The Coal House Cafe

What a fantastic view of the wetlands as you eat and drink something made with love. Feels like a lovely little secret, a few minutes from Manor House tube. A local group were playing live jazz music and it all felt like a lovely melange of city and nature - just the type of place you’d set a romantic assignation in a woody Allen film 😀

Missed five stars - what a pity!!! It's definitely the best landscape in the area, full of awesome wildlife. Serious competition between the two local Reservoirs, both stunning for different aspects. The problem is that this one it's apparently served by volunteers. Volunteers should be happy to do what they are doing, if not, volunteers of any sort they should stay home or do something else. How could they be grumpy working in such a beautiful setting though-no idea. Most my journey to this gorgeous beauty spot have been awesomely refreshing but - thankfully not too often - today and few more occasions, they have being spoilt partially by people volunteering at the cafe - rough, grumpy and rushed. Long cue at the cafe today, due to the beautiful sunshine, being queuing since 1:00 at 1:30 the young lady decided to shout at the queue - it was just my turn to be served... :( that they were not longer serving food. I said quietly and with respect to her that I wanted to speak to the manager. I went at the back to speak to her and I seemed that the young lady was making fun of me at the front with other member of the queue. I explained to the lady supervising her that I am a celiac and I can't find easily at all hot gluten free food - they do delicious GF sandwiches, and by 3 pm I had to be in Orpington thereby I had to leave by 2 pm She said that she would take my order, but instead of doing so, she told me to wait somewhere sitting at a table randomly and she would come to take the order eventually. I've waited a while but I did leave eventually. What a pity considering that I'm a regular, I have made also donation of baskets and other stuff for the centre...and that very lady supervisor was there that day, and she wasn't very nice even that day, though the young man was very grateful and appreciative. I would suggest, do go to visit the place, is utterly beautiful, but do take your flask of hot tea o bottle of cold drink and pack your lunch before you go, if you go on a sunny day... You may go hungry as me today, if you don't do so..... 😅

The Coal House Cafe is a charming spot that truly encapsulates the spirit of a traditional cafe, complete with friendly staff and a cosy atmosphere. The team members are exceptionally welcoming, enhancing the overall experience with their attentive service and warm smiles. The ambiance is relaxed and inviting, making it a perfect place to enjoy a cup of coffee, a sweet treat, or a light meal. They offer an impressive selection of food, each dish thoughtfully prepared to cater to a wide variety of tastes. Whether you're a regular patron or planning your first visit, The Coal House Cafe provides a delightful experience that beckons you to return.

Every experience I’ve had at the Coal House has been lovely. The coffee is always good and quickly made. The food has always been warm and quite delicious, they are not short on options including vegetables which I find is rare in affordable London cafes/restaurants. The view is incredible, especially if you like birding. I was delighted to see they had a full recycling and compost set up. Businesses that make that little commitment to sustainability always make me like them more, and I’ve found usually have more friendly and helpful people working there.