If you live in New Cross, you will know Cafe Crema as one of the saving graces of the area; if not, you will probably leave thinking the same thing.

The Venue
Cafe Crema can be found on the busy New Cross Road, in a rundown building that has prompted owners Goldsmiths to state their intent to close the venue due to fire safety precautions. This little cafe is the topic of conversation as its devoted customers are signing a petition to ensure it returns after the refurb. For now, however, they remain open with the pressure of leaving within the next three months hanging over their heads. Cosy and a bit like sitting in someone’s dining room, Cafe Crema is small but all the better for it; perfect for the alternative crowd that study at nearby Goldsmiths.

The vegetarian food is not the only attraction as it shows regular film screenings as well as staging gigs which are incredibly popular and always worth popping along to. If you want some peace and quiet, even better is the small back garden that has a few scattered chairs and tables for a bit of fresh air. They even provide a selection of books to read at your leisure.

The Atmosphere
Though usually full of students at lunchtime, this isn’t a typical student hang-out. Instead, you’ll find customers mulling over a book on their own with a mug of tea, catching up with a friend or conscientious souls staring intently at their laptops. Cafe Crema's atmosphere is chilled out and the personalities of its staff easygoing. With bright red walls and hand drawn no smoking signs scribbled on them, as well as posters and a noticeboard telling you all about up and coming events in New Cross, this cafe is what it is; a local place with local clientele and good food that goes fantastically with a brew.

The Food
Great for vegetarians, vegans and anyone else who likes good food, the menu that is hastily written on the blackboard uses all organic vegetables and tastes as good as it looks. The soup is especially good with perfectly chunky bread and a serving of cheese to add to it and all at only £3.50. A toasted sandwich is deliciously different with cheese, courgette and mushroom filling at only £2.80 (to make it even better ask for the chunky bread that they use with the soup), as well as breakfasts, omelettes, pasties, or the mouthwatering couscous with chickpeas and coriander.

The Drink
Standard cafe drinks come served in various mugs. The range of teas and coffees are very reasonable in price and taste - exactly how you would want to make it yourself.

The Last Word
The only place to get a good cup of tea and a toastie in New Cross, Cafe Crema will be sorely missed when it vacates the property in order to be renovated. Sign that petition on the counter if you want to make sure this home from home comes, well, home once it's finished.

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