Deptford station is the oldest railway in London as it first opened in 1836. Today the station’s surrounding area is a popular spot with a range of independent businesses and great food and drink choices.

The area was transformed in recent years to make it a must-visit hub for entertainment and shopping. Deptford Market Yard injected a new lease of life into the arches and derelict space around it. In Deptford Market Yard you’ll find 14 arches all filled with local, independent businesses, creative spaces and places to eat and drink.

The restoration of the Grade II listed carriage ramp, which is the oldest railway structure in London, was part of The Deptford Project. Dating back to 1835, the ramp was first built as a means for carriages to reach the station, while the arches below the ramp that were used to store the passengers’ carriages and horse are now where the shops can be found. During the Second World War, the arches were also transformed into air raid shelters.

People walk past a beer shop situated in an arch beside another unit available To Let under Deptford Station on September 11, 2018 in London, England. Network Rail has sold thousands of its railway arches to Telereal Trillium and Blackstone Group as part of a deal worth £1.5bn. Railway arches in the UK are home to a range of businesses such as garages, plant-shops, micro-breweries, cafes and furniture shops.