Birdhouse

Coffee shops

Restaurants

123 St John's Hill

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Time Out says

Thu Nov 10 2011

Birdhouse is about as unpretentious as a five-star coffee bar can get, but that doesn’t mean it’s artless in its approach. Everything is intended to soothe and relax, from the lovely colour scheme to the retro furnishings and the jolly cluster of pictures adorning the long flank wall. But the best thing is the staff, always including at least one of the two owners as far as we can tell. They make this place buzz with their obvious enthusiasm for coffee, catering, and their customers. A mid-morning weekday crowd ranged widely in age, and included several children happy to eat superior baked goods or nurse a hot chocolate while their parents talked or read. The sandwiches are great here, but the warm banana bread is well-nigh impossible to resist. Partnered with a perfect espresso made from Climpson & Sons beans, it’s a guaranteed cure for rainy-day blues. Aspiring baristas take note: if you want to see how an espresso machine should be tended during service, come to Birdhouse.

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Venue location

Address:
Birdhouse 123 St John's Hill
London
SW11 1SZ

Phone:
020 7228 6663
Website:
www.birdhou.se
Opening hours:
Open 7am-4pm Mon-Fri; 9am-5pm Sat, Sun
Transport:
Tube: Clapham Junction rail
Price:
Lunch for two with coffee and service: around £15
Map
1. Birdhouse
  - 123 St John's Hill
    London
    SW11 1SZ
  - 020 7228 6663
  - www.birdhou.se
  - 51.460853,-0.174584

Categories:
Food and drink
Facilities:
Eating and drinking facilities. Café. Restaurant and bar facilities. Take away
Occasions:
Hip factor

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Comments & ratings

(25 ratings)

I really wanted this coffee shop to be great, I read about it in Time Out and tried it a few days later. I visited with my friend and her 14 month old baby. We were made to feel very unwelcome. The staff were rude and abrupt and acted like we were inconveniencing them I can only asume this is because we had a baby and pushchair. Even though we asked for no special treatment and the baby was well behaved. I am childless by choice and understand that the world does not revolve around children and parents, but people have different needs and it is disgusting that my friend was made to feel she and her baby were unwelcome. It might be hip but it has no heart! It is so disappointing we didn't have the good experience other people have reflected in their reviews. On a positive not my salted Carmel brownie was great and it looks ver stylish.

sarah Thu Apr 11
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Really didn't like the coffee. Harsh, one note, not nice.

Gerry Thu Feb 28
Rated as: 1/5
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Loving the kitsch utilitarian chic without the pretentious, snobby staff you usually get in this kind of place. Great atmosphere, coffee and food.

Hannah Sun Jan 20
Rated as: 5/5
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The coffee was great, really friendly and welcoming staff. The decor was exceptional. Would definitely recommend it.

david Sun Jan 20
Rated as: 5/5
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Excellent coffee, probably the best in South London!

MnW Mon Dec 10 2012
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The coffee I had here was overextracted, i.e., had put way too much coffee in the filter basket so that water didn;t flow through at correct rate. So not as good as i'd been left to expect.

Liamc Fri Nov 30 2012
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Amazing coffee. Delicious food. Sophisticated interior. Friendly staff. It's everything you could possibly want from a cafe. Highly recommended.

P Gizzle Wed Nov 28 2012
Rated as: 5/5
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Really good service, I go there to study so it s cool and relaxed place. The coffee is amazing and the food is worth a go too. Thanks

MarkyThomo Sun Feb 26 2012
Rated as: 5/5
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Hidden germ in Wandsworth! After an hour spent there you feel like a chirpy bird yourself ;) Delicious and elegantly served food, tasty and rich coffee, creative interior and friendly service can make a difference, and the Birdhouse definitely does that. Honest and organic, just great. Tried and tested, truly recommended.

Samurai_Panda Fri Feb 10 2012
Rated as: 5/5
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Best coffee in London, AMAZING egg mayo and pancetta toasted ciabata that will see off any hangover and great guys running the place. Worth a special visit even if you don't live nearby.

George Thu Feb 9 2012
Rated as: 5/5
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Birdhouse

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