Carvalho’s Café

31 Jul Carvalho’s Café

Carvalho’s Café opened its doors in early 2018, in former corner shop premises at the junction of Natal and Hambro Roads, opposite the Potter’s Lane underpass. A hop, skip and a jump away from Streatham Leisure Centre, this hidden gem of a neighbourhood cafe is perfect for a post-workout pitstop, whether you need a healthy berry smoothie or a major caffeine hit. In addition to lattes, cappuccinos, and Americanos, there are babyccinos and freezyccinos the little ones and turmeric lattes for the brave.

Chef and owner Meire Carvalho serves up breakfast classics made with fresh, well-sourced produce (a full English is £7 and scrambled eggs just £3), as well as croissant and classic home-made Portuguese Pastel de Nata (£1.50).

Cakes are also a big hit with locals, and Meire conjures up different bakes each day. These include gluten-free choc cupcakes, sugar-free banana and cinnamon cake (perfect if you don’t want the kids to get a sugar hit) and the super-indulgent carrot and pina colada cake (strictly for adults only!).

If you’re after lunchtime savouries or snacks to take home en route from your commute (the café is minutes away from both Streatham and Streatham Common stations), regular specials include Paella Valenciana, Spanglish Cumberland sausages and potatoes, salmon and leek tartlets, and tabbouleh-stuffed peppers with quinoa. All the dishes are freshly made and very modestly priced.

Meire and her friendly team have created a community feel at the café, which plays host to exhibitions from local artists and occasional children’s arts and crafts events. While the sun’s out, there’s a wide pavement space outside to sit and soak up the rays, and more space indoors. Given its proximity to the hustle and bustle of Streatham High Road, it’s an oasis of calm.

We don’t expect Carvalho’s Café to stay a well-kept local secret for much longer!

Address and map

Hambro Road, London SW16 6JB