Cafe at No 1

1 Stanstead Rd, London SE23 1HG, United Kingdom
+44 20 8699 2824
$$$ Cafe
(53 Reviews)
Price Range £1–10

If you're on the lookout for a local treasure that perfectly encapsulates the warmth and flavor of café culture, look no further than Cafe at No 1 in Forest Hill, London. Nestled at 1 Stanstead Rd, this charming café is not just a spot for a quick bite, but a bustling hub filled with friendly faces, inviting aromas, and an array of delicious offerings that cater to all tastes.

Cafe at No 1 prides itself on its diverse menu that showcases classic dishes from hearty breakfasts to light lunches. The café is particularly famous for its Full English Breakfast, a satisfying start to any morning, packed with generous portions that promise to fuel your day. Diners rave about the Mixed Grill, a must-try according to regulars, as well as the delectable specials like Kebab Thursday and Fish Friday that keep patrons coming back for more.

As you step inside, you're greeted by a cozy atmosphere, enhanced by the warm and welcoming staff. Reviews from customers, such as James Lewis who calls it “a gem that needs to be supported,” emphasize the café's commitment to providing great value at unbeatable prices. And if you’re looking for a delightful drink, the hot chocolate at just £1.50 is not only affordable but also made with fresh milk - a treat for your taste buds.

The portions served here are nothing short of generous. Ali Yersever highlights the “HUGE” servings you can expect, a sentiment echoed by Aisling Marray, who declares the sauce selection as "unrivalled." It's this attention to quality and quantity that makes Cafe at No 1 a standout in the increasingly gentrified Forest Hill area.

Even if you have a particular craving, this local café offers the flexibility to customize your dish just the way you like it. The friendly vibe ensures that whether you're popping in for a light snack like a sausage roll or a filling tuna panini, you will feel right at home. Regulars like Sean Charles appreciate the café’s dedication to good service and its openness until 5 PM - perfect for any schedule!

Overall, Cafe at No 1 is more than just a café; it's a beloved community spot that serves delicious food at prices that make you smile. So, if you're in the area, make it a point to visit and experience firsthand the joy that comes from supporting local businesses while indulging in homely comfort food.

Service options
Outdoor seating
Takeaway
Dine-in
Highlights
Great coffee
Great tea selection
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Good for working on laptop
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Offerings
Coffee
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dessert
Seating
Table service
Atmosphere
Casual
Crowd
Groups
Tourists
Payments
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

07:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Tuesday

07:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Wednesday

07:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Thursday

07:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Friday

07:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Saturday

07:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Sunday

07:00 AM - 03:00 PM

53 Reviews
James Lewis

17 Sep 2025

A nice local cafe with great prices. A gem that needs to be supported:)

Sean Charles

19 Aug 2025

Good service , great selection of food from breakfast full english to lunch/dinner grilled or fried specials like kabab thursday and fish Friday or just a light sandwich , open to 5 pm . Best prices in town . Customize food how you want it .

Ali Yersever

16 Aug 2025

Really nice, underrated little cafe. The staff are always friendly, the food is excellent, the portions are HUGE, and the prices are very reasonable in this area. I personally recommend mixed grill, but their breakfasts are also delicious.

ash turner

04 Aug 2025

Great value breakfast. I had the medium for £7 which inc toast and a hot drink. The coffee was very good. Breakfast only let down by poor quality sausage and the plate being slightly swamped by the beans. Drain the beans slightly before serving and upgrade the sausage for max stars

K C

31 Jul 2025

I came in here after seeing the size of The Pantry's Hot Chocolate for £2.70. The hot chocolate here is £1.50! And it's in a bigger cup and made with fresh milk and no hot water. I got a sausage roll for £2.40 which was massive, as you can see from the picture. These are the types of businesses we need to support who are still providing value for money in gentrified Forest Hill.

Aisling Marray

19 Jun 2025

Excellent service, generous portions and delicious cheap food! Also please admire this unrivalled sauce selection, I just had a peri-peri bacon baguette and am living the actual dream.

John Whiteoak

15 Jun 2025

Great food, very reasonable prices and friendly people. The breakfast is excellent, the café is the cleanest in the area, don't risk the cheaper ones!

Nabz

29 May 2025

Reasonably priced, food quality was good. Set breakfast large was nice and so was tuna panini. Fresh and good portion size.

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