For a break from the hurly-burly of London life, swan down to Dulwich Park's Pavilion Cafe for a creamy latte and a fat wedge of home-made Victoria sponge; it's as cute as a Cath Kidston cake stand.

The Venue
Dulwich Park is situated in the fancy part of south east London. A place where Dulwich's little darlings ride, skate and skip stopping only to refuel at the ever-popular Pavilion Cafe. This spacious white weather-boarded pavilion is not your bog-standard park caff, there are no polystyrene cups of stewed tea or slices of stale fruitcake here, thank you very much. In winter, its Shaker-style interior becomes a cosy haven serving hot chocolate and home-made soup, in the summer the vast French doors open up to make a cool, airy space. The walls boast local art for sale and there's a smattering of large tables outside overlooking the green.

The Atmosphere
Considering the place is usually overrun with excitable children, the staff are friendly and accepting. In recognition of its mixed clientele, the dining room is split. To the left of the main counter, worn wooden tables offer a quiet(ish) area for those without children, and to the right more of the same but with the helpful addition of a rug-ed play area and a stack of highchairs. If children at feeding time is not your fancy its advisable to avoid 12pm as becomes a mad feeding frenzy of wild toddlers where even the most vigilant could get caught in the eye by a stray baked bean.

The Food
The food here is expertly cooked using locally-sourced and mostly organic produce. The Full English with thick back bacon and crispy rind, fat herby sausages and a couple of jiggly fried eggs is a fine, filling brunch. The daily specials board is good value and offers miniature versions of adult meals for kids. Roast organic chicken and mash, Moroccan spiced lamb pittas and cottage pie are all delicious examples of this ever-changing menu. The glass fronted counter boasts a range of home-made cakes which change daily. The heavenly coffee and walnut cake is by far the most superior cake on offer and worth wrestling an old lady for. There's plenty of organic nibbles available for the children, or you could make their day and get them a bowl of thick cut chips with ketchup.

The Drink
The chalkboard behind the service reads all the usuals, noisy coffees, hot chocolate, fresh juices and herbal teas that will quench any thirst. The Pavilion Cafe is licenced so there's a short wine list and the odd spirit available too. During the winter months mulled wine offers a warm boozy treat on a cold day.

The Last Word
Dulwich Park's Pavilion Cafe is a shining example of how a park cafe should be: a bright, friendly place offering fine, home-made food and more importantly, great cakes!

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