Weybridge, Sandwiches, Cakes, Etc Restaurant Guide

From South African owners, this eight-strong chain of cafés based in London and the Home Counties wants to be a neighbourhood ‘third space’ where you ‘feel good’ (hence the name). By all accounts they’ve hit their target: fans say the venue, with its “fabulous environment”, is “very popular with locals, always full and fun” and “never fails to satisfy or put a smile on your face”. The reason? Its “very good brunch” – French toast, the Full English, or fancier fare – and it’s also a “lovely lunch spot” if you’ve an appetite for salads, burgers and sarnies with a side of South African cheer.

2024 Review: “Great coffee and extremely moreish light snacks” is the simple-but-winning formula at this ethical and sustainable Scandi-style roastery that started life in Richmond six years ago and now has outlets scattered across some of central London’s foodie enclaves.

It’s a long way from the West End and there are very few tourists in leafy Barnes – but you still have to book for afternoon tea at peak times, at this local institution that celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, and attracts tea and cake-lovers from across southwest London.

“Love this place” – “vinyl records and amazing cakes” ensure this cute coffee shop near Turnham Green “has a great atmosphere”: “there’s always some interesting music being played” while you sip “great coffee” or tuck into “breakfast served beautifully with edible flowers, what more could you want?”. In the evenings they serve booze and host live music – which must make it one of the capital’s smallest gigs.

This “very good local coffee shop” in the heart of Chiswick sources, imports and roasts its own coffee beans, which are available on subscription as well as across the counter. If you’re dropping in for a bite, there are “tasty (if smallish) sausage rolls and Ginger Pig bacon rolls”, and they “make their own pasteis de nata”.

2023 Review: This “rather sweet little café” in Chiswick from transplanted South African Angie Steele provides “very friendly and quick service for a light menu” of healthy-ish treats from breakfast to 5pm.

Fans still cross the neighbouring postcodes to brunch at this Antipodean-inspired brunch favourite, in deepest Balham (which has been a trendy local hotspot for over 10 years now). Have your phone ready to look up all the never-before-seen Asian flourishes to the dishes. Top Menu Tip – fish sando.

“5/5 for the pastels de nata, in our experience unsurpassed… even in Portugal!” – this veteran Portuguese patisserie in Notting Hill has no airs and graces, but has been trading in its “unbeatable pastries” since long before they became the world’s favourite take on the custard tart.

2023 Review: This “lovely local friendly coffee shop” with a French accent and pastries is a spin-off from Eric and Sarah Guignard’s French Table next door, and does a particularly good Gallic take on the English afternoon tea.

2024 Review: “Great coffee and extremely moreish light snacks” is the simple-but-winning formula at this ethical and sustainable Scandi-style roastery that started life in Richmond six years ago and now has outlets scattered across some of central London’s foodie enclaves.

The “fabulous breads, cakes and all things fattening” at Tessa Faulkner’s artisanal bakery at the north end of Portobello Road make it “worth getting up at 7 on a Saturday morning to beat the queues”. There’s “great coffee too”, and regular evening pop-up dinners with guest chefs.

“Best coffee on the King’s Road” – this branch of the fast-growing Copenhagen-inspired but London-based espresso bar group is the only one making waves in our annual diners’ poll. At last count, it had 20 branches scattered across the capital’s most salubrious neighbourhoods, supplying carefully sourced brews and snacks accompanied by generous helpings of Danish hygge.

An unlikely project from Mayfair club-owner Robin Birley (5 Hertford Street and Oswald’s), this “bakery on Chelsea Green has come from nowhere to be the hub of the area” in just a couple of years. There’s “OK coffee, but the pastries and breads are really excellent”, from pastry chef Vincent Zenardi, whose team can be seen at work in the open kitchen. Artist Lizzie Porter’s whimsical hand-painted walls and ceiling are also worth a gander.