Deptford Project Cafe

Since its arrival in 2008, a disused train carriage has become part of the fabric of Deptford High Street. Thanks to a collaborative art project, both the disused railway yard and the carriage itself were transformed, the latter housing a surprisingly cosy café and the yard hosting open-air film screenings and other events. The colourful, partly covered decking area has a surprise waiting in the shed at one end – a WC masquerading as a shrine to Elvis. The café is popular with families for early brunches and lunches, so you may find that the menu becomes more limited after about 1pm on weekends.

On our visit, the soup and specials had run out, but helpful staff were ready to suggest additions that could be made to the available dishes. Baked potatoes and sandwiches with an array of toppings and fillings form the backbone of the menu, along with a choice of salads. No need to stop for a full meal, however – excellent coffee, fresh juices and generous wedges of own-made cakes make it a good pit-stop.

Venue:

121-123 Deptford High Street
London
SE8 4NS

Deptford Market 'Food Court'

I put the 'food court' in inverted commas here because it's a phrase I really don't like. For me it conjures up plastic fixed bucket seats and tables in an airport or shopping centre, with half a dozen piss-poor food concessions dealing out greasy burgers and unattractive slop.
Such an image is a far cry from what I found in Douglas Square yesterday, the first chance I'd had to visit the new foodie part of the market since it launched four weeks ago.
There were about a dozen food stalls arranged into a little square right in the middle of Douglas Square itself. In the centre a chap playing a guitar was being accompanied in an impromptu performance by a fellow wearing a red T-shirt with the words 'God Inspired Me' emblazoned across it. Divine inspiration or not, his repertoire may have been somewhat limited but his style was 100% Deptford. You won't get that kind of entertainment at Brockley Market.

The range of cuisines on offer was encouraging, although the presentation and marketing effort was very variable. As I understand it, the stallholders have had training to help them make a success of their new businesses; it seems one or two may not have been paying attention in class.

Overall, however, the standard of food and presentation was excellent, and I'll definitely be going back for food next weekend. It's not just a great place to get your lunch, there are quite a few options that you can take home with you to heat up for dinner later in the week - a high quality ready-meal, if you will.

Deptford Market

A colourful mix of new and second-hand stuff (all of it cheap), Deptford Market falls neatly into the well-established tradition of London's thriving East End market culture. This is gritty shopping for those fed-up with the chintz and cheese of the capitals more tourist-led outdoor shopping experiences. Music blares out as you rummage through stall after stall of cheap clothes, imported CDs, knock-off electrics, exotic fruits and pile upon pile of second-hand clobber. If youre in the area grab your loose change and rummage away. 

Open: Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays 

Deptford High Street is closed to traffic between 8am and 7pm on market days. The market on Deptford High Street sells a wide variety of goods. Douglas Way market sells new and secondhand goods.

Shopping in Deptford

One of south London's busiest, the Deptford market has been in the High Street for centuries. A collection of new and used goods, with a prominence of food stalls spread out on the side streets and pavements, this vibrant market is filled with a hugely diverse range of stallholders.
The market is the kind of place you can buy stylish bargain clothes to go dancing in or fresh vegetables for your evening meal!
The market takes place every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, from around 7am until 4pm, in Deptford High Street, Douglas Way and the junction with Giffin Street.
Other shops

Also look out for A J Kennedy’s old-fashioned butchers, The Cod Father fishmonger for live eels and baby sharks and Champion (39 Deptford Broadway) for imported Japanese car kitsch, a specialist bodykit and accessories shop.