A modern cafe attached to the Brockwell Lido, the Lido Cafe is as much a stand-alone entity as an appendage: you don't need to swim to dine here.

The Venue
Halfway between Brixton and Dulwich, and hidden away on a sleepy, tree lined street, sits the recently revamped Art Deco, Grade II listed open-air pool and its accompanying refuge, The Lido cafe. Flanked by the calm greenery of Brockwell Park, The Lido Cafe is a casual dining space, with large glass windows and a spacious terrace with chairs and tables overlooking a gigantic swimming pool. Inside the dining area, wooden furniture, house plants, comfy sofas and modern wall hangings ensure there's a fresh and contemporary feel which will have you lingering for hours.

The Atmosphere
The atmosphere at the Lido Cafe is varied to say the least. During the summer months bright young things take a moment from sunbathing around the pool to enjoy BBQ snacks from the cafe's hut, whilst the stroller set sip coffees from the comfort of the terrace. On weekends, even in the dead of winter, diners ranging from trendy, arty types to couples who've just rolled out of bed sip smoothies and read the papers, whilst groups of cyclists grab a quick energy burst before an afternoon of cycling through the park.

The Food
While it's built to accommodate a steady stream of customers, The Lido Cafe brings enough variety to entice you into staying. A good starting point is bread with cold pressed rapeseed oil and dukka (£2), which brings crusty dough alive with the dukka, an Egyptian inspired dish consisting of a mix of herbs and nuts. The starter of potted duck with gooseberry relish and toast (£5.50) is just as good, boasting deep flavour and a little hit of culinary nostalgia. Those looking for something a little more substantial will be delighted by the presence of some very hearty Sunday roasts, especially if they love a scattering of potatoes cooked in olive oil and sat appetisingly next to a burnished bronze and wonderfully juicy roast chicken flavoured with sage and rosemary. The less glamorous entrees of burgers and salads are equally fine but perhaps best of all are the sweet goods, such as the English apple and pear crumble with home made vanilla ice cream (£4.50) - an excellent example of the classic, hot, sweet and incredibly comforting childhood pudding.

The Drink
An apple, banana and blueberry smoothie (£3.30) on the Lido Cafe's terrace is an inviting notion on a balmy afternoon in late spring, as is a warming cup of Clipper Redbush tea during autumn in the cool oasis of the Lido indoors. Come rain or sunshine though, the Lido Cafe plays host to an overwhelming selection of coffees, teas, juices, smoothies and alcoholic choices all flavoured with any of a dozen flavours or infusions. One particular favourite is a glass of Italian Organic Prosecco Veneto, Villa Teresa at a relatively reasonable £4.95 for the glass - a tasty reward for all that swimming. And sunbathing.

The Last Word
With its inspiring culinary offerings and comforting appeal, The Lido Cafe is sure to cause ripples for years to come.

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