After a stroll with the dinosaurs of Crystal Palace Park, visit this authentic French cafe for a cafe creme and the finest pastries this side of the Channel.

The Venue
The Cafe St Germain is one of those Crystal Palace veterans. Situated opposite the park, it not only offers some welcome alfresco dining but over the years it has become a real hub of the community. From the terrace it has a semi-Parisien view of the famous Crystal Palace antenna, winking at you in the morning bloom like the Eiffel Tower's cheeky little brother.

The heated patio has about a dozen or so tables which are generously umbrella’d in the summer months. Inside is a rack of imitation bistro tables, cheap wood-effect walls and tarnished mirrors which gives the place a friendly, but typically French appeal. A glass-fronted cabinet creaks with an ever-diminishing array of freshly baked pastries and delicious French baguettes. The till doubles as a tiny bar with bottles offering the sticky remnants of Pastis and French brandy.

The Atmosphere
With the cheap teak decor and the tatty looking French apparel, you could very well be in the heart of Montmartre, that is until you hear the dulcet tones of a south Londoner ordering a full English and a latte please, love. The easy listening tunes from Magic FM drift over the tables and mix with the steam from a well-used industrial coffee machine. A heated terrace with a dozen or so tables sits out front. The staffing is minimal but friendly and effortlessly efficient.

The Food
From English breakfasts to Croque Monsieurs, Spanish omelettes to stuffed ciabattas, the extensive menu here at Cafe St Germain represents much of Europe. The Baguette Pancetta (£3.95) is merely a glamorous name for a BLT, but with thick slices of griddled back bacon, crunchy iceberg lettuce and fat tomato slices smothered in mayonnaise and served in a crisp warm baguette. It’s delicious enough to forgive its pretension. Alongside the Full English offerings there are continental breakfasts which include a crumbly melt-in-the-mouth croissant and the rich, dark joy of a pain au chocolat (£1.15), all come freshly baked and are tres authentic. Breakfast and lunch aside, there are bistro-style specials every evening at remarkably reasonable prices.

The Drink
A wide selection of good coffees are on offer in addition to juices, soda and the all-essential builders' tea, with babyccino's (50p) and milkshakes to appease the little ones. The cafe au lait (£1.60) is as authentic as you would get even in the heart of Paris. If you need something a little stronger there is a short wine list with the house wine coming in at the bargain price of £10.50 a bottle or £3.25 a glass.

The Last Word
Cafe St Germain is a Crystal Palace gem. Cheap, cheerful, fast and efficient, it's the perfect place for breakfast and is on the doorstep of south London's very own Eiffel Tower.

venue information venue map view london review user reviews (1)