Anywhere that offers an antidote to the norm should be applauded, and when it involves carting a train carriage to Deptford, the cheers should be loud.

The Venue
The Deptford Project is certainly something different, offering the good denizens of ‘the new Shoreditch’ somewhere suitably trendy and unique in which to grab a bite to eat. You won’t be able to miss it either. Located next to the station, the decommissioned train carriage sits proudly, waiting to serve once again. This time though, it’s homemade, locally sourced food instead of trips to Harlow, Haverhill and Hockley. You get the impression it’s an upgrade, too. Simple seating with funky slogans snakes along a long central table that leads up to the open kitchen area, whilst outside there’s a nice bit of decking that looks perfect for the summer.

Graffiti emblazons the carriage and gives the Deptford boys something to admire, yet it’s all done tastefully enough, giving the impression it’s not just a place for the yoof to get through their ten packs. With the imminent arrival of a creative market to its rear, the Deptford Project ethos seems to be of a trendy place at which those types can grab some decent food. And it seems spot on.

There’s even an impressive toilet that boasts a bizarre Elvis theme, complete with pictures, fittings, clippings and soundtrack. If you’re really lucky, you might even enjoy the surreal experience of settling down as the King asks, Are You Lonesome Tonight?

The Atmosphere
With Goldsmiths just down the road and an area with a reputation for creativity, the Deptford Project shouldn’t struggle to bring in the crowds. There already seems to be something of a buzz about the place and when you consider the paucity of the rest of Deptford High Street, it’s understandable why. This is somewhere where the arty types can grab coffee or a bite to eat whilst discussing what’s hot and what’s not, and with the arrival of the creative market, the Deptford Project looks set to be a vibrant little venue for a while yet. You can expect to see anyone from students to old rockers and idle passers-by, as anywhere that looks as different as this will arouse curiosity. It’s bound to get a set of locals devoted to its success though, so don’t diss the chap in the tie-dye, he might be there a lot.

The Food
It’s all organic, homemade fare that’s on offer, and you can even sample eggs from the Project’s very own free range chicken. Food isn’t imaginative or experimental but offers a good selection of homely grub that’s going to keep more than most very happy indeed. You can pick yourself up a hearty full English at the weekends, boasting all the usual suspects, as well as all manner of wraps, sandwiches and salads throughout the week. If you’re looking for something a little more substantial, you can tuck into some decent hot meals that are alternated every day, with the curries and the chilli being particularly good.

The Drink
Cafe options are what you can expect, with good quality teas and fruit juices complementing the usual carbonated favourites. One thing it does do very well though is its coffee that, in keeping with the general ethos, is sourced from sustainable farms around the globe. There’s no scrimping on quality.

The Last Word
A great little cafe that offers something different for Deptford, it’s certainly on track to be a popular little addition to the area’s arts scene.

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