Four and twenty blackbirds will certainly flock to this quaint little bakery-cum-coffee shop in the heart of SE19 for even the merest chance of being baked in one of their fabulous pies.

The Venue
The Blackbird bakery and coffee shop is a kooky little place on the corner of Westow Street in the heart of Crystal Palace. It's matt-black exterior and curiosity shop frontage gives it a cutesy olde-world appeal tempting the punters in with treats. Inside, the part-bakery/part-coffee shop is quite compact with high bench seating fitted into a small wedge of space. An old wood burner sizzles quietly in the grate and the painted yellow brick walls and large antique-y mirrors give the place a warm friendly glow.

The Atmosphere
The bonus of this little place is that you get to drink good coffee in the warm, comfortable bosom of a real bakery. Business is brisk with folk popping in for an organic loaf or a chocolatey treat with a few loyal locals staying to try its freshly-made coffees and light lunch offerings. Soft, bluesy music drizzles out of the stereo and the staff are quick and friendly.

The Food
The front window and glass chiller is filled with fresh breads, fancy patisserie and tempting homemade quiches. There is a selection of six or seven sliced cakes starting from £1.80 to £2 for a healthy slice. The chocolate fudge cake (£2) is a large, dense wedge of chocolate fudge frosting and soft, dark sponge and is heart-shakingly good. The spiced apple cake 1.80 is full of moist apples and warm cinnamon flavour which just smacks of Grandma's secret recipe.

The lunch board mainly consists of sandwiches including hearty favourites such as gammon ham and mustard on homemade bread and chicken and basil mayonnaise as well as an exotic-sounding babaganoush and salad sandwich for £2.80. A handful of homemade quiches (£1.80) or a slice of frittata for £2, the menu is as compact as the cafe but just as welcoming. Even four-legged friends are catered for with homemade dog biscuits available at a tail-wagging 25p each.

The Drink
The coffees are remarkably good and cheap too! A freshly ground cafe latte will set you back £1.50 where a syrupy espresso is just £1.10. An interesting range of soft drinks are also available including the hangover-busting health drink Purdey's at £1.20, little over what you would spend in a shop. Freshly squeezed juices are given a menu of their own with tempting varieties like orange and pink grapefruit and apple, celery and mint.

The Last Word
This kooky little bakery and coffee shop is wooing the hearts of Crystal Palace with its extravagant cakes and friendly welcoming manner. Every town should have one.

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