AGR founder Alicia Robinson in Isla Ray on Deptford High Street
(Picture: Daniel Lynch)I live in a flat just between St Johns Station and Deptford Bridge DLR with my gorgey housemate. The connections are really good. You can get to London Bridge in 10 minutes.
We also live opposite a pub and park, which is hella cute. Deptford has a very individual group of people, all with amazing stories. We have everything on our doorstep; great food and drink places with lovely owners and my favourite nail shop called Deptford Nails.
I live within walking distance of a handful of my best friends, which you cannot beat. I love spending the whole weekend in Deptford, running errands, going to the gym and popping to the pub by my house to do emails. It is all within walking distance and always has a good vibe.
Our current AGR studio is about a 25-minute walk away on the edge of Deptford and Surrey Quays. I love walking in as it gives me a chance to clear my mind and think over ideas.
Best eating and drinking
Stockton on Deptford High Street does great cocktails, it is definitely my go-to on the weekend or for a drink after work — I even had my last birthday gathering there. The food at The Watergate on Watergate Street is amazing with a beautifully put together menu. In the summer it has a really cute lit-up outdoor area in the front, too. Buster Mantis at Resolution Way does a Caribbean Sunday roast to die for. This place is also a great bar and always has a good DJ on the weekend. All of these spots are owned by a super nice guy called Gordon.
Eat Vietnam on Evelyn Street is delicious. Sometimes you have to queue but it is definitely worth the wait. For a banging Japanese go to M&D on Deptford High Street or for really good Caribbean food it’s Likkle ‘d’ a few doors up.
Isla Ray on the same street is such a cute spot for breakfast and also a little reggae jam on a Sunday. Dirty Apron at Deptford Market Yard does gorgeous toasties.
Prince of Peckham on Clayton Road has the best owner and team. They are always supporting AGR events. I also love the Trafalgar Tavern pub on Park Row.
One of my friends runs an amazing eatery called Tila; the menu blows me away every time. The chef Henry Freestone used to be head chef at Peckham Cellars. He was there when they acquired their Michelin star.
Where I work out
Pure gym in Greenwich is walking distance to my house. I also work out with a trainer called David Odum, which feels like doing mini therapy sessions. During lockdown we did boxing in Deptford Park at 6am, which was pretty fun.
For a culture fix
Get the Uber boat up the Thames and take in the sights. There are also quite often open studios in the area as a lot of artists and designers have studios close by. To be honest, just chatting to the local people here is quite a culture fix as they have mad stories.
To commune with nature
Head to Greenwich Park or down by the river for a nice walk. There is a really cute park called Folkestone Gardens near my work, which has a skatepark and a little Italian pasta spot where I like to take my lunch break sometimes.
Grocery shopping
Deptford has its market on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays where you can get fresh fruit and veg. It also has a really cute florist stand for plants or flowers.
Getting around
I like to walk a lot and I’m obsessed with Lime bikes.
Dream street
One of my besties rents on Albury Street. The houses are gorgeous and they’ve survived since 1706.
Something you only see in Deptford
Singer Sasha Keable in the laundrette.
What’s the catch?
All my friends in the east never come to visit because they think it is too far away — eye roll! Also, the surrounding area of Greenwich has way too many tourists on the weekend.
In three words
Crazy. Characteristic. Underrated.
Schools
Deptford has several primary schools nearby rated outstanding, including Riverside Primary School, St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School and St John’s Roman Catholic Primary School. For secondary education, Addey and Stanhope School, George Green’s School and Deptford Green School are deemed good by Ofsted.
Buying in Deptford
Average flat price: £378,250
Average house price: £728,360
Renting in Deptford
Average rent for a one-bed: £1,400 pcm
Average rent for a three-bed: £2,460 pcm
