"There are two things to know before you visit Deserted Cactus. Firstly, check their Instagram to find out the day’s vegan Caribbean set menu and whether one-woman-show Esme is opening late. Secondly, head down early to get one of the stall’s few seats tucked at the back of Peckham’s Holdrons Arcade. It’s worth hanging around to eat crunchy Southern fried jackfruit and warming, wholesome stews fresh, and for a chat with the friendly owner." - heidi lauth beasley, jake missing, rianne shlebak, sinead cranna, daisy meager, riaz phillips