There's always that one location, one store location that's constantly changing hands. Everybody has this in their neighborhood, it's a leather store, it's a yogurt shop, it's a pet supply. It's constantly changing and nobody can do business there. It's like some sort of Bermuda triangle of retail, you know? Stores open up and then they just disappear without a trace. Nobody knows what happened to 'em.
- Jerry Seinfeld, The Cafe
Aladdin's Cave is the new, wi-fi-enabled cafe in Crofton Park, taking the place of Barrio, which itself replaced Cafe Blanca. Both former venues earned decent feedback from BC readers, but didn't last long. Let's hope this incarnation is more successful.
Please post your comments and reviews here.
25 comments:
I think you were talking about Aladdin's Cave on Lewisham Way for a minute and was very confused!
I'd have called it Aladdin's Cafe
That Seinfeld quote is so true. Some premises seem cursed somehow.
That picture looks nice. I wonder is it a cafe first, internet second or is it just a bank of computers with a Nespresso machine in the corner? Anyone been in? Best of luck to them none the less.
I was going to point out that the Junk Yard opposite the end of Tyrwhitt Road is also called Aladdins Cave but Tyrwhitt Ali beat me to it.
Open(Seseme)to confusion.....
Paddy - it's very much a cafe first. No computers, as far as I saw.
I think the 'wi-fi enabled' is a bit of a red herring, considering most cafes & pubs who are on the ball have wi-fi these days. A true test is whether you can easily get on to it, without signing your life away first!
Good name for a antique/junk shop - bad name for a cafe.
It's a good name if it has a middle eastern vibe with shisha pipes - does it?
It does have a bit of a middle eastern vibe, yes.
Having peeped through the windows it has gilt edged chairs and sofas and lots of mini chandelier lights - it describes itself on the door as a luxurious wifi cafe... No idea if the coffee is any good but they do mochas, lattes etc
Thanks for posting. I went to Cafe Blanca twice back when there was little else in SE4 - was a fan of their Moroccan mint tea and the meatballs. Never ventured in the Barrio incarnation though. May have to check it out - hopefully third time's the charm, as with The Orchard (whose proprietors seem to have gotten it very right this time after Chez Ecosium and Aquarium).
This could be the new home for the 'displaced' Moonbow Jackers. Spend your time surfing in our luxurious surrounding whilst generating ideas for that blockbuster Hollywood script.
good news someone has taken this place on.
any chance BC can get the council to encourage the community use of long standing empty shops??? I'd like to see Brockley holistic become a short-term community run gallery if a new use can't be found.
I popped in there on Friday. It's been set up by an enthusiastic young woman, who seems very keen to make a success of it. Coffee was decent (more sensibly priced than Orchard) and the cup cakes were v. good!
This end of SE4 doesn't seem to get many mentions on here aside from Circus Jam, so I'd like to flag up too the excellent Jamaican jerk chicken at Lundie's.
Also since a lot of us who live in that part of SE4 use Catford Bridge station a lot, I want to mention the first kebab place on the left as you head from Catford Br. towards the town centre, can't remember the name but the food is terrific (even the breads, naans freshly rolled in front of you) and really good value.
@Kevin we do our best to cover Crofton Park and besides Jam Circus, Mr Lawrence, the Rivoli, Brockley Jack and developments at Crofton Park station get regular mentions. There's also a great review of a Ewhurst Road cafe today. You might be interested to know that we have an interview with Cllr Addison coming up about Crofton Park ward.
Further afield, pubs and restaurants in Brockley Rise and Honor Oak get discussed and we've just plugged the Blythe Hill Festival.
However, we're always looking for more stories about Crofton Park, so please feel free to let us know about anything you think we should be addressing. I live nearer to Brockley Station, so I'm more reliant on readers for Crofton Park tip-offs.
Can someone please just buy Brockley Holistic and stop with the teasing gallery/community space plans of theirs.
Had tea and a croissant for a late brekker at this place this morning, and would echo Kevin's comments about the friendliness and enthusiasm of the woman running the place. Tea and croissant were both good, croissant freshly prepared. When I'd finished she said she hoped she'd see me again soon.
The only thing I would say is it seems not quite sure what its customer base is going to be. They have the papers there, like a greasy spoon (which I welcomed!) and also the fridge facing out into the cafe makes it look more like a greasy spoon. But the decor, combined with table service, make it look like a step up. I'm sure it'll get sorted out in time! Definitely drop in there, recommended.
I just 'discovered' this place today. I think its a great place. Not huge, but there were 3 people including myself with buggies in there and the lady was very nice. Coffee came with a chocolate on the side, and was cheaper than a lot of places at £1.55 for an Americano.
She offered me the paper which was a nice touch, felt more like the hairdressers than a cafe!
I've visited Aladdins Cave on a few times now and i must say i'm impressed with both food and service.
Their cupcake are really nice my favourite being Red velvet (muffin size)is delicious, eveeryone neeeds to try it!!!!
Brockley needed this Thank you very much to the owner Well done.
xxxx
I've visited Aladdins Cave on many occasions and have been delighted with the excellent service and amazing quality of the food and drink. I think the name suits it well as it's a small, quircky and cosy place to just chill on your own or with some friends. I totally agree with the previous comment in that the red velvet cupcake was scrumptious and makes it well worth a drop-in visit, if only just for one of them! The owner was definitely going for a middle eastern vibe with the comfy and elegant golden thrones at the entrance. I think that if a few other business on Brockley Road upgrade a bit to the same standard as Aladdins cave, this road could potentially become the next Lordship Lane in Dulwich.
I just had lunch there today and was really impressed. The girl serving was friendly and recommended a warm chicken caesar wrap which was delicious and came with a small salad and crips. With a coke and an after 8 it came to £3.90! All this would have cost more at the co-op...and you get to listen to a bit of Miles on some pretty groovy chairs...
I agree about the drinks fridge tough - a bit outta place...
We had lunch there yesterday and will definitely be going back. The girl that runs it is totally crazy (in a really nice way) and made us feel very welcome. The food was really good and she's planning on listening to feedback to make sure she keeps people happy as things settle in. Wish her all the best!
Dropped by here yesterday its very pretty inside and i was served by a very nice american girl who made a great cappuchino. prices werent so bad either
There doing a revamp on the shop on the corner again....
I asked the guy standing outside, where work being being carried out, what shop is it ?
Answer "its going to be a hair type of place"
PHEW !!! Thought it was going to be a Chicken Shop or Betting spot!
but its got outside sitting and area! Great little hangout !
owell.....
Supply and Demand...
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