Peckham Cellars: The Women-Owned Wine Bar That Keeps the Lights On Late

At 11:30 p.m. on a Thursday, most wine bars in London have shut their doors. But at Peckham Cellars, the last glass is just being poured. The room hums with quiet laughter, the clink of glasses, and the low thrum of jazz playing just loud enough to feel like a secret. This isn’t just another spot to grab a drink after dinner. It’s a place built by women, for anyone who’s ever felt like the night wasn’t meant for them - until now.

It Started with a Question

> What if the night didn’t have to end at midnight?

That’s what three friends - Jess, Amina, and Tasha - asked themselves in 2022, after years of working in hospitality and watching how little space existed for women who wanted to enjoy wine without rushing, without judgment, without being the last ones out. They weren’t looking to open a trendy spot. They wanted a place where you could show up in jeans and a blazer, order a glass of natural Pinot Noir, and stay until 2 a.m. without anyone glancing at their watch.

They found a narrow, forgotten cellar beneath a 19th-century brick building in Peckham. The ceiling was low, the walls damp, and the original owner had left behind a single dusty bottle of 1998 Bordeaux. They bought it. And they kept it on the shelf - not to sell, but as a reminder: this place was built on patience, not profit.

Wine That Doesn’t Take Itself Too Seriously

Peckham Cellars doesn’t have a sommelier in a bowtie. They have a team of six women - all trained, all passionate, all tired of pretension. The wine list is short. Just 42 bottles. Every single one chosen because someone on the team actually drank it and thought, “I’d bring my mum here.”

You won’t find overpriced Burgundies with tasting notes written in Latin. Instead, you’ll see bottles like:

• La Grange des Pères Rosé - from the Languedoc, crisp, peachy, and made by a mother-daughter team in southern France.
• Elke Sauvignon Blanc - a tiny organic vineyard in New Zealand, hand-harvested, zero added sulfites.
• Barboursville Viognier - from Virginia, yes, Virginia. It’s the first American wine they ever served. Now it’s a staple.

They don’t label anything as “natural,” “orange,” or “biodynamic.” Those words are for magazines. Here, they just say: “This one’s bright. Good with cheese.” And people get it.

The Late-Night Rule

No last call. No rush. No “we’re closing in 15 minutes.”

The staff doesn’t clock out at midnight. They stay. Because the people who come in after 11 p.m. aren’t just looking for a drink. They’re looking for a pause. A quiet moment after a long day. A place where you don’t have to be “on.”

One regular, a nurse who works night shifts at Guy’s Hospital, comes in every Friday at 1 a.m. She orders a glass of Gewürztraminer and sits in the same corner. She doesn’t talk much. But the staff knows her order by heart. One night, she left a note on the table: “Thank you for letting me be still.” They framed it. It hangs behind the bar now.

It’s Not Just About Wine

Peckham Cellars doesn’t serve food - not because they can’t, but because they chose not to. They want the focus to stay on the wine, the conversation, the silence between sips. But they do offer:

• Hand-picked charcuterie boards - cured meats from small British producers, served with sourdough and fig jam.
• Seasonal olives, roasted almonds, and spiced nuts - all made in-house.
• A single dessert: dark chocolate from Ghana, served with a tiny glass of Pedro Ximénez sherry. It’s the only thing on the menu that costs more than £12.

They don’t have a kitchen. Just a small counter, two burners, and a fridge that’s always stocked with ice. The simplicity is intentional. Less noise. More presence.

Who Comes Here?

You’ll see students from Goldsmiths, artists from the nearby studios, teachers winding down after a long week, and older women who’ve never been to a wine bar before - but now come every other Thursday. Men are welcome, of course. But they’re not the target. And you’ll notice: the men who come here don’t talk over anyone. They listen. They ask questions. They leave space.

The bar has no music playlist. No curated Spotify vibe. Instead, they play vinyls from women artists - Erykah Badu, Nina Simone, Björk, FKA twigs. Sometimes it’s quiet. Sometimes it’s loud. Always it’s real.

Why This Matters

There are hundreds of wine bars in London. Most are owned by men. Most close at 11 p.m. Most feel like they’re selling an image - not an experience.

Peckham Cellars is different because it was built by women who’ve been told “no” too many times. No, you can’t get a loan. No, you don’t have enough experience. No, this neighborhood isn’t right for a wine bar. No, you’re too young. No, you’re too old. No, you’re too quiet.

They said yes anyway.

And now, on any given night, you’ll find a woman sitting alone, reading a book with a glass of wine. A group of friends laughing over a bottle they’ve been sharing for two hours. Two strangers bonding over a shared love of a wine they’ve never heard of before.

It’s not about being a “women-owned” venue as a marketing tactic. It’s about creating a space where women - and everyone who values quiet, thoughtful hospitality - can feel at home, even when the rest of the city has gone to sleep.

What to Expect When You Go

• Hours: Open daily from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. (Yes, 2 a.m.)
• Reservations: Not needed. Walk-ins only. But if you’re coming with a group of 6+, call ahead - they’ll set aside a corner.
• Price range: £8-£18 per glass. Bottles from £28-£75.
• Seating: 24 seats. All at the bar or on low velvet stools. No high tables. No distractions.
• Atmosphere: Warm, dim, quiet. No neon. No loud speakers. Just candlelight and the sound of wine being poured.

Bring your phone. But leave it in your bag. This isn’t a place for photos. It’s a place to feel.

If you’re ever in Peckham after dark - and you’re tired of places that feel like they’re trying too hard - walk in. Sit down. Order a glass. Let the night stretch out. You might just find the quietest, most welcoming corner of London.