I used to rent in N16 too and bought my first house between Honor Oak Park and Crofton Park 18months ago. After having spent 26 years in North London I am a huge South London convert. The area is really peaceful, yet transport links to central london are good and this will improve further with the East London Line. On top of the other good restaurants/pubs people have already suggested, Mr Lawrences Wine Bar and Jam Circus by Crofton Park are both really good. There is also a great shop called paraphernalia up crofton park way too - sells vintage designer clothes and great hand-made headpieces.
My only negative is that there is only one nightbus I can get home (171) and it doesn't go from my main haunts in central london.