Brixton news, rumour and general chat - April 2014

[editor]

Has anyone ever eaten in the Gresham Cafe opposite the Barrier Block? There's something that puts me off about that place so I've never visited it.

 

[Orang Utan]

It's always worth a visit to a greasy spoon, if only for research purposes

 

[Thimble Queen]

I like the all day feb at lounge but it's not very big and costs 8 quid. Quality is good, service is quick and staff are friendly.

 

[editor]

SEM is yer man if you're after the full greasy spoon experience, with a bit of native American thrown in.

http://www.brixtonbuzz.com/2014/02/lunch-at-the-sem-cafe-padfield-rd-near-loughborough-junction/

 

[Orang Utan]

The Duck's Egg (if that's what it's called?) is good. Dear though.​

 

[gabi]

Has anyone ever eaten in the Gresham Cafe opposite the Barrier Block? There's something that puts me off about that place so I've never visited it.

George who runs it is the nephew of George the barber a couple of doors down. They are both excellent guys.

He's also my former landlord, I lived upstairs from the cafe. The food is what you'd expect, just greasy spoon fare. Huge portions though. George is also very chatty which some people like and some don't i guess. Bit of a geezer. But in a good way.

 

[editor]

Bit of a geezer. But in a good way.

I think that's what's put me off. I see a lot going on from my block, if you get my meaning.

 

[Thimble Queen]

Orang Utan not keen on duck egg. I've been studying a lot around brixton cafes and wouldn't choose to go there. Just don't find it that friendly.

 

[gabi]

He's sound, don't worry. It's a tough patch he's got there but he keeps his business out of trouble. He and Larry Lawrence used to police that block.

 

[Orang Utan]

Orang Utan not keen on duck egg. I've been studying a lot around brixton cafes and wouldn't choose to go there. Just don't find it that friendly.

I've only been in a couple of times and they were really nice.

I was in Rosie's yesteday. No FEB, but they are super friendly ( Onket ).
Nice coffee

 

[BoxRoom]

Orang Utan not keen on duck egg. I've been studying a lot around brixton cafes and wouldn't choose to go there. Just don't find it that friendly.

Sorry to hear that. Have only been a few times but they were really nice there.

 

[Dexter Deadwood]

I do love the fact that the old Phoenix Cafe neon sign is still flashing on and off, every time i walk past i check it

 

[Thimble Queen]

Orang Utan BoxRoom
I have been in on quieter days to have something small like a bacon sarnie and a cuppa and felt a bit uncomfortable. Dunno why. Not felt that anywhere else. If it was on a busy day I could understand they might not want a single person taking up space with a small order...

 

[Chilavert]

What's the best FEB in Brixton?
(only answer if you eat bacon and meat sausages in an FEB)

I hear good things about Angie's up on New Park Road, but have never been myself.

 

[nagapie]

I've just posted up a little review of the Express cafe.

I really miss the old Phoenix but I really don't like it now.

The food at the Express is not quite as good at the Phoenix, but it's a LOT cheaper and the decor much less hospital-canteen-like (although very plasticky).

Decor is authentic retro.

 

[Onket]

Semas on Tulse Hill, just up from the Hootanany, is the best place around these days, I reckon. Bit of a walk from central Brixton though.

I do like the Express Cafe, was in there today as it goes.

Duck Egg is awful.

New Phoenix is awful.

 

[Smick]

If anyone is prepared to make the trip, Café Castello in Tulse Hill do a marvellous FEB. If the E stands for Egg that is. Otherwise it is a FPB with all the ingredients you would expect in a FEB

 

[Onket]

I think an FEB is a Full English Breakfast.

Using an ugly abbreviation like that is just the sort of thing that Orang Utan would do. Yuk.

 

[Orang Utan]

Full English Breakfast. Opinions vary on content, most of it WRONG. It's not a vegetarian dish as it has bacon, sausage and possibly black pudding in it. And, yes, egg is ESSENTIAL. Fried with a runny yolk. If they can't get the egg right, they shouldn't bother at all

 

[Orang Utan]

I think an FEB is a Full English Breakfast.

Using an ugly abbreviation like that is just the sort of thing that Orang Utan would do. Yuk.

I usually avoid that sort of thing actually

 

[MrSki]

FEB as opposed to a TEB (Traditional English breakfast = cup of tea & a fag)

 

[Onket]

A place I used to work (with a canteen) had an All Day Breakfast only available until 11:30am, until I put them right.

 

[Orang Utan]

This thread has made me hungry. I'm off to eat a Full English Breakfast right now. In Deptford though, so no review later.

 

[teuchter]

Full English Breakfast. Opinions vary on content, most of it WRONG. It's not a vegetarian dish as it has bacon, sausage and possibly black pudding in it. And, yes, egg is ESSENTIAL. Fried with a runny yolk. If they can't get the egg right, they shouldn't bother at all

What are the minimum components necessary to qualify as a Full English Breakfast?

 

[Crispy]

What are the minimum components necessary to qualify as a Full English Breakfast?

Sausage, bacon, egg, beans, mushrooms, tomatos, toast or fried bread.
TEA

Anything less is not Full. It is merely a breakfast.

 

[teuchter]

Sausage, bacon, egg, beans, mushrooms, tomatos, toast or fried bread.

TEA

Nothing involving potatoes then?

 

[Crispy]

Nothing involving potatoes then?

Permitted, but not required.

 

[Orang Utan]

Nothing involving potatoes then?

No way. Chips are not a breakfast item.

Beans are also unnecessary as they taint the rest of the dish but I accept that this is a controversial opinion

Tomato is also superfluous

 

[Crispy]

Fine breakfasts, but not Full.

 

[MrSki]

No way. Chips are not a breakfast item.

Beans are also unnecessary as they taint the rest of the dish but I accept that this is a controversial opinion

Tomato is also superfluous

I agree with you on chips but beans are what make an English breakfast English.

Fried tomato but not tinned.