The Goldfinch Cafe London

Reviews

1. Mario Lopez ★★★★★

   Any caff that has the name of a bird splashed across its front had better include an image of the avian creature as well. In addition, mention of flat whites, and paninis is so early noughties Hackney that even in that most notoriously hipster area of east London cafes and bistros have upped their game and switched to “sourdough” this and “home-brewed” that. The market, like God, works in mysterious ways. In the end there was nothing to worry about. The Goldfinch cafe does have a picture of the eponymous bird, even if it’s to advertise a minicab firm. Look beyond what’s become the traditional London food menu — all baguettes, paninis, and ciabattas — and you’ll find that they even have a rich Viennoiserie that I didn’t try this time, but looked rather enticing. Since my plan was to walk Sections 5 and 6 of the Capital Ring I knew I’d need a hearty breakfast. Food to keep me going for a few hours. Add to that the fact that I rocked up at The Goldfinch at half nine and the chilly morning temperature outside had already made me hungry. In recent years my full English breakfasts have been vegetarian or vegan most of the time. Not on this occasion, though. I went carnivore. It also makes sense to go back to meat every now and then, so that the content of this regular column matches the name. You can’t be an omnivore if you only eat tofu. Places like The Goldfinch Cafe are what we are in need of in our current, divisive times. The atmosphere from the moment I entered was warm and inviting. As I made my way to one of the empty tables, I overheard a woman at the counter telling the owner that she had just moved to the area and was idling about when she chanced upon the place. She stayed initially for an espresso. By the time my food arrived, she had gone back inside, asked for the menu and was now waiting for her own Spanish omelette. That’s how we build communities again. Being the sort of establishment run by and catering to the local Muslim community, I knew my “bacon” would be of the turkey variety. It was welcome, though. It was well done and crispy, just the way I’ve always liked it. The sausages — again, of non-pork origin — were slightly charred around the edges and oozed that familiar trickle of fat when being sliced. The stars of the show, however, were the hash browns. Golden and crunchy, they went down a treat when skewered with the mushrooms, and tomato. At £12.50, in an area fast becoming synonymous with that polarising word, “gentrification” (the high street now boasts £600–900K houses), my breakfast was cheap. Throw in the mocha that came with my meal and my nosh was a steal. Small wonder that I ended up walking more than thirteen miles all the way to Richmond Bridge after.

   almost 7 months ago
2. John Stokes ★★★★★

   Went to visit my pal who has just moved into the area and he brought me here. Very relaxing space inside and out. We sat inside and I really appreciated the efforts to make it a place where I wanted to be. Great value sandwich and good coffee. Genuinely friendly and charming service from the man my friend thought had a French accent. All the best

   almost 7 months ago
3. David Popescu ★★★★★

   Wow I think this place has the best Paninis I’ve ever had before. Mexican chicken and many other options quick service and lots of seating outside and inside. Only pay £5 for a panini which is reasonable

   almost 8 months ago

1. Shatha A ★★☆☆☆

   I ordered an iced caramel latte but was served a frappe. I also ordered Nutella pancakes, but they came with random chocolate instead. The sweets were nice though

   almost 10 months ago
2. Juliet Appiah-nyanta ★★★★★

   I spent all day hiding in the cafe from work. Working from there instead of the office. Found it easy and non hurried. The food, delicious and not expensive! The coffee, mmmmmm tasty. And it seems to have community feel to it, where people care for the place and the owners/staff in the café.

   almost 3 years ago
3. Hieu Pham Ba ★★★☆☆

   Good Coffee, nice staff but terrible coffee cup! Your coffee is good but please change your cup, I know you tried to press it nicely however the bad quality cup will spilt all the coffee to your customer like I have experience today. I got the Hazelnut latte from you today and 5 mins later when I got inside my car and had a first taste of your coffee, it spilt all over my seat and my shirt. Just want to let you know so you can change the cup because I don't want your customer have the same experience as I am

   almost 3 years ago

1. Hu Xiaolong ★★★★★

   An underrated gem in Streatham. Simple but delicious food at a decent price. Friendly owner and staff. It is small in space and can be too noisy for some people as it's alongside the busy road with constant traffic, but you cannot complain about the convenience given it's location. I do hope smokers who visit here can be more considerate of others around them and try not to smoke when many people are sitting and eating right next to their table.

   almost 3 years ago

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