

In need of a really good Chinese? Look no further than Rice Republic. A quiet and unassuming little restaurant opposite St Leonard’s church, Rice Republic offer a menu of unsurpassable quality. Honestly, if this place were in the city centre it would get a lot more attention than it does already. Knocking out a menu of favoured classics as well as some new twists, our favourite thing to do in here is attack the dim-sum menu with no small amount of zeal. They have an alcohol licence so no need to BYOB.

161, Streatham High Road, SW16 6EG
www.ricerepublic.co.uk/

To look at Streatham Common, it would be quite easy to assume that it’s just a shallow park with no real points of interest. But head up the hill away from the High Rd and you’ll soon run into a dense woodland area. Push on through that and you’ll happen across the delightful Rookery. A beautifully landscaped garden, complete with ornamental pond and stunning flowerbeds. There’s a cafe and of course Streatham Common right next to it, making the Rookery the ideal spot to relax when taking a stroll. They hold events here through the summer, including plays and gigs.

Covington Way, SW16 3BX
streathamcommon.org/events

Streatham’ finest (albeit only) jazz club. The Hideaway is actually so much more than just a music venue and you’ll certainly not find anything quite like it locally – even in neighbouring Brixton. As an events space for all sorts of local artists, you’re just as likely to end up at a salsa class as you are a jazz evening here. They also host a famous comedy night here on Sundays that’s only £10 a ticket. Come by in the day time to eat or stop for tea in their friendly little cafe. All just a stone’s throw away from Streatham rail station.

225 Streatham High Rd, SW16
Hideawaylive.co.uk

If Streatham is famous for one thing above all, it’s probably the ice rink. Demolished not too long ago, it was recently rebuilt as part of Streatham Leisure Centre. Membership to the gym will allow you access to the rink but non-members can also get in for a small fee. They’re open most days of the week and then closed Sunday’s for the local Ice Hockey team. Tickets are available to watch those matches and the crowd is always very lively. Take the kids or feed your inner child. It’s great fun for all the family.

390 Streatham High Rd, SW16 6HX
www.better.org.uk/venues/streatham-ice-and-leisure-centre