Crumpet, Clapham

I've never been to a place like Crumpet before - its won a special place in my heart for providing good facilities, great food and nice atmosphere without any fuss or great drama. Its just plain good - and that's a good thing. The first thing you'll notice as you go inside is the array of home made (properly home made too) cakes and biscuits by the till. If you can make it past them without mentally promising that you'll re-start the diet tomorrow then you are a far better being than I. There are two seating areas, and the till/food service area is in between. Toward the front you can sit in the big window - or on the pavement tables in good weather and people watch. Toward the back is the main seating and play area - a little mini house of sorts with lots of toys and cushions etc. You'll also notice toys and books liberally scattered about the cafe too. The menu is simple but great quality - from simple sandwiches t to eggs benedict. As a grown up you'll appreciate the extra touches like onion marmalade with your welsh rarebit, and the huge variety of teas, herbal infusions and coffees. Unlike many places the childrens menu is as substantial as the adult one - with the same great variety of quality food. Its also helpfully broken up so that you can order to suit your childs age group too. They will also provide hot water for bottle warming if you need it. Its a small cafe but there are proper changing facilities. One extra large toilet room - big enough for you, your baby, the buggy and a couple boutiquey bags of shopping as well. Although there is only the one room, iv'e never noticed a queue for its use. The whole place is step free - a ramp takes you up to the back of the building, and theres a skylight in the back so its always nice and light. The staff are always helpful, and the managers/owners are usually about too. Also keep your eyes open for the community board near the entrance as there are frequently ads for local classes and groups (Baby yoga & swimming/play groups/nanny services etc). They also occasionally hold events with professional nannies giving talks & advice on sleeping routines, discipline and diet for your little ones.

When my daughter was little – between 1-2.5 – we both loved this cafe. It is entirely set up for mums and has a delightful play area for children with a lovely (although somewhat worn) set of toys and books. The cafe is so small parents can sit at tables and kids can play and there are no worries about 'escapees'! The food is good but prices are quite high. For instance they offer a children’s portion of fruit for £1.45 which seems reasonable, but when it arrives you see it is just actually half a strawberry, 2 grapes and 2 slices of apple in cute little dishes! Equally, the adult menu is expensive – and the food and presentation doesn't always warrant the price. Also, the cafe is small and when it fills up it is loud and gets very crowded. Best bathroom for baby change in whole of South London!