Posh Peckham caff with big ideas
In the wake of the latest Nigella-gate, we’ve established that hipsters like their avo on toast. I am one such chump (without the on-trend attire, that is). Naturally, posh Peckham caff Anderson & Co does a version, complete with a wedge of buttered sourdough and a heap of lovely, charred halloumi. Said accompaniments were great, but I prefer my avocado mashed rather than halved, and pepped up with a shedload of salt, pepper and lemon. (I know... First World Problems 101 etc). My other half tucked into a mammoth sausage roll by way of breakfast. An odd choice perhaps, but the pastry was truly spectacular, while wafts of apricot and fresh sage created a gorgeous aroma. Disappointingly, the meat disintegrated into a rather dry and greying sea of crumbs after heating, but he was willing to blame an over-zealous nuking in the microwave. With loads of quiches and cakes at the counter, the wider daytime menu is full of appealing options such as Cilbir (eggs with labneh and chimichurri) and dinky chorizos as a brunch supplement. The kitchen’s not big on lighter options for lunch or dinner, but you can bet the provenance of the ingredients is wholesome. You can also pick up a fine local loaf from Blackbird and Black Brick bakeries while you’re there. The coffee - courtesy of Square Mile - is ace, or at least my espresso was; my partner enjoyed his latte, but he is a man that finds babyccino to be on the racy side and therefore is an unreliable witness. Our opinion? A favourite with Bellenden Road’s many laptop squatters, Anderson & Co is basically gentrification on a stick. (A poke around its blog uncovers an earnest response to a smartass querying the no-charging policy; a widespread challenge faced by many weenie, well-meaning businesses). Ad hoc evening openings and a booze license expand the repertoire, providing competition for the nearby Italian (Artusi), Indian (Ganapati) and Thai (Begging Bowl) while letting the chef off the reins. The deceptively small space also houses a cute conservatory that must look charming at night, and we're quite keen to give it a go; not least because anywhere with chicken schnitzel AND arancini on the menu is alright by us.