Happy 2026 South East London!
We’re a week into January and that means the pavement is frozen, the snow is falling, and there’s about 45 minutes of daylight if you’re lucky.
But that’s okay because we live in a great part of the city with so much going on. There’s new restaurants to check out, backgammon to play while listening to records (no joke, scroll down), street food, and so much more.
January is starting off strong. Thanks for being a part of The S.E. London. Here’s to an amazing 2026 with you all!
-Anton
🎸 Concerts & Events
All Weekend Long
What do Skyfall, The Dark Knight Rises, and Bridgerton all have in common? They all had scenes filmed right here in Greenwich. The Old Royal Naval College has expanded its tour of period piece filming locations with a new tour dedicated to films featuring spies, sleuths and superheroes.
Street food, art, craft workshops and live music. Corner Corner in Canada Water (try saying that five times fast) has an amazing pop-up market happening this weekend, and it’s for a good cause. Entry is free, the craft workshops are ticketed, but proceeds go towards preventing homelessness. Check out this cool space and great vibe.
Hope, sex, fear, love, corruption, and death. Did that grab your attention? It’s the last weekend to catch the Gilbert & George exhibit of groundbreaking pictures at the Southbank Centre.
Art meets quantum science in a trippy mish-mash at the Science Gallery. These interactive artworks and exhibitions combine the research of physicists, the thinking of philosophers and the words of poets for a totally unique experience. (Wednesday - Saturday) Did we mention it’s free?
Friday, January 9th
A symphony orchestra AND the Mozart Players… for £5! Trinity Laban is teaming up with the London Mozart Players for a concert at Blackheath Halls where you’ll hear all the ‘classics.’ Get tickets here.
Saturday, January 10th
Make tiny globes at this monthly crafts workshop. Each session of From Art to Object introduces a new craft and this one is inspired by The Prince Phillip Maritime Collections Centre’s extensive collection of globes. Find out what time this free session is.
Sunday, January 11th
The Sunday ‘Brush’ Club at Peckham Levels is open to all experience levels to drop in, grab some materials and make some art. And it’s free!
God bless the River Thames! No, seriously. Somebody’s gotta do it. Join Southwark Cathedral’s blessing of the river on London Bridge this Sunday.
You know what makes vinyl records even better? Backgammon. That’s right, this unique event features a 32-player Backgammon tournament all set to grooves from the DJ. Grab a beer, watch some games, vibe out.
🧒 Family-friendly Activities
Final weekend of the Peter Pan panto! For all ages, this show is closing its doors on Sunday. Book for one of five final shows this weekend.
Bluey is in London! Need I say more? Bluey’s Big Play runs from Wednesday to Sunday and is great for all ages, so get your tickets now!
Ahoy! SENsory Sailors is a play session for children with sensory sensitivities or special needs. Come as a family to this free ticketed monthly session at the National Maritime Museum.
A 6-piece band concert for kids. This one’s a bit outside our usual area, but it’s too awesome not to mention. Join the singing, dancing and family fun of the Foxtots Bops Live!
🍺 Food & Drink
Free beer… with a small catch. Go up to the bartender at The George and say the magic words to get a free low or no alcohol beer in January. Find the magic words here.
🚨 NEW RESTAURANT ALERT: French-Mediterranean deliciousness. Bookings are now live for Blackboard SE5 in Camberwell. See what they’re cooking up here.
🚨🚨 SECOND NEW RESTAURANT ALERT: London-style pizza made by Italians. I’m not sure what that means but I want to try it. Put this one in your calendars. Connie’s Pizza in Peckham opens January 26th. Check out these pizzas!
📰 News in your borough
LEWISHAM
Lewisham wants to give its streets a makeover
The "Sustainable Streets" consultation, as they’re calling it, aims to reduce air pollution, improve road safety, and achieve a net-zero borough by 2030. Ambitious!
The proposals involve repurposing existing street space to install hundreds of new trees, secure cycle storage hangars, and electric vehicle charging points while restricting parking at junctions.
The program also introduces a parking permit scheme in Deptford and Catford that prioritizes local resident parking and encourages walking or cycling.
SOUTHWARK
Southwark Council is about to lose £20 million
In the next three years, Southwark is projected to lose £20 million due to government funding reforms.
This shortfall contributes to a wider financial "black hole" estimated between £60 million and £90 million, which has been primarily driven by the escalating costs of adult social care and temporary accommodation.
Local leaders are warning that the council may be forced to deplete its reserves or slash essential services to manage the budget gap.
This is a story we’ll be following closely in the coming months.
GREENWICH
London City Airport wants to be like Heathrow… by charging more
Well, the only London airport left without a drop-off fee… now has a drop-off fee. London City Airport has introduced a minimum £8 drop-off charge.
What does that word ‘minimum’ mean? Well, drivers are allowed five minutes for the base fee, with additional minutes costing £1 each, though Blue Badge holders remain exempt.
I’ve never flown out of London City… If you have tell us your thoughts…
What do you think of London City Airport?
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That’s all for now. Have a great week!