My London: Social Pantry’s Favourite Cafes
At 15, when most of us were worrying about our GCSEs and whether or not our crush knew we existed, Alex Head was starting her own sandwich business from the back of her bicycle. Fast forward to now and she owns catering company Social Pantry and the award-winning Social Pantry cafe in Battersea from which she hosts her supper clubs. Clearly knowing what makes a cafe great here are six that Alex recommends:
Maple & Fitz
The Healthy Eatery
This café is always my go-to hotspot for a lunch pit stop and juice re-fuel when on the go in central London in between meetings. Small but cosy, this deli always has an exciting and healthy offering of seasonal salads, soups and wraps as well as a few naughty treats to help you through your afternoon.
Alex recommends: A Mexican Standoff with Green Queen Juice
Where: 36A Berners Street, Fitzrovia, W1T 3LY
Website: www.mapleandfitz.com
Scratch Bar at Battersea Arts Centre
The Bar Cafe
This little hidden gem, located just around the corner from my café, is where I head to tuck myself away in a corner with my laptop. All of the staff (including the very lovely Tom!) are super friendly and the menu is varied with something for everyone, plus it’s all handmade on site!
Alex recommends: The menu changes daily but I normally opt for a seasonal salad or a hot fresh panini.
Where: Battersea Arts Centre, Lavender Hill, Battersea, SW11 5TN
Website: www.bac.org.uk
Pearl and Groove
The Flourless Bakery
Small independent café with a lot of style and a lot of groove. Pearl and Groove supplies the most gorgeous cakes London has on offer and what’s more, they’re gluten free too if that’s your thing.
Alex recommends: Pearl and Groove’s best seller, the delicious Dulche de Leche & Maldon Sea Salt.
Where: 341 Portobello Road, Notting Hill, W10 5SA
Website: www.pearlandgroove.com
The Lido Café
The Lido Cafe
Lidos are such hidden gems in London. I have very fond memories of this café and back when I first started out in London, I used to sell my cakes to them. Now, you can be sure to have one of the best brunches in South London and if the suns out, spend the morning sat outside watching the swimmers brave the lido. They’ve also recently opened for evening residencies hosting street food pop-ups in their space.
Alex recommends: Head on down one weekend for a Prosecco breakfast – any hollandaise or smoked salmon dish, with a glass of frizzante Prosecco!
Where: The Lido Cafe, Dulwich Road, Dulwich, SE24 0PA
Website: www.thelidocafe.co.uk
Story Coffee
The Independent Coffee House
This is where I discovered Pump St Bakery Chocolate (now stocked at my café too!) and is perfect place for a weekend coffee spent with friends. Those who know me well know that I’m a huge mint tea fan and the lovely people at Story Coffee hand you an egg timer with your cuppa to ensure it’s perfectly brewed and minty fresh!
Alex recommends: Mint tea and a large helping of Pump Street Bakery Sourdough and Sea Salt chocolate.
Where: 115 St John's Hill, Battersea, SW11 1SZ
Website: www.storycoffee.co.uk
Federation Coffee
The Market Coffee Shop
Hands down, one of the best coffee shops in London. Salon, the Brixton Market neighbour of Federation coffee, takes charge of the menu with a selection of their most popular dishes. So, you’ll be in safe hands here, amazing coffee paired with a tasty menu offering.
Alex recommends: House Espresso with Smashed Avo and Smoked Salmon on Rye
Where: Unit 77-78, Brixton Village, Coldharbour Lane, Brixton, SW9 8PS
Website: www.federation.coffee
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