UK high street full of 'landmarks and secret spots' in country's 'coolest' neighbourhood

One UK neighbourhood has been named as cooler than the rest, and it is home to a high street that many have praised for what it offers. High streets are the beating hearts of communities across Britain. Lately, there has been some concern over the "death of the high street" as services like banks close down and online offerings grow in popularity. Despite this, there are some high streets in Britain that are thriving, home to independent shops, restaurants and cafes.

One of those is located in an area that has been named the coolest neighbourhood in the UK. What makes a neighbourhood cool? Well, according to esteemed travel publication Time Out, the criteria include a strong sense of community and the unique services on offer. When it came to listing the coolest neighbourhoods across the globe, one UK spot was placed high up on the list. Located in South London, Camberwell is home to a thriving high street.

Camberwell is located between London areas like Peckham, Brixton, Oval and Walworth. Despite being just one of the communities in the massive UK capital, it has its own distinct identity, complemented by views of the staggering London skyline.

Its high street stretches along Denmark Hill, Camberwell Green and Camberwell Church Street. When you visit, you can tell why it has been named the coolest neighbourhood in the UK for 2025.

Around the high street, you will find plenty of independent businesses such as Jumping Bean, which is a family-run gift and lifestyle shop. There is also TTFN Vintage, Howard Bros, Elite Shoes and Eleven.SE5.

In terms of cafes and restaurants, you'll find Theo's, Nandine, Little Cellars, Hello JoJo, Gladwell's Deli and Grocery, and Sunrise Cafe. When it comes to pubs, some great options are The Old Dispensery, The Tiger, Stomrbird, Hermits Cave and Vineyard.

The high street area of Camberwell has been praised by people who have visited as well as locals who live there. One online blogger, Lady in London, described it as having "landmarks" and "secret spots".

Meanwhile, TimeOut described the neighbourhood as a "community-oriented little patch" with its "young-at-heart vibe, the independent spirit, the multiculturalism".

The publication wrote: "One of the big draws of the place, of course, is the food. Over the years, Camberwell Church Street has become the stuff of legend, and now, it's easily one of the heaviest-hitting roads in the capital for hungry Londoners."

The author recommends starting with a visit to Toad for a sandwich and a coffee, followed by the South London Art Gallery. When exploring the area, she also recommends you check out Dash the Henge for some record shopping, followed by a pint at The Clarendon.