Birdhouse Cafe - St Johns Hill

Stepping off St Johns Hill into the the hum of the Birdhouse cafe we're greeted with the warm smell of coffee. It's busy, almost all the tables are full but we find one towards the back and take a seat. A staff member appears provides us with sunny yellow menus on clipboards and a jug of water.

I scan the menu, all day breakfast and a selection of Bocaditos are on offer. Everything looks good but I narrow it down to the avocado with mint and feta on toast or the mushroom and goats cheese bocadito. Both are tempting but the feta/avo combo is calling to me. 

My friend decides on the butternut squash, caramelised pecans, spinach, roasted peppers and roquefort bocadito. Along with two flat whites, we settle in for a cosy catch up. The Bocadito is a good size and they must have used up an entire avocado for mine though it could have been better with a little more feta. The coffee is good, leaning more to the bitter brew than I prefer, but full of flavour all the same.



Its a small establishment but it has a continuous stream of customers. Some take a seat, others ogle the dessert cabinet and some stop by for a takeaway coffee. Its a pleasant place, and aside from the lady at the register when we went to pay (maybe she was having a bad day but she seemed a little grumpy) the staff are nice and dont rush you.

I enjoyed the Birdhouse cafe because it has a chilled atmosphere, good coffee and they serve you water without you having to ask - something loads of "good" restaurants dont do. If you find yourself in Clapham Junction one day fancying a cafe that is not a chain and does a decent coffee, take a walk up St Johns Hill and try a cuppa there.

What cafes in London do you like? Any I should try?