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Please note, this branch of Brick House has now closed. Time Out Food editors, JANUARY 2020.
East Dulwich is becoming Sourdough Central. A branch of the trendy sourdough pizzeria Franco Manca opened over the summer and just off the main high street is this bakery and café in an old electrical warehouse. Though not the only independent bakery in East Dulwich, Brick House is the first to specialise in the slow-fermented breads beloved by hipsters (and most other people, too).
Brick House first operated as a bakery in Peckham Rye in 2012, selling loaves of white, rye and raisin and walnut. Here you can also eat in, but the bread is still the main attraction – soft crumb, crunchy crust, very light and full of flavour.
Breakfast is simple: we had nicely ripe avocado slathered on rye (£3.50) and fried eggs, well-cooked ham, garlicky greens and lots of toast (£4). There’s also granola, toast and Nutella on toast. It comes with a smile from well informed and bread-passionate staff.
Brick House fits in nicely with other nearby independent food offerings such as veg shop Franklins and William Rose Butchers, but is definitely trendier than most of the bakeries. That’s a difference clearly embraced by the locals who fill its spaciously placed tables throughout the day. The mixed, laid-back crowd include mums and babies (the cement floors are easy to clean) as well as young professionals making use of free wifi. Pastries are also worth checking out, especially the exceptionally fresh morning bun (£3.50).
Lunch is sandwiches and soup and there are nice touches for kids – milk and cookies, boiled egg and soldiers. It may be sourdough, but you won’t leave Brick House sour-faced. Or having spent very much dough.