First Thursdays is a new evening of late night shopping, art, food and music in Peckham on the first Thursday of every month at Holdrons Arcade. The businesses open their doors from 5pm to 9pm.

On November 1st, Peckham’s nightclub Tola will host the music, with Riz La Teef playing in the Back Room, Peckham’s smallest events space at the rear of the arcade. Drinks are sponsored by Old Blue Last Beer. Deserted Cactus, Peckham’s prime vegan hotspot run by influencer Esme (@london_afro_vegan), will be serving delicious Caribbean vegan food. Launching in the Arcade on the 1st November is Sturla, a high end sportswear-inspired brand specialising in tracksuits.

In the 1930s, Rye Lane was one of South London’s major shopping centres known as the ‘Golden Mile’, where Holdrons Arcade was part of an outpost of Selfridges. Today, the remaining arcade is a hidden gem housing a cultural force of 20 small retail and arts businesses, many of which inspire impressive devotion.

Cult fashion brands in Holdrons Arcade include Wavey Garms, the world famous one stop shop for rare 80s and 90s streetwear, Childsdraw; Peckham’s outpost of the Deptford brand of unisex leisurewear, accessories and prints by Jess Childs, and vintage clothing shop Little Sister who stock hand-picked 1920’s to 1990’s gems from across the world. TENS Studio is a streetwear label beloved for their handmade shirts and original print two pieces, while Done London specialise in limited edition graphic clothing based on London and its graffiti subculture.

You will also find Peckham Vision, the influential citizens’ action group that promote community action and help create opportunities for people locally, plus Balamii, the leading online radio station founded by James Browning.

Eileen Conn of Peckham Vision said,

“It is exciting to be part of this community of micro businesses growing in Holdrons Arcade since the threat of demolition was lifted. It’s a small window into the vibrant and diverse life of Peckham. We are very pleased to have our active citizen’s shop in this mix.”

Samantha Russell from TENS Studio said,

“Holdrons Arcade is a microcosm of all the best bits of Peckham. On November 1st we’ll be celebrating the opening of Sturla, a local sportswear brand, and the independent streetwear brands Done London and TENS Studio will be launching new products. The night is an edit of Peckham’s most exciting names.”

Find out more about the residents in Holdrons Arcade or follow Holdrons Arcade on Instagram.