How this Nigerian-British entrepreneur redefined pub culture in the UK

The Prince of Peckham, founded by Clement Ogbonnaya in 2017, emerged from a vision to redefine British pub culture and create an inclusive space that transcends tradition.

Situated in the corner of Clayton Road in the heart of South London, the pub is part of The Village People Group—a network of community-focused pubs—and has earned widespread recognition for its welcoming atmosphere and commitment to inclusivity.

This dedication was honoured with the prestigious Pub of the Year award at the Be Inclusive Hospitality Awards in 2023.

For Ogbonnaya, a Nigerian-born entrepreneur raised in South London, the venture is far more than a business—it is a heartfelt mission to unite and empower a community serving as a hub for education, connection, and cultural celebration.

The name “Prince of Peckham” is steeped in nostalgia and pride. Inspired by the iconic sitcom Desmond’s, set in Peckham, Clement chose to honour the vibrant characters who embodied the spirit of the neighbourhood. His favourite, Lee “The Peckham Prince,” gave the pub its memorable name.

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From Nigeria to the UK

Clem came to the UK from Nigeria with his parents when he was just six years old, in search of greener pastures.

Clem said during an interview,: “When I arrived at Heathrow all those years ago – I remember not feeling very welcome and feeling alienated. And that’s what I wanted to steer away from.”

He later attended primary school in Brockley and then came to Peckham for secondary, attending St Thomas the Apostle.

His father was a taxi driver, while his mum worked for Southwark Council in the housing office.

Before he started the pub, Clem was a promoter for music venues across London, hence it’s no surprise that the music events run regularly at the pubs are important to him:

“I’m a party guy. I wanted to combine pubs and the culture I know and love.”

He recalled what growing up in Peckham was like for him:

“I definitely wasn’t one of the cool kids. Also, Peckham back then wasn’t what you see now. It definitely wasn’t ‘the eleventh coolest place in the world’ or whatever. Anyone who knew it then would never say it was nice.”

Growing up in Peckham, Clement noticed that pubs, long seen as central to British life, rarely resonated with the local Black community.

“So I wanted the Prince of Peckham to look like a typical pub – but I also wanted it to be a space where everyone felt at home.”

Determined to bridge this gap, he envisioned a pub that felt like a “home away from home.” His dream was to foster a space where everyone, regardless of background, felt welcome.

“Community has become so much more important to me as I’ve grown up,” he reflects. “A pub that serves the whole community is absolutely essential.”

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More than a pub

Clement’s philosophy is rooted in collaboration. He believes that pubs, rather than competing, should work together to create shared opportunities.

The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of community, an idea Clement had championed long before.

From providing free space for over-80s to supporting couples planning their weddings, the Prince of Peckham remained a pillar of resilience during tough times. “Community is key,” Clement asserts. “We need to ensure that everyone who walks through our doors feels valued.”

Events such as the White Horse Pub Takeover, where pubs swap DJs and menus, exemplify his vision for a cooperative future. “There’s always competition in business, but I’d rather have a smaller piece of a larger pie,” he says.

The Prince of Peckham is not your average pub, but a space that adapts to the needs of its patrons—a venue for weddings, a comforting spot to mourn losses, a lively place to watch football, and an inviting hub for enjoying great food and music.

By day, the pub welcomes co-workers and professionals; by night, it transforms into a hub for young people seeking live entertainment. Clement’s ethos is clear: hospitality should always take precedence over mere service.

Looking ahead, Clement sees pubs evolving into multifaceted spaces that cater to modern lifestyles. He envisions pubs as places where people can co-work during the day, enjoy a hearty meal in the evening, and stay for live music or sports. “Pubs will evolve—they have to,” he explains. “But at their core, they’ll always be about community.”

Six years after opening his first venue, his second location, Queen of the South, which he described as an ode to the women in his life, was opened in Tulse Hill in May 2023.