Arif's Patisserie

My girlfriend and I recently moved into the locale, and - whilst I have much general fondness for the Walworth Road - Arif's is by far my favourite independent business in the area.

Great selection of Turkish-influenced savoury pastries, including a good veggie selection (in particular a superb aubergine calzone that I'm borderline obsessed by at the moment), and confections traditional and exotic (the Eccles cakes and baklava my picks). Arif's also seem to specialise in occasion cakes, with a fine line in fruit-adorned cream sponges and spectacularly decadent-looking rum baba.

They also have a seated area, and sell hot and cold drinks for people wishing to devour their wares on the premises. The staff are friendly and brimming with infectious enthusiasm for the produce.

In summary - excellent in general, but particularly recommended for Elephant/Walworth residents/office workers/commuters for a speedy, tasty bite on the hoof (flying in the face of the grey chains that sadly dominate this and most other high streets), and for the aforementioned uber-cakes.