"Whenever something big happens in my life, the Prince of Peckham is always part of that memory."
It is said that community is the foundational framework of human need, and Peckham does community like no other.
The vibrant South London suburb has produced sporting icons, Hollywood legends and creatives across the years, cementing its spot on the cultural map.
Born on a December night in 1997, Imani-Lara Lansiquot soon added her name to that list.
A two-time Olympic medallist in the women's 4x100m relay, with bronze at Tokyo 2020 and silver at Paris 2024, Imani has easily become one of Peckham's brightest and fastest stars.
In light of the 2026 Black History Month theme of 'honouring communities', we took the sprinter back to her hometown to visit and explore three of her most treasured places that represent community to her.
And there is no better place to kick off a hometown tour than the very pub that had a mural of yourself curated on its side.
"The Prince of Peckham is truly the epicentre of Peckham," said Imani.
"It wasn't here when I was growing up but it is somewhere I have visited a lot as I've got older.
"After the Paris 2024 Olympics, it coincided with my grandma's birthday, so we had a massive party and rented out the space to celebrate my mural, my medal and my grandma turning 69, which was really cute."
With her grandma's house – aptly - just 100m down the road, Imani grew up on the Prince of Peckham's doorstep.
Clement Ogbonnaya took over ownership of the pub in 2017 and has since turned it into a community-focused and inclusive space to combat local gentrification.
Away from the day-to-day duties of serving pints and chicken wings, it also hosts weekly men's mental health evenings and regular events in the fight against knife crime in London.
They are issues that the pub is proud to lead the charge on as it continues to inspire and stimulate community throughout the entirety of Peckham.
" It is important for a community like Peckham to have somewhere that is not just a place to party and drink and eat. It is bringing people together and raises awareness about certain things," said Imani.
"In today's society, where everything is usually 'go go go', you need spaces like this which allow you to just be exactly who you are.
"There are not many black-owned pubs in London and it is important to understand the gravity of how important that is and the fact that sometimes you are the only ones raising the flag for something like that.
"Not a lot of people always associate pubs with black culture and so having that in the community opens that space for people to truly be authentic.
"That is why I have already championed this pub in particular. It is a shining beacon in the community, for us and by us."
The more Imani opens up about the Prince of Peckham and its community, the old maxim about how people make South London truly shines through.
Peckham's list of notable alumni is bursting at the seams, with 'the Landlord' himself, Giggs, visual artist Gabriel Moses, and actors John Boyega, Marianne Jean-Baptiste and Damson Idris all hailing from the area.
And with Imani's relay teammates and 100m stars Daryll Neita and Dina Asher-Smith hailing from Lewisham and Orpington respectively, there's something in the South London water that inspires black excellence.
"As I have grown up, I realise just how special and important it is not just to be a Londoner but to be a South Londoner and to be from somewhere as culturally rich and important as Peckham," she said. "It's that realness, community and audaciousness.
"Being able to travel the world and interact with so many people, you realise that grounding you have from where you're from is something that you take everywhere.I think it has allowed me to have a rich experience of life that I don't think I would have had if I wasn't from this particular little town. I'm really proud to put South [London] on the map."
To celebrate those that have gone from Peckham to the world, the Prince of Peckham started a new creative series in 2024.
Clem joined forces with artist Mr Cenz to produce murals of local heroes on the side wall of the pub, and it all started with a portrait of our sprinting Queen Imani.
And while Giggs may have taken over the side of the pub for now, a change that Imani confirms she is not salty about at all, the opportunity to be part of a series that honours prominent black figures in the community is one she will never forget.
"Clem messaged me just after the Olympics about having this series of local heroes and how they wanted to paint me on the side of the pub," she said.
"I think I cried on cue. I know I have been to the Olympics and other major events but to me, to be on the side of this building, it means more than words. I get goosebumps talking about it.
"It’s about what it means in the community when you can have me, a black woman and local girl, for everyone to see.
"I want people to know that this and more is always possible, no matter where you are from and who you are. To have that as a beacon in Peckham is one of my biggest achievements so far."
Imani will continue to champion the pub and all it does – and there is one particularly tasty aspect she will always bang the drum for.
"They are the best chicken wings in London, hands down," she added.
"I have many memories of ordering massive sets of wings and loads of rum punches around for all my friends and family. This really is the place to celebrate."
Words by Megan Armitage, Sportsbeat 2026