I will come over too, if you want company/reinforcement.
I also know a few other people who might like to add support - and bulk - to your visit. Mondays to Wednesdays a better bet; pls pm me if interested
Yes, Sydenham absolutely needs a place for mums, dads, carers etc to meet without endlessly apologising for taking up space, making a bit of noise, dropping the odd bit of food on the floor etc. Brixton, Bristol, Edinburgh... they're all awash with these places as they do such good business (and promote such strong sense of a cohesive community) - same here... soon.
Anybody else wants/is able to come?
Where's a good place to go for coffee in Syd?
Re: Where's a good place to go for coffee in Syd?
Just met with William, manager of Cherry and Ice, lovely café, lots of space and best news of all is that he is not only interested in our ideas of having a space for other family friendly activities in the café, he was already thinking along the same lines!
Why not go in and let him know you are interested in a welcoming space for children in Sydenham, and a hub for the community.
He has lots of ideas about the space, let's hope these plans soon become a reality.
Why not go in and let him know you are interested in a welcoming space for children in Sydenham, and a hub for the community.
He has lots of ideas about the space, let's hope these plans soon become a reality.
Re: Where's a good place to go for coffee in Syd?
..........and Lee, William seemed extremely excited about your offer of decorating a room for families to meet up; he was keen to discuss this with you as he is, genuinely, rather enthusiastic.
It turns out he is a teach, a musician, and has wide ranging ambitious plans for his café: a fabulous place, a most enthusiastic manager: ... the new face of Sydenham?
It turns out he is a teach, a musician, and has wide ranging ambitious plans for his café: a fabulous place, a most enthusiastic manager: ... the new face of Sydenham?
Re: Where's a good place to go for coffee in Syd?
Just a few ideas for this forum.
Why not make it a community, Sydenham play room. As we did with the greyhound mural, what if we all supplied images, things we like scanned in like pages from comics, images of toys etc. scan them in and print them off a4. Then paste them all on a feature wall. Sugar ill did something along these lines and it looks great.
They could fill it with second hand toys from eBay. But I'm sure some of us would be willing to donate a few things. Some colourful builders buckets make toy chests for a fiver a go.
Fake grass would make a great inexpensive floor covering 20 quid per m2. Some kids floor rugs add some extra padding and island 'towns' among the 'countryside' floor covering.
Anyone that helps out could be part of a launch party with free ice cream for the kids. I'm sure we could arrange some pr for the opening.
Just throwing these out there for discussion.
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Why not make it a community, Sydenham play room. As we did with the greyhound mural, what if we all supplied images, things we like scanned in like pages from comics, images of toys etc. scan them in and print them off a4. Then paste them all on a feature wall. Sugar ill did something along these lines and it looks great.
They could fill it with second hand toys from eBay. But I'm sure some of us would be willing to donate a few things. Some colourful builders buckets make toy chests for a fiver a go.
Fake grass would make a great inexpensive floor covering 20 quid per m2. Some kids floor rugs add some extra padding and island 'towns' among the 'countryside' floor covering.
Anyone that helps out could be part of a launch party with free ice cream for the kids. I'm sure we could arrange some pr for the opening.
Just throwing these out there for discussion.
[ Post made via Mobile Device ]
Re: Where's a good place to go for coffee in Syd?
I think he would love it - he was saying that his walls were rather bare and that he wants them to become much more colourful and lively.
I think your ideas are brilliant; I offered to give some time for free - say a day a week or something - for a trial run of a month or two. Mollie offered lots of toys too, and she is going to investigate sourcing some more. But yes, if this was a viable possibility I am quite, quite sure loads of us would help.
You should hear him talk about bringing in musicians and artists and chefs.... a "Sydenham play room"... have you met William? I think that's just up his street!
I think your ideas are brilliant; I offered to give some time for free - say a day a week or something - for a trial run of a month or two. Mollie offered lots of toys too, and she is going to investigate sourcing some more. But yes, if this was a viable possibility I am quite, quite sure loads of us would help.
You should hear him talk about bringing in musicians and artists and chefs.... a "Sydenham play room"... have you met William? I think that's just up his street!
Re: Where's a good place to go for coffee in Syd?
Great suggestions Lee, I love the grass carpet idea and getting local people involved.
This is where forums come into their own, an idea may become a reality with the generosity of people working together.
This is where forums come into their own, an idea may become a reality with the generosity of people working together.
Re: Where's a good place to go for coffee in Syd?
Hi all,
I saw this thread and thought I should let you know I will be starting a pop up cafe at the back of Alhambra in Kirkdale village on the 19th September.
It will be called the Secret Garden Cafe and will sell an array of pastry's, sandwiches, specialist teas and cakes. All home made! I really want to make it a family friendly place - and would love to see local folk there when I open!
Ideas I have are an early morning mothers club from 9am - 11am, offering a deal on cakes and coffees to all mothers with young children.
If you are interested in visiting the shop when it opens and hearing all our latest news, please email me kirkdalesecretgardencafe@gmail.com and I will add you to my mailing list.
I can't wait to meet and greet you all!
Best wishes,
Alice
I saw this thread and thought I should let you know I will be starting a pop up cafe at the back of Alhambra in Kirkdale village on the 19th September.
It will be called the Secret Garden Cafe and will sell an array of pastry's, sandwiches, specialist teas and cakes. All home made! I really want to make it a family friendly place - and would love to see local folk there when I open!
Ideas I have are an early morning mothers club from 9am - 11am, offering a deal on cakes and coffees to all mothers with young children.
If you are interested in visiting the shop when it opens and hearing all our latest news, please email me kirkdalesecretgardencafe@gmail.com and I will add you to my mailing list.
I can't wait to meet and greet you all!
Best wishes,
Alice
Re: Where's a good place to go for coffee in Syd?
Well it never rains but it pours!
Could this be the start of a new era for parents with young children? Hope so!
It's so good to hear of places coming soon who will be happy to encourage a sense of community for those with buggies and slings.
All the best Alice, hope everything goes to plan and we'll be popping in to see your pop up café when it opens.
Could this be the start of a new era for parents with young children? Hope so!
It's so good to hear of places coming soon who will be happy to encourage a sense of community for those with buggies and slings.
All the best Alice, hope everything goes to plan and we'll be popping in to see your pop up café when it opens.
Re: Where's a good place to go for coffee in Syd?
Fantastic news Alice - I must have been one of the first people through the door when, a few weeks ago, an email reached me about the new café at the back... and took friends with me too!
It is a fabulous place and I hope will be a huge success - the mothers clubs is such a great idea; it might be good to extend it to other "child minders~" such as people like me (grandparents) and did you read the post from a single father wanting to create a group of like minded carers? He may well be interested in your venue
Such a great need, and so many people keen - I am quite sure there would be a great response for several centres and cafes in Sydenham.
Do let us know when you start - we'll be there (even though a bit tough to go up the hill with the huge buggy...)
Wishing you all the best
It is a fabulous place and I hope will be a huge success - the mothers clubs is such a great idea; it might be good to extend it to other "child minders~" such as people like me (grandparents) and did you read the post from a single father wanting to create a group of like minded carers? He may well be interested in your venue
Such a great need, and so many people keen - I am quite sure there would be a great response for several centres and cafes in Sydenham.
Do let us know when you start - we'll be there (even though a bit tough to go up the hill with the huge buggy...)
Wishing you all the best
Re: Where's a good place to go for coffee in Syd?
I love coffee from On The Hoof. For a sit down then Alexander Nurseries in Parish Lane, Penge is nice.
I do like Blue Mountain but can be a squash in there & sometimes feel disappointed with atmosphere/food for price (my husband more so but he loves Chefs Delight greasy spoon).
Big fan of Canvas & Cream in Forest Hill for brunch/lunch - baby & 3yr old in tow. Will check out Montage.
Am hoping the cafe in Mayow Park is done well, good coffee, tasty food with healthy options/kids menu & not too expensive. A casual, relaxed atmosphere to reflect park/community garden & welcome locals with dogs, kids or without who want to shelter & refuel.....fingers crossed.
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I do like Blue Mountain but can be a squash in there & sometimes feel disappointed with atmosphere/food for price (my husband more so but he loves Chefs Delight greasy spoon).
Big fan of Canvas & Cream in Forest Hill for brunch/lunch - baby & 3yr old in tow. Will check out Montage.
Am hoping the cafe in Mayow Park is done well, good coffee, tasty food with healthy options/kids menu & not too expensive. A casual, relaxed atmosphere to reflect park/community garden & welcome locals with dogs, kids or without who want to shelter & refuel.....fingers crossed.
[ Post made via Mobile Device ]
Re: Where's a good place to go for coffee in Syd?
Tried a delicious quiche & cake here the other week without kids. Would be so happy to come up the hill with the kids when you are backAliceK wrote:Hi all,
I saw this thread and thought I should let you know I will be starting a pop up cafe at the back of Alhambra in Kirkdale village on the 19th September.
It will be called the Secret Garden Cafe and will sell an array of pastry's, sandwiches, specialist teas and cakes. All home made! I really want to make it a family friendly place - and would love to see local folk there when I open!
Ideas I have are an early morning mothers club from 9am - 11am, offering a deal on cakes and coffees to all mothers with young children.
If you are interested in visiting the shop when it opens and hearing all our latest news, please email me kirkdalesecretgardencafe@gmail.com and I will add you to my mailing list.
I can't wait to meet and greet you all!
Best wishes,
Alice
[ Post made via Mobile Device ]
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Campervantim
- Posts: 3
- Joined: 12 Aug 2011 05:07
Re: Where's a good place to go for coffee in Syd?
I don't know for Sydenham but in Forest Hill the coffee in Montage, the cafe at forest hill pools, Agas Deli and On The Hoof is all ok, in Canvas & Cream its pretty good, but St David's has by far & away the best coffee.
As for their suitability for kids they are all as suitable as each other, depending on what you want. If you want somewhere for the kids to run around whilst you have good coffee then none are suitable, except perhaps the Pools, but not many places would be. If however the kids will sit and read, play a quiet game or join in the chat then all work perfectly.
We've been taking out 9 year old to St David's since it opened and its one of his favourite spaces as it is mine. He likes the people - the old owners and the new, and the other regulars, he likes the atmosphere and the food / hot milks. He just can't run around, but then he wouldn't anyway in a place that does food / drinks. Whenever we are in coffee shops, pubs, cafes or restaurants he does 'quiet things' or joins in the conversation.
So, there's quite a lot down at the forest hill end, depending on what you are looking for.
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As for their suitability for kids they are all as suitable as each other, depending on what you want. If you want somewhere for the kids to run around whilst you have good coffee then none are suitable, except perhaps the Pools, but not many places would be. If however the kids will sit and read, play a quiet game or join in the chat then all work perfectly.
We've been taking out 9 year old to St David's since it opened and its one of his favourite spaces as it is mine. He likes the people - the old owners and the new, and the other regulars, he likes the atmosphere and the food / hot milks. He just can't run around, but then he wouldn't anyway in a place that does food / drinks. Whenever we are in coffee shops, pubs, cafes or restaurants he does 'quiet things' or joins in the conversation.
So, there's quite a lot down at the forest hill end, depending on what you are looking for.
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Re: Where's a good place to go for coffee in Syd?
Somehow managed to come across this old post which became a bit of a forum about places for ideas/places for people to take kids to, not just where has the best coffee etc.. Anyways, came across this on the Kirkdale Village Facebook Group so thought would post it up here for some who may be interested!:
Story and rhyme time comes to Aga's Little Cafe Friday mornings in 2014.
Once Upon A Storytime will be starting regular ‘Sing A Story’ Sessions at Aga’s Little Café on Kirkdale.
It’s a sing and rhyme time session with Shinta for the under 5s, conveniently timed straight after the school run!
Sing A Story
Fridays 9.30-10.15am
Starts January 10th
£2.50 per child / £4 for two children
Story and rhyme time comes to Aga's Little Cafe Friday mornings in 2014.
Once Upon A Storytime will be starting regular ‘Sing A Story’ Sessions at Aga’s Little Café on Kirkdale.
It’s a sing and rhyme time session with Shinta for the under 5s, conveniently timed straight after the school run!
Sing A Story
Fridays 9.30-10.15am
Starts January 10th
£2.50 per child / £4 for two children
Re: Where's a good place to go for coffee in Syd?
......and of course, and at (great) risk of repeating myself endlessly, there is now the great café within the Sydenham Community Library which is perfect for carers, kids, pushchairs (!) and people with none of those. See also thread in Town Hall by Mikej: http://sydenham.org.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=10607
Re: Where's a good place to go for coffee in Syd?
As announced in other threads by far the best place to find an area large, warm and comfortable enough for prams, push chairs, kids, carers is our own Community Library. Try it - it really is fantastically welcoming and now it has a child friendly café too which is a first (in my opinion) in Sydenham.
Re: Where's a good place to go for coffee in Syd?
I know Lee has been singing its praises for months but I only just visited Montage in Forest Hill for the first time. It's brilliant on rainy day with a toddler. The playroom isn't massive but well kitted out. I think that's the first coffee I have been able to enjoy while out with the little one in a loooong time....
There's no reason we can't have something like that in Sydenham and I am hopeful that it won't be long.
(I know we have a few options already but would love some more)
There's no reason we can't have something like that in Sydenham and I am hopeful that it won't be long.
(I know we have a few options already but would love some more)
Re: Where's a good place to go for coffee in Syd?
i too went there for the first time last weekend, after going swimming in Forest Hill Pools.
yes the play room looks fantastic, and I'm sure we'll go there more often when our little one gets a bit older and can make more use of it. The chai latte was lovely, as was the carrot cake.
Something similar in Sydenham is perfectly possible with some initiative, and imagination in the right place.
Kirkdale bookshop, for instance have made use of their basement, and Kente coffee shop has a small outdoor courtyard out back.
yes the play room looks fantastic, and I'm sure we'll go there more often when our little one gets a bit older and can make more use of it. The chai latte was lovely, as was the carrot cake.
Something similar in Sydenham is perfectly possible with some initiative, and imagination in the right place.
Kirkdale bookshop, for instance have made use of their basement, and Kente coffee shop has a small outdoor courtyard out back.
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ritajensen
- Posts: 3
- Joined: 8 May 2012 16:05
- Location: sydenham
Re: Where's a good place to go for coffee in Syd?
If you don't mind a little walk, I suggest The Montage in Forest Hill (Dartmouth Rd, off Kirddale). They are kids friendly with the special playroom.
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syd parker
- Posts: 6
- Joined: 25 Jul 2014 15:31
- Location: Sydenham Park
Re: Where's a good place to go for coffee in Syd?
New wine bar at 161 does coffee during the day. I think they're still building up to their full opening hours though.
Really lacking places that take a few push chairs! Sydenham Library is good for that.
Really lacking places that take a few push chairs! Sydenham Library is good for that.
Re: Where's a good place to go for coffee in Syd?
Kente coffee is great. Young children are always made welcome but frustrating that the potential in that venue is no exploited more!