If you want to live on a budget then it can most certainly be done in East Dulwich. Obviously you can't expect to wine and dine like King & Queen all week long so a little compromise is necessary. Few things that spring to mind from my vast experience of visiting Somerfield. Firstly shop at Somerfield, on Lordship Lane, from 7pm on any evening as they cut prices drastically on enough items to dine like an aristocrat for a pauper's purse. Secondly as a general guide stock up with frozen goods for your freezer rather than refridgerated items. If you want to go out for the night to drink then perhaps have a few cans* beforehand at home when you're quenching the initial tap bursting thirst. * If you want cheap booze, then visit Sainsbury's which seem to have endless promotions on one lager or another. As for dining out cheaply in East Dulwich, then I'm afraid the only option I can think of is a Sunday buffet in one of the many Indian restaurants on Lordship Lane.