Key Points
- The Old Nun’s Head in Nunhead, Peckham, was named Time Out’s best pub in London for 2025.
- Time Out described it as a south London pub with a distinctive identity, including queer-focused events and a Britney Spears shrine.
- The pub has traditional features such as a log-burning fireplace, exposed brick walls and Sunday roasts, while also operating as a lively local venue.
- Its food offer has included a celebrated pizza residency, with Dough Hands ending in April 2026 and Slice Circle taking over from 6 May 2026.
- Slice Circle will serve five classic 14-inch New York-style pizzas, with prices from £13, and the kitchen will open Monday to Saturday.
- The pizzas will be available not only for pub customers but also for takeaway, including local collection around Peckham Rye.
Peckham (South London News) May 4, 2026, as Time Out’s best pub in London, with the venue’s mix of traditional boozer features, food offer and community identity helping it stand out in the capital.
What did Time Out say about the pub?
As reported by Rosie Hewitson of Time Out, the publication praised The Old Nun’s Head as
“southeast London’s favourite unofficial queer venue”
and highlighted its entertainment line-up, which includes speed-dating, drag king cabaret, Pop-Up Dyke Bar and Cake Sit.
The same report noted that the pub sits near Skehan’s, which had been Time Out’s Pub of the Year in 2023.
Time Out also said The Old Nun’s Head took the number one slot from the Army & Navy in Dalston.
Why has the pub become so prominent?
The Old Nun’s Head has been described as combining a country-tavern feel with the atmosphere of a busy local pub.
Its features include a log-burning fireplace, exposed brick walls and Sunday roasts, which were described by Time Out as the second-best in London last year.
The venue has also built a reputation for food, music and events, giving it a wider role than a standard neighbourhood pub.
What is happening with the pizza residency?
According to Broadsheet, Dough Hands ended its year-long residency at The Old Nun’s Head on 25 April 2026, and Slice Circle is taking over the kitchen from 6 May.
Broadsheet said Slice Circle was founded by former Dough Hands chef Angus Whitfield and ex-Bad Boy Pizza Society assistant manager Methun Chelvan, and that the pair launched the brand in summer 2025.
The menu will include five signature pizzas, rotating specials and collaborations, alongside styles inspired by old-school and newer New York pizzerias.
What will Slice Circle serve?
Slice Circle will offer five classic 14-inch New York-style pizzas priced from £13.
The menu includes the Red Pie, made with San Marzano tomatoes, oregano, confit garlic and house-made breadcrumbs, plus the Tamil Pie, which uses masala vodka sauce, fior di latte, red onion, lemon yoghurt and coriander.
It will also serve the Nun Pie, which nods to the pub’s location with toppings including soppressata, whipped ricotta, hot honey and pecorino.
How will the new kitchen operate?
The Old Nun’s Head’s website lists the Slice Circle launch for Wednesday, 6 May 2026.
Broadsheet said the kitchen will be open from Monday to Saturday, which suggests a regular food service rather than a short-term pop-up.
The venue also said the pizzas will be available for takeaway, allowing customers to collect food locally rather than only eating in the pub.
Why does this matter locally?
For Nunhead and wider Peckham, the award adds attention to a venue that already mixes pub culture, food and events in one setting.
The new pizza residency may also strengthen its appeal as a dining destination as well as a drinking spot.
Because the pub has both a strong local following and a national profile through Time Out, it is likely to attract visitors beyond the immediate neighbourhood.
Background of this development
The Old Nun’s Head has been building its profile over time through its food offer, live events and local reputation.
Time Out’s 2025 ranking placed it at the top of its annual London pubs list, which made it one of the capital’s most visible boozers.
The latest change is the handover from Dough Hands to Slice Circle, continuing the pub’s pattern of pairing a strong bar offer with a notable kitchen residency.
Prediction for audiences
For local residents, the development is likely to mean stronger footfall, a busier atmosphere and more dining options in Nunhead.
For pub-goers and food customers, the award and new pizza residency may increase demand, especially around weekends and launch week.
For nearby businesses, more visitors to The Old Nun’s Head could bring additional custom to the wider Peckham and Nunhead area.
