Written by Trinity Laban students, for students!
The vibrant communities of Greenwich, New Cross and Deptford are some of the most creative and cultural areas of London. With the bright lights of Central London only a short train ride away, these thriving communities are much loved by Trinity Laban students.
Here they share with you some of their favourite places to hang out in SE London.
Cinemas
Greenwich Picturehouse, SE10
“The perfect place for you and a small group of friends to socialise. Grab a coffee or bite to eat in the café, and then head into the screen to watch a great movie for a good price. They have a yearly student membership, making their prices even cheaper! I come here on a very regular basis.”
Ethan McInerney, BMus
Cultural attractions
Blackheath Halls, SE3
“This is another top choice for me because of its proximity to the Faculty of Music. It’s an amazing concert hall hosting a huge variety of concerts and events, of which many are free! The perfect place for a cheap and entertaining night out.”
Ethan McInerney, BMus
Cutty Sark, Greenwich, SE10
“Greenwich is now the permanent home of this 19th Century ship – one of the last tea clippers ever built. It is one of the best things about the area! You can tour the boat, visit the gift shop and stare out to the London skyline from the bough of the ship. Throughout the year there are also street food stalls, markets and music in the surrounding area.”
Chloe Morley, BA (Hons) Musical Theatre Performance
National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, SE10
“Take in a bit of British Naval history for free. Open daily, this museum hosts a number of national treasures, including Lord Nelson’s Trafalgar Coat, Turner’s Battle of Trafalgar Gallery and the Jutland 1916 Gallery.”
Niall Windass, BMus
Royal Observatory, Greenwich, SE10
“At the start of time, the point where latitude and longitude meet, you can never be late! With discounts for students, the cost is well worth it. Harrison’s Chronometer makes the Observatory the most unique museum and Greenwich, and indeed the world (in my unbiased opinion…).”
Niall Windass, BMus
Southbank Centre, SE1
“World-class concerts for a cheap price only 40 minutes away from Trinity Laban. I regularly visit this concert hall to watch jazz nights, film music concerts and classical performances. This is a great location and I thoroughly recommend visiting during your time in London!”
Ethan McInerney, BMus
Food and drink
Ashburnham Arms, Greenwich, SE10
“If you’re bored of answering questions during class, then perhaps you’ll be enticed by the opportunity to win prizes at your weekly pub quiz! It’s on every Tuesday night for only £2 entry. But if you buy one of their freshly prepared pizzas before the quiz starts, then entry is free. This is a truly delightful pub in the style of your countryside local, making it well worth a visit whether you are quizzing or not!”
Jennifer Barwise, SE10
Bill’s Restaurant, Greenwich, SE10
“If you have a slight gap in your day and fancy a bite, visit Bill’s for delicious food! Open at 8am daily, they cover breakfast through ‘til dinner, with dishes varying from porridge to burgers to chickpea dahls. There will be something for you! (They cater for gluten free and vegan diets as standard.)”
Niall Windass, BMus
Cutty Sark Pub, Greenwich, SE10
“On a hot summer’s day, a wander along the Thames relaxes you into the evening. Following the sea wall, you will come across the Cutty Sark Pub. Buy a pint or cool glass of wine, take it outside and sit on the sea wall. You’re now overlooking the stunning view of the Cutty Sark and the River Thames, lit by a beautiful sunset. There’s no better place to be. Gorgeous!”
Niall Windass, BMus
Dreadnought Student Hub, Greenwich, SE10
“Believe it or not, one of my favourite picks is within the bounds of the Faculty of Music! Last year the University of Greenwich completed a huge renovation of the Dreadnought Building, and it is spectacular. The building belongs to the university but is open for public use. You can buy a hot or cold meal at the café, or grab a coffee at Starbucks or Change Coffee. Then sit back and relax on one of their plush sofas and charge your phone for free. If you’re tight on cash, you can even bring food from home and warm it up in one of their four microwaves. But if you do fancy a snack, the café sells the biggest doughnuts I have ever seen!”
Jennifer Barwise, BMus
The Job Centre, Deptford, SE8
“Taking the name of the employment agency that once occupied the building, The Job Centre is a quirky bar with an eclectic mix of vintage decor and local sourced furnishings. The drinks are not too expensive and there is a fabulous selection of cocktails!”
Grace Bale, Graduate Intern
Queen Mary Undercroft Crypt Café, Greenwich, SE10
“For a quick coffee, healthy snack or lunch, visit the Crypt Café on the Old Royal Naval College site. It has comfortable seats and sofas, making it a great place to chill with family and friends. Bring your own coffee cup, as they don’t sell paper cups here anymore! From here you can also visit the chapel, where evensong is often held.”
Niall Windass, BMus
Out of the Brew, New Cross, SE14
“The perfect place for a caffeine boost, especially in the summer as there is a great outdoor space. I always feel welcomed when I visit, due to the relaxed bohemian vibe and friendly waiting staff. You can also view local art work here and even go to stand-up comedy nights.”
Grace Bale, Graduate Intern
Pier Fish Bar, Greenwich, SE10
“Looking for an authentic British tradition? Come here to grab a cone of steaming hot chips after sundown, and take it to the benches overlooking the Thames. A pretty sight with all those shining lights!”
Jennifer Barwise, BMus
The Waiting Room, Deptford, SE8
“This coffee bar is small in stature but not on substance. Sit inside or out, and enjoy the grungy yet chic atmosphere. Perfect for a coffee or bite to eat with a friend, this inexpensive café has lots to offer, including vegan hotdogs and burgers named after famous film characters. What’s not to love!”
Camille Rose, BMus
Wetherspoons (The Gate Clock), Greenwich, SE10
“The student favourite! A great place for a fun night out with your friends without breaking the bank. Many students from the Greenwich area come here, making it a hotspot for socialising and meeting new people in a relaxed environment.”
Ethan McInerney, BMus
Green Spaces
Dulwich Park, SE21
“The scenic views of this park make exercising in public slightly easier! The flat landscape lends the park perfectly to a variety of activities, with tennis and other sports courts available for hire. You can also take a walk with a friend, peddle on the lake, rent bikes, cycle or make use of the jogging tracks. And when that’s done, Boulangerie Jade is around the corner for a feast of French pastries and coffee.”
Camille Rose, BMus
Greenwich Park, SE10
“A haven for peace and quiet within the cluster of city life, Greenwich Park is an idealistic place to unwind from the stresses of everyday life. Whether that be a quiet walk with your friends, a lengthy run or an adventurous stroll over the mountainous hills, you will certainly feel refreshed after enduring the serenity of nature. The endless landscape of history is something which shouldn’t be left unexplored.”
Lucy Clark, BA (Hons) Contemporary Dance
St Alfege Park, Greenwich, SE10
“This garden next to St Alfege Church is a great space to catch some peace and quiet amidst the hustle and bustle of London.”
Jennifer Barwise, BMus
Live music
Oliver’s Jazz Bar, Greenwich, SE10
“Oliver’s Jazz Bar is a great place to see live Jazz from critically acclaimed musicians as well as from fellow students. It has a wonderful atmosphere and is open till late!”
Isolde Allen, Alumni
Westow House, Crystal Palace, SE19
“Retro meets gothic at this vintage-themed pub. It is great for chill hangouts. On a weeknight, take advantage of the free board games, pinball machine or the weekly quiz. Or go on a Friday for live music and DJ sessions well into the early hours.”
Camille Rose, BMus
Shopping
Greenwich Market, SE10
“Established in 1937, this is one of London’s leading markets. It offers a wide range of stalls, from Chinese, Japanese, Ethiopian and Italian food; to antiques, vinyl records, clothes and carpentry. With decent prices, it’s a good place to go for special gifts or a quick and tasty snack. It opens for extended hours on Wednesday evenings.”
Niall Windass, BMus
Lewisham Shopping Centre, SE13
“A good place to buy anything you need. There are loads of places to eat/drink and a huge selection of shops including a fairly large Primark. Shop on!”
Ethan McInerney, BMus
