Dulwich Picture Gallery Cafe

The contemporary extension to the UK’s oldest picture gallery is ageing well & makes the perfect backdrop for this sunny café. Nevertheless, in good weather the plum seats are definitely outside, where patrons can enjoy the sight of a manicured, pebble-edged lawn, mature trees & passing gallery-goers. The café is a daytime-only proposition, & lunch might feature soused mackerel with lemon, dill & a warm potato salad, followed by coq au vin, fish pie or broccoli & Cheddar tart with a comely wobble. Breakfast is also a good call, & afternoon tea comes in at under a tenner for smoked salmon sandwiches, scones, a cake & tea or coffee – but in this relaxed setting, clasping a glass of fizz seems very much the right thing to do.