When Rye Lane screened at the Sundance Film Festival in January, critics hailed it as the arrival of an exciting new voice in British filmmaking. Now the south east London-based rom-com is being dubbed one of the hottest films of the year. Set in Peckham and Brixton, it’s been described as a love letter to this uniquely creative stretch of the capital, which is filled with contemporary galleries, independent shops and a real sense of community – all of which are perfectly captured in the film.
Directed by Croydon-born Raine Allen-Miller as her feature debut and released on Friday 17 March, Rye Lane stars David Jonsson (Industry) and actor and musician Vivian Oparah as accountant Dom and aspiring costume designer Yas. Though on the surface the two couldn’t seem more different, they hit it off after meeting in a unisex toilet at a mutual friend’s art exhibit. As they meander along Peckham’s bustling main high street, Rye Lane, they find out they have more in common than they thought.
Originally set to film in Camden, Allen-Miller was adamant that it should be set in SE15 instead – she studied in Peckham and Brixton and knows the area intimately, so she was uniquely placed to bring to life its multiple quirks and glorious eccentricities. South east London is shown in its best light, full of colour and vivacity.
The film’s Director of Photography, Olan Collardy, was “influenced by the Golden Age of Dutch painters”, lending the film a soft golden glow, and fisheye shots, close-ups and extended flashbacks keep it refreshingly pacy. Coupled with a sharp and witty script by actor/screenwriter Nathan Bryon and writer/producer Tom Melia, it’s a must-watch. Here, we’ve rounded up all the key filming locations to know about in Peckham’s first Black rom-com.
Discover the filming locations from London rom-com, Rye Lane
Peckham Levels
Once a multi-storey car park, when Peckham Levels was transformed into the area’s main cultural hub it cemented SE15’s status as one of London’s most creative and exciting boroughs. It’s here that Rye Lane’s protagonists first meet, after Yas overhears Dom crying in a unisex toilet cubicle while at a mutual friend’s art exhibit there. Spread across the multiple floors you’ll find cocktails bars, art galleries and yoga studios – as well as a set of much-Instagrammed hot pink stairs – while at the very top sits Frank’s Café, the coolest rooftop spot in all of south London.
95A Rye Lane, Peckham, London SE15 4ST
peckhamlevels.org
Coal Rooms
Though the film’s meet-cute may take place in Peckham Levels, the loo scene was actually filmed in a different location altogether – the Coal Rooms. Housed in Peckham Rye station’s former ticket office and waiting room, the bar and restaurant has become one of the area’s most popular spots for a reliably delicious meal. Billed as serving up south London’s finest seasonal menu, all of their dishes are cooked on their bespoke coal-fired grill, with highlights including charred cauliflower with green sriracha and Tamworth pork chop. It’s also a social enterprise, meaning 65% of their profits are used to provide training and employment opportunities for the homeless.
11a Station Way, Peckham, London SE15 4RX
coalroomspeckham.com
Il Giardino
This rustic spot is a neighbourhood favourite and has long been one of the area’s most popular restaurants for a romantic date night – or, as in the case of Rye Lane, as the location for a rather awkward lunch between two ex-lovers. The quaint Italian, with its pretty yellow front and charming green shutters, has been dishing up hearty Sicilian dishes since the mid-80s, with locals flocking here for its cosy atmosphere, friendly service and excellent pizza and pasta. Keep an eye out for the daily changing dishes ‘a la casa’, which you’ll find chalked up on the blackboard.
7 Blenheim Grove, Peckham, London SE15 4QS
Tola
This stylish cocktail bar and music venue is one of Peckham’s most popular late-night spots, so it’s little surprise this is where Dom and Yas end up in Rye Lane when they want to hit the dancefloor. Their pretty roof terrace is a sun trap come summer, where you’ll find locals catching up over pints and slices of Yard Sale Pizza. On weekends, the dance floor is the place to be. Perennially packed, the in-house music programme is known for showcasing the very best of London’s soundsystem culture and underground dance music.
56 Peckham High Street, Peckham, London SE15 5DP
tolapeckham.com
Peckham Soul Records
Anyone who’s into their vinyls knows about Peckham Soul Records – the store is an SE15 icon, offering up a collection of 50s rock n roll, 60s beat garage, 70s pro and more. It’s here that Yas comes in the film to hunt for her favourite record, The Low End Theory. As well as a wide range of cult records, they also sell vintage clothing and a selection of t-shirts and sweaters from their own label, which encapsulates their inclusive and diverse ethos. Come to browse through their extensive collection, which takes you from punk to indie, via blues, Soul, funk, latin, jazz, reggae and ska.
133 Rye Lane, Peckham, London SE15 4ST
peckhamsoul.co.uk
Peckhamplex
Proudly calling itself ‘London’s most successful independent cinema’, Peckhamplex is a truly beloved local institution. Best known for its £5 tickets – which are available all day, every day – it’s a cultural hub right in the heart of Peckham that shows all the biggest new releases, as well as carefully curated independent films. Gloriously retro, with its hot pink and lilac colour scheme, it has a starring role in the film, with Allen-Miller quoted as saying it was “really important to [her] to hero that cinema.” So, it seems only fitting that it was also the location where Rye Lane held its London premiere.
95A Rye Lane, Peckham, London SE15 4ST
peckhamplex.london
Persepolis
The instantly recognisable bright yellow shopfront of this Persian deli and café makes a cameo appearance in Rye Lane, when Dom and Yas make a stop-off there. Situated on the corner of Peckham High Street, it’s a vibrant spot that’s always buzzing with locals, who come here for the excellent vegetarian dishes served with a side of Peckham flair: think Moroccan harissa with fried plantains. Colourful and crowded, it’s stuffed with knick-knacks, spices and specialist foodstuffs, while pages from the owner’s cookbooks line the walls.
28-30 Peckham High Street, Peckham, London SE15 5DT
foratasteofpersia.co.uk
‘Rye Lane’ is in cinemas nationwide from Friday 17 March
