Is New Cross the new Camden?

Sometimes it has felt like "HERE BE DRAGONNES" should be written across the bottom right corner of the London map when it comes to the area's nightlife, thanks to poor transport and a reputation for grot. But as Shoreditch showed in the Nineties, a lack of reputation can help an area find its character - exactly what's been happening at the far end of the Old Kent Road.

Thanks to Goldsmiths, the University of London's arty college, New Cross has long had a trendy music scene. Yet the pub and club scene hasn't pulled in non-locals - until now.

Middle-class twentysomethings are being lured by affordable property and the promise of the 2010 East London Line extension. And last month, New Cross's Amersham Arms was relaunched by the management of The Lock Tavern in Camden. The Lock people know an area on the rise, so New Cross is now officially cool. Here's where to head for the best south-east action.

Amersham Arms
388 New Cross Road, SE14, 020 8469 1499
What: the hottest pub opening this autumn
Why it's cool: The relaunch has drawn hedonistic dance crowds, top DJs, indie bands and out-there electronica. There's also a 4am weekend licence, Monday comedy nights and Sunday afternoons' Bring And Share Musical Bingo while you chow down on a great roast.
What it costs: free-£6 entry, £2.90 pint, £3.20 vodka and tonic
Who goes there: music lovers of all kinds.

Rubbish & Nasty
308 New Cross Road, SE14, myspace.com/rubbishfairy
What: anything-goes squat-boutique-venue
Why it's cool: there are lots of kooky DIY caffs and shops, but this is the kookiest by far. Frequent in-shop parties, while vintage clothes, obscure records, local bands' demos and DJ mix tapes are on sale.
What it costs: entry and drinks variable
Who goes there: nu-rave squat-chic types.

Bar Story
213 Blenheim Grove, SE15, 020 7635 6643
What: bar/gallery in a railway arch, with concrete floors, bare walls and wooden benches
Why it's cool: below Peckham Rye station is a broad mix of partying locals and students. Wild weekend nights with local DJs, cocktail happy hour, hearty grub and The Sassoon Gallery's huge range of hip art.
What it costs: Two cocktails for £6, 6-8pm and all night Tuesday
Who goes there: colourful all-age crowd.

Inside 72
72 Lordship Lane, SE22, 020 8693 7131
What: tiny rock'n' roll outpost
Why it's cool: East Dulwich is rapidly turning into gastropub-and-three-wheelbuggyland, but it has its fair share of fun, including this noisy but friendly dive. Tables so close together you can't help meeting new people, and a constant soundtrack of Bowie, Stooges and Gogol Bordello keeps things lively.
What it costs: £3 pint, £3.50 V&T
Who goes there: rockers and ravers.

Ivy House
40 Stuart Road, SE15, 020 7732 0222
What: oddball entertainment venue
Why it's cool: this kitschly mock-baronial pub is home to acoustic nights, barking mad fortnightly free jazz, and The Klinker Club's unpredictable performance art.
What it costs: £2.70 pint, £2.90 V&T
Who goes there: a motley crew of artists and troubadours.

New Cross Inn
323 New Cross Road, SE14, 020 8692 1866
What: young and thriving indie pub
Why it's cool: once rough'n' ready, the Inn is getting a reputation for great band nights such as South Eats London (myspace.com/southeatslondon).
What it costs: £2.90 pint, £3.20 V&T
Who goes there: smart indie-kids.

Montague Arms
289 Queens Road, SE15, 020 7639 4923
What: quirky, friendly pub venue
Why it's cool: there are few pubs in London with an atmosphere like the Montague. Looking like a fairytale sailing ship inside, it has a welcoming mixture of old and young, locals and scenesters, with live music - including ageing crooners - keeping things lively.
What it costs: £3/£4 entry on band nights, £2.75 pint, £3 V&T
Who goes there: all-ages crowd.