Fresh Bean Cafe

ONscotland

Streatham's Gem 31st August 2007

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The Fresh Bean Cafe is a very welcome addition to Streatham High Road, not only because of its quality, but because it's another venue that could so easily have been a Starbucks. In fact, Streatham is perhaps unique in not having a single Starbucks, Caffe Nero or Costa, and for that we should be grateful.

The first thing that struck me about the Fresh Bean Cafe is the friendly service - this was extended to all customers, even those arriving five minutes before closing time. One customer, upon asking how much time they had was told "You can have all the time you need" - a lovely gesture which sums up the attitude of the staff.

A deceptively simple menu of sandwiches and other savories belies the fact that you can choose six different kinds of bread or build your own from a wide selection of ingredients. A pause on my part was immediately seized on as a chance to explain the different breads on offer, along with a chance to sample them.

Smoothies, delicious cakes and biscuits and a wide selection of newspapers make the Fresh Bean Cafe my number one choice for a relaxing afternoon. During the recent Streatham Venue, the Fresh Bean Cafe was the venue for the open mic poetry readings, a clear indication that the place intends to be at the heart of Streatham life.