London Particular

'This is your world. Shape it or someone else will,' reads the good luck card at this new café in New Cross. As a quote it seems apt - the friends running it are fittingly particular about their menu choices, though the name of the cafe refers to the thick 'pea-souper' Dickensian fogs.

Their attentions pay off. The own-made blackberry topped brioche was the best brioche we've tried in some time, all the sweeter for being served with strawberry jam made by chef Becky's mum.

Diminutive tarts (in two sizes), filled with roasted vegetables, had home-style uneven edges of crumbly short pastry. It was refreshing to know that all the baking is done on site, including stem ginger cake, frangipane tarts, individual brioche pizzas and halloumi- or sausage-filled sandwiches with chilli and onion relish.

However, a few offerings laid out in the window looked parched by the bright sun on our visit.

More substantial fare comes in bowls. We tried a spiced tomato and orzo stew topped with crispy bacon which was hearty and satisfying, though the pasta (£5) was overcooked and a little pappy.

Coffees are made on a large Nuova Simonelli machine, using a blend made for them by HR Higgins (£1.80-£2). Builders' tea (80p) is appropriately served in a mug on Victorian tiles.

Food is the focus here. So far, the walls are bare; a lone mirror was propped against the wall. One small table and one large, serve as communal seating and another sits outside on the busy New Cross Road.

This close to Goldsmiths, it's easy to imagine this café becoming a hub for students seeking hot meals, in a setting that makes them feel at home.