St David Coffee House

Coffee shops

Restaurants

Forest Hill

Budget

$St David\'s Coffee House_credit_Tricia de Courcy Ling.jpg$

Tricia de Courcy Ling

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Time Out says

Thu Aug 26 2010

Anywhere that has original ‘Mr Men’ books on the shelves wins us over almost right away. Add to that beautifully frothed cappuccino served in charmingly mismatched crockery with good pastries, and we’re onside.

Located yards away from Forest Hill Station, this tiny, higggledy-piggledy café would suit Mr Small very well. The diminutive, wisteria-clad premises has five tables wedged inside, all of them busy on our mid-morning weekday visit. Two tiny tables cling to the raised walkway outside, shielded from the main road by herb-filled window pots.

Cake stands, piled high with flaky croissants, millionaire’s shortbread, carrot cake, cupcakes and flapjacks (£1.50-£2.90) jostle for space on the bar.

For the savoury minded, there are raw salads of colourful beetroot, carrot and cucumber, and two varieties of very English sandwiches (read: thinly filled). We tried a chorizo, pear and rocket one, and enjoyed the unsual combo.

Staff at St David treat the Square Mile coffee beans with due reverence, describing in detail the summer espresso blend, grinding beans for each cup in an Anfim grinder then using a Rancilio espresso machine (all coffees cost under £2). For tea lovers there’s loose-leaf brews, though we found our pot of Earl Grey a little lacklustre in floral notes (£1.60).

Well-loved books are in a corner for exchange or sale. Handmade cards, jams and chutneys from England Preserves (a company based in New Cross), flavoured oils and bags of coffee beans cluster on the shelves amid old typewriters and other rickety, antiquated equipment.

Whimsical art comes courtesy of Paula McGurdy, who often uses the space as her studio, and we can understand why: this is a welcoming spot for a natter or a read and a hot cuppa.

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Venue location

Address:
St David Coffee House 5 David's Road
Forest Hill
Forest Hill
London
SE23 3EP

Phone:
020 8291 6646
Website:
www.stdavidcoffeehouse.co.uk
Opening hours:
8am-6pm Tue-Fri; 9am-5pm Sat; 9.30am-4pm Sun
Transport:
Tube: Forest Hill rail or bus 122, 185
Price:
Coffee and snack for two with service: around £10
Map
1. St David Coffee House
  - 5 David's Road
    Forest Hill
    Forest Hill
    London
    SE23 3EP
  - 020 8291 6646
  - www.stdavidcoffeehouse.co.uk
  - 51.440307,-0.054576

Categories:
Food and drink
Facilities:
Outdoor facilities. Tables outdoors
Occasions:
Mood

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Comments & ratings

(9 ratings)

Forgot to put my star rating last time!! Was there again at the weekend and they'd really made the effort for Easter it was lovely watching adults intently painting their eggs!!

Mary Wed Apr 3
Rated as: 5/5
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We love this coffee house, the new owners are very friendly. My 2 year old son often makes a request to go to "the cafe with cars" (they have a box full for children to play with). Priceless!

Caroline Tozzi Mon Apr 1
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Lovely atmosphere and best bacon sandwiches ever, we go there at least every other weekend!

Mary Facer Fri Mar 15
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Serving some of the very best coffee in South London!! The perfect place to while away an afternoon.

JS2013 Wed Jan 30
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I have been in that coffee house few times however most recently the service provided by the owner was dreadful. He always seems grumpy and unhappy that he needs to bring the coffees to his customers. While being there last time (never going back) I had to wait good 10 minutes at the counter as the owner was not able to do the coffee and answer very simple and quick question (is lunch items being served yet?) at the same time. Left in the end as nobody from the staff seemed interested in two, miserably standing clients. Would never ever recommend this place to anybody and since started having coffee at Canvas and Cream where both service and food is much better!!

User2012 Mon Nov 19 2012
Rated as: 1/5
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I think I've died and gone to heaven after just finishing a sublime passion fruit tart with an amazing flat white. The perfect coffee shop!!

Sarah Sat Sep 29 2012
Rated as: 5/5
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Became an instant fan on my first visit on Thursday. A classic boutique coffee shop, and more like something you would find in rural France. No surprise to discover the proprietor is looking to buy a holiday home in SW France. The collection of 60s and 70s LPs is so similar to mine it was almost scary -- just a coincidence though. Loved the coffee, loved the almond croissant, loved the ambience, loved the others using St Davids and loved the weather - perfect 25C outside. Will return next week.

Patrick Sat Aug 11 2012
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Shortly after we moved to Forest Hill, St David opened. We try to go every weekend and feel very lucky to have this so nearby. Keep up the great work!!

Peter Sat Jun 16 2012
Rated as: 5/5
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Best, ever.

Danny Sun Jan 29 2012
Rated as: 5/5
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the best coffee in London!!! with a great vibe and very friendly atmosphere

Henrietta Sat Jul 23 2011
Rated as: 5/5
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