In South London, there’s a pub that’s more than just a place to drink. It’s a lively spot for the community, a symbol of cultural identity, and a successful business that shows doing good is good for business. This is the Prince of Peckham, run by Clement “Clem” Ogbonnaya, where a sense of belonging helps everyone do well.
The Prince of Peckham is special because of its huge mural of two young people as royalty, showing respect for the local youth. But it’s really about what Clem wanted to create: a place where everyone feels welcome. He wanted a pub that reflected today’s Britain.
“We mainly sell beer, but we focus on making people feel like they belong. That’s where the magic happens. And if you do that, the money will follow.”
Clem grew up in Telegraph Hill nearby, but like many, he didn’t always feel at ease, even with people of the same background. So, he wanted to make a pub where everyone feels seen, no matter where they come from or who they are. The name, Prince of Peckham, is a nod to a cool character from the 90s TV show Desmond’s, representing easygoing acceptance and cultural identity.
When Business Meets Culture
Clem put £235,000 into fixing up the pub, and the community supported him. In 2023, the Prince of Peckham almost made £4 million, even as other bars were closing down. “The industry has gone down since then, but we’re still doing fine, while other pubs are shutting.”Many customers come back every week. “People share on social media how much they spent at the Prince of Peckham. That’s exactly what we want: a place where people feel at home and want to keep coming back.”
Expanding: Queen of the South & More
Because of his success, Clem started the Village People pub group. He wants to open five pubs that focus on community in five years by fixing up old or struggling pubs. The first new pub is Queen of the South in Tulse Hill, named after the women in his family.
These places are more than just pubs. They’re spots for the community. Queen of the South will have co-working during the day, live music at night, Caribbean food from White Men Can’t Jerk, and events for everyone.
Inclusion in Action
For Clem, growing his business is about making a positive change. When a brewery tried to take over Queen of the South, Clem asked his community for help by holding investor dinners and raising money to save it. Village People also hired someone to plan events, partnerships, and outreach, strengthening the pubs’ community focus.
Final Thoughts
Clem says he’s not after money. He cares about community and making a difference. His pub lets him see what people in the area are dealing with, and he hopes to one day bring those issues to the attention of people in charge.“I want to be able to have a say in things and be in the room with decision makers. We need local voices to be heard at the top.”
In Conclusion
The Prince of Peckham shows that helping people and making money can go hand in hand. By mixing business with culture, Clem has made something special: a place where people feel welcome, can improve their lives, and can celebrate their background and future.
