I know Adrian Maddox sometimes thinks I just follow him around taking photos and on this occasion he's right. Anything that instantly makes his Top 10 has got to be great and since Arthur and I were heading South East to visit the dinosaurs of Crystal Palace, this seemed like the perfect place for lunch.
And I have to say it's one of the friendliest places I've ever been. Really lovely people.
The ebcb was lovely too. Mammoth chips (which are apparently much healthier), discrete egg, generous beans and a nice bit of bacon. This is what I'd call a pensioner-style ebcb. Nothing huge and show-offy. A reasonable size and good value. Which is good because there seem to be a lot of pensioners who make this a regular destination. Especially in the smoking half of the building - which is the lovely authentic bit.
The interior is magnificent. All polished and ancient and shiney. All set off by modern accoutrements like a highviz jacket.
Look at that fridge. Perfect. You feel you could get the fond-remembered ice-cream of your childhood from there.
Russell, Where is this in Blackheath? I did a streetmap search and it drew a blank. This cafe is not that far from me. Thanks for the item. Sean
Posted by: sean | April 03, 2005 at 12:08 PM
Panic over, I've found it. Somewhere near Shooters Hill. Cheers. Sean
Posted by: sean | April 03, 2005 at 12:18 PM
My favourite breakfast in the whole of the UK is at Royal Teas on Royal Hill in greenwich, not far from Blackheath. They don't sell meat though so it's not your classic English breakfast. I am very fond of their Americn Breakfast which is a greasy, oily plate of tortilla with mushed up beans, melted cheese, perfect fried egg, tomato salsa and fried potatoes. Now I actually live in America, funnily enough I've never found anything like it.
Posted by: Sam | April 03, 2005 at 09:21 PM
I was here one Saturday in early March. If you don't live in S.E. London, it's fairly off the beaten track, but worth making the effort to visit (like L. Rodi near Blackhorse Lane). Being Blackheath, I was surprised it wasn't the site of something twee, like a rocking-horse shop.
The staff were friendly, but some of the customers less so. A couple of builders passed their time winding up one of the old-timers, who they both seemed to know. On his way out, the OAP responded with a torrent of foul-mouthed abuse - much to their amusement.
The pensioner, apparently called Bill, couldn't have been a day less than 80. His tormentors remarked approvingly that ... "he must have been a right hard b******d in his day" !!!
Posted by: Patrick | April 25, 2005 at 08:25 PM
People may be having problems locating the place as the road name is spelt wrong - should be Vanbrugh (the R before the U).
Thanks for the recommendation - I look forward to trying it out.
Posted by: Celia | April 03, 2006 at 12:57 PM
South East London, Lewisham, next to the DLR a MUST VISIT 'Maggie's Cafe'great atmosphere great food. When it is busy you may have to wait for a seat eventhough they have opened a new section in recent years! Top cafe.
Posted by: Kimmykool | April 03, 2006 at 03:42 PM
Hands down the best caff in the world. Not open on Sundays, mind. Good Sicilian stock, you see.
Posted by: DaveR | November 23, 2006 at 02:16 PM
this is my local!!! i love this place to bits. did you see the small scottish woman? she's so lovely :) fantastic review.
Posted by: Emilie | February 23, 2008 at 08:19 PM
Tough call between Maggies (Kimmykool 3/4/06) and Gambardella. Have spotted Jools Holland here as it's his local too!
We love both places but Maggie's might win for sheer volume of food you can order (make your own combo from a list of 16 items!) + endless tea/coffee & toast for £4.95
Posted by: Frances | February 28, 2008 at 04:49 PM