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[editor]

Not necessarily, as I’ve worked in—and, of course, dined at—high-end, pretentious establishments, and I’ve never been a fan. My goal is to create a very easy-going place where the simple things are done right. I want a well-balanced menu that offers both affordable, everyday options and slightly fancier choices for those who might crave something special. My aim is to make it a place people feel comfortable visiting most days of the week, rather than just a treat saved for a Friday.

I truly appreciate all the feedback.

Best regards,
Ross

I reckon there may be quite a few freelancers like me who would be happy to trek up the hill to settle into a quiet cafe in the daytimes and get some work done while drinking coffee and scoffing cake.

A lot of places seem to do well from that daytime trade (e.g. Brixton House).

 

[DietCokeGirl]

Hello everyone ,

Apologies i have never been in this chat before but i am currently one of the few bidding for the cafe in the park and as a local for the last 9 years id love to know what everyone may want and not want from the future cafe.

i would love to ask the future customers what they think Herne hill is missing and what to avoid.

kind regards,
Ross.

Simple, cheap and cheerful food and hot drinks would be good, not another sour dough and flat white place.

Chips, Ice cream, affordable wraps and sandwiches - more greasy spoon than artisan.

Controversial but I'd favour no dogs, but I know it's an unfashionable opinion.

 

[spitfire]

Proper teabags! None of this useless dishwater posh tea.

Tetley or Yorkshire spring to mind.

I mean do the posh stuff as well but regular tea for regular people!

 

[editor]

Simple, cheap and cheerful food and hot drinks would be good, not another sour dough and flat white place.

Chips, Ice cream, affordable wraps and sandwiches - more greasy spoon than artisan.

Controversial but I'd favour no dogs, but I know it's an unfashionable opinion.

I think any cafe in a park would have to allow dogs, else they'd lose trade on all those thirsty/hungry dogwalkers.

 

[rosscon]

Simple, cheap and cheerful food and hot drinks would be good, not another sour dough and flat white place.

Chips, Ice cream, affordable wraps and sandwiches - more greasy spoon than artisan.

Controversial but I'd favour no dogs, but I know it's an unfashionable opinion.

I suppose I could explore a middle ground regarding allowing dogs, as I’m unsure what the council might decide, especially with the art gallery area next door. Perhaps implementing an app for pre-orders or arranging drop-offs outside could be a useful compromise. I have my final meeting and presentation at the town hall today, so I plan to ask these questions at the end of my pitch.
Ultimately, my goal is to work collaboratively with the council and serve the community by meeting as many of their needs and preferences as possible, while ensuring the business remains profitable enough to cover staff wages, rent, and other expenses. The success of this venture truly depends on having the support of the community.
Kind regards,
Ross

 

[Rushy]

I think any cafe in a park would have to allow dogs, else they'd lose trade on all those thirsty/hungry dogwalkers.

The old one didn't allow dogs and got by for twenty years or so. But it was a bit of a pain in the arse if you were on your own (with a dog) and wanted to order.

I totally get some people not wanting dogs in the cafe. At the same time, dog walkers make up a huge proportion of the park users, particularly off peak. In fact, maybe that's the compromise: Dog free during peak periods (with an outdoor ordering app). Just thinking aloud...

 

[editor]

I suppose I could explore a middle ground regarding allowing dogs, as I’m unsure what the council might decide, especially with the art gallery area next door. Perhaps implementing an app for pre-orders or arranging drop-offs outside could be a useful compromise. I have my final meeting and presentation at the town hall today, so I plan to ask these questions at the end of my pitch.
Ultimately, my goal is to work collaboratively with the council and serve the community by meeting as many of their needs and preferences as possible, while ensuring the business remains profitable enough to cover staff wages, rent, and other expenses. The success of this venture truly depends on having the support of the community.
Kind regards,
Ross

How much indoor seating space is proposed for the new cafe? Presumably you might have heated outdoor areas too?

 

[edcraw]

Not necessarily, as I’ve worked in—and, of course, dined at—high-end, pretentious establishments, and I’ve never been a fan. My goal is to create a very easy-going place where the simple things are done right. I want a well-balanced menu that offers both affordable, everyday options and slightly fancier choices for those who might crave something special. My aim is to make it a place people feel comfortable visiting most days of the week, rather than just a treat saved for a Friday.

I truly appreciate all the feedback.

Best regards,
Ross

This sounds good - a range of choices.

It was good to have an ice cream counter at the old place and seemed very popular if that's something you'd look at.

Best of luck

 

[jimbarkanoodle]

I reckon applying for a 4am license on a weekend would be good, and put on some club nights. It should include a permit to play amplified music outside, so smokers can still enjoy the music and you could have outdoor raves in the summer. There is a tiny but very vocal group of people nearby that have been calling for something like this to happen in Brockwell Park for some time now

 

[Rushy]

I suppose I could explore a middle ground regarding allowing dogs, as I’m unsure what the council might decide, especially with the art gallery area next door. Perhaps implementing an app for pre-orders or arranging drop-offs outside could be a useful compromise. I have my final meeting and presentation at the town hall today, so I plan to ask these questions at the end of my pitch.
Ultimately, my goal is to work collaboratively with the council and serve the community by meeting as many of their needs and preferences as possible, while ensuring the business remains profitable enough to cover staff wages, rent, and other expenses. The success of this venture truly depends on having the support of the community.
Kind regards,
Ross

How did your presentation go?
Who makes the final decision?

 

[Crispy]

How much indoor seating space is proposed for the new cafe? Presumably you might have heated outdoor areas too?

It's about twice the size of the old one, which took up the four rooms on the right hand side of this floor plan, and much of that was rather useless space. It'll have its own toilets too.