With the arrival of the ‘Ginger line’ in Crystal Palace has come a refurb of the lofty Victorian station, a new breed of commuter and a branch of Brown & Green to serve them. Tucked into the concourse, and right on the edge of Crystal Palace Park, it’s a grand space brought down to earth with lampshades made from coffee sacks, Formica tables, reclaimed school desks and old Southern Railway signs. You can tuck into brunch favourites such as thick bacon butties on toasted sourdough with rocket and tomato or scrambled eggs and chorizo, or opt for a simple soup.
Children come high up in the priorities with wholesome nursery food and treats such as frothy milk with sprinkles, while the breakfast menu includes both vegetarian and vegan compositions. Tea drinkers will appreciate the range of Jenier loose-leaf teas. A refreshing change from the park’s other, decidedly old-school, café.
Run by twin sisters Laura and Jess Tilli, this is their second foray into station cafés - the first, much smaller Brown & Green is at Gipsy Hill train station (open 6.30am-2pm Mon-Sat).