Streatham Hill Area Guide

Once known for its less than salubrious reputation, South West London’s Streatham has undergone a huge amount of regeneration and transformation since it hit the headlines in the early 2000s, and has since developed into a lively, bustling area with an increasingly large population of young professionals looking for a diverse and vibrant place to live. Six miles from Central London and bordered by Clapham and Brixton, Streatham is now known for its wide range of independent dining options, quirky independent boutiques and great community spirit - there are numerous festivals though out the year, including the annual Streatham Festival and the Streatham Food Festival every summer. 

Property is more affordable than you’d expect in South West London, and there’s plenty of different styles available, from contemporary apartment blocks in the heart of the action to period houses on quiet, leafy streets. Throw in good schools and plenty of greenery, and it’s not hard to see why Streatham is suddenly on everyone’ s radar. 

Eating & Drinking

Restaurants

Just like neighbouring Brixton, Streatham has developed a reputation for amazing international dining, with plenty of hidden gems serving up Vietnamese, Indian and Modern European food, trendy brunch spots and good gastropubs to choose from. 

The Mere Scribbler

A recent addition to the Streatham scene, this friendly gastropub has quickly become the go-to spot for comforting pub grub and long weekend brunches. 

Address: 426 Streatham High Rd, London SW16 3PX

Tiger Cafe

Simple, authentic and affordable, this Vietnamese cafe on the High Road serves up delicious, traditional dishes and offers BYO alongside a good wine selection. 

Address: 133 Streatham High Rd, London SW16 1HJ

Hood

Catch up with friends over crumpets and poached eggs at brunch or tuck into Modern British dishes at dinnertime at this underrated neighbourhood restaurant. 

Address: 67 Streatham Hill, London SW2 4TX

Batch & Co Coffee

With coffee from the famous Caravan Coffee Roasters, you can expect an excellent cup of joe here alongside simple lunch dishes including prosecution toasties and smoked salmon bagels. 

Address: 54 Streatham Hill, London SW2 4RD

Perfect Blend 

Top quality all day dining is on the menu at this Modern European restaurant, where you’ll find some of the best steaks in South West London. 

Address: 8-9, Streatleigh Parade, London SW16 1EQ

Bars

From traditional pubs to sophisticated wine bars, Streatham has a wide range of drinking spots to choose from - and there’s always nearby Clapham or Brixton if you’re looking for a big night out. 

Pratts & Payne

Filled with retro cool furniture, this low-key pub is perfect for a Friday night among friends - make sure to try their curated selection of real ales. 

Address: 103 Streatham High Rd, London SW16 1HJ

Hideaway

There’s never a dull moment at this award-winning jazz club, where the bill is packed with live music, performances and stand up comedy every night of the week. 

Address: 2 Empire Mews, Stanthorpe Road, London SW16 2BF

The Manor Arms 

A modern pub with an extensive wine list and a lovely outdoor patio with heating in the winter, this spot covers all bases (and the food is pretty good too).

Address: 2A Mitcham Ln, London SW16 6LQ

Streatham Wine House

Cosy and charming, this modest wine bar is the best place in the neighbourhood to try intriguing wines by the class while sharing a cheese plate, or a pizza from one of the nearby independent Italian restaurants.  

Address: 53A Streatham Hill, London SW2 4TS

The Hamlet

Right next to Streatham Hill station, this vintage-style cocktail bar has an impressive cocktail list and a buzzing atmosphere on weekend evenings. 

Address: 10 Streatham High Rd, London SW16 1DB

Transport

Despite the lack of underground station, Streatham still manages to offer speedy connections across the capital with three train stations: Streatham Hill, Streatham, and Streatham Common. Between them, you’ll find direct trains to key destinations including Victoria in less than 20 minutes and London Bridge in less than 30 minutes. The area is also served by numerous buses. 

Shopping

Once voted Britain’s worst high street, Streatham’s transformation into a buzzing, metropolitan hub has had a huge impact on the range of shops available. Alongside numerous charity shops and high street brands such as New Look, Argos and Holland & Barrett, the area is now packed with great independent boutiques too. Try Blackbird Bakery for homemade cakes, tarts and pastries, Xanadu Vintage for second-hand treasures, and Indigo Tree for unique, quirky gifts that are sure to put a smile on your face. 

Green Spaces

Streatham is surrounded by greenery, so you’re in the perfect position here if you’re looking for an area with plenty of outdoor space to stretch those legs on the weekend. As well as Streatham Common, which is home to a nature reserve and a historic formal garden among other attractions, Tooting Bec Common is a short distance away and offers a charming hundred-year-old outdoor lido for an al-fresco swim on summer days. 

Education

Streatham is home to four secondary schools and nine primary schools, giving parents a good selection of eduction options. Sunnyhill Primary School, Streatham Wells Primary School and St Andrew’s RC Primary School are among those rated ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted, while for older children, Streatham and Clapham High School (girls, independent), Bishop Thomas Grant Catholic School (mixed) and Chestnut Grove School (mixed, academy) all come highly recommended.