Cafe Plum

My first visit I was in the area in need of sustenance, but didn’t really fancy Riverside Studios (opposite).

Mostly happy with the place, I ordered a very boring dish (pasta) but it had been nicely prepared and tasted good.

Second time I actively sought this place out and was very happy with my poached egg brunch; eggs poached to perfection.

Clientele are mostly well-dressed, middle class, local types.

Can get overly busy for lunch.

Definitely recommend this little local gem.

I’ll reserve 4 stars or more for a brunch place which is slightly more spacious and serves better coffee than here.

If you are near, go for brunch.

A good local asset, but with a bit of effort could be excellent. Breakfasts, juices, sandwiches are good for the price. Major issue for me is the inconsistent coffee. In the 18 months we have been coming here I have had some excellent coffees and many below average ones. At Plum (and other cafes) when I have mentioned this the usual retort is that ‘we put 2 shots in the same as before’. Anyone who knows about expresso coffee making knows that many factors effect how a coffee come-out – amount of coffee in the each shot, adjustment of the machine valves, adjustment of the grinder valves, ratio of froth to milk…..Claiming that the coffees they produce are always the same shows a lack of knowledge, or worse, trying to mislead customers. A £2.20 latte costs about 60p to make, so if you enjoy a 75% profit on something it is reasonable for customers to expect it to be good, and consistent. The so called 3rd wave of cafes in London is producing some excellent places (e.g. Kaffeine, Tapped & Packed, St Ali, Flat White….) so stuff the passed as OK a couple of years ago will (I hope) become increasingly less viable. And what an opportunity for a local cafe to excel over its competition if the copied the leaders!

Service at Plum is OK (and can be friendly) mostly, but they do seem to sometimes have a problem if you make any criticism. Getting stroppy with customers who make a reasonable complaint is not acceptable.

In all, good, but could so easily be very good.

Delicious brunches. Service is average, but the food makes up for it.

Great local coffee shop with mediterrean inspired sandwhiches, very good and good value

I come here in the afternoons for a cup of tea and a leaf through the papers, and on Saturdays after early morning rowing. It's a great spot for a friendly break, and in the summer they have a few tables outside. Eggs are especially good, and some decent coffee for West London.

used to be the “odd spot”, the second best greasy spoon (second only to the half moon) but has been “gentrified”. still good an friendly and cosy but just not the same….

edit: the breakfast is very good with fried potatoes etc. but why do they have to hide the breakfast menu behind the till? staff used to be friendlier, too.

edit: menu now in plain view and staff super friendly. four stars awarded.