The Village Deli - Lewisham

This restaurant is decent with a pleasant decor. The staff were efficient but lacking in friendliness. The coffee was excellent, but the serving size for an Americano was quite small.

Tripadvisor generally rates this chain so I went here for a coffee and pastry between meetings recently. I ordered double espresso but was served a single. It had long been consumed by the time the pastry was served. I wondered if there was a problem because the background music was so loud I could hardly think, let alone communicate verbally. I did not linger but had to wait for 7 minutes and 32 seconds to pay the bill. No idea why, as I stood at the pay point and was ignored while staff prattled happily among themselves. By this time I was in a hurry so I grabbed my bill and change and shoved it in my pocket while I dashed for a train. On checking later I found I had been billed for the double espresso (and I drink it often enough to know he difference between a double and a single). Then I found a 12.5% surcharge had been added for service that had not been offered in my view. To add insult my change was 50p short as well. I have no idea why my order and change were incorrect. One error is just that; two begins to look like a system. Were they unofficial surcharges added on to the official one? If that happens to just 1 in 10 customers it adds up to a tidy sum over the day. I guess I will ever know but I am voting with my feet and will not return.

This little deli right by Blackheath station is a hidden gem. Full of homemade pastries, pies, salads, olives, cakes and sandwiches. Excellent quality, best I've eaten in a long time, and they're open till late. They never rush you, and the service is efficient and homely. You can sit outside too. If it's not on the board, ask for it and they will make it for you if they can. Great prices, especially considering it's right in the heart of Blackheath village. Nice and peaceful atmosphere, great for when you're waiting for a train or just got off one and want a coffee, or maybe even your dinner! Well worth a visit.

Waited too long then the food was undercooked and then we were overcharged. Would not recommend really unpleasant experience

Feels like a local deli in Italy as soon as you walk in! Very unpretentious but tidy cute cafe and deli with italian goods store attached. Great coffee and Italian tidbits I find myself in here a lot grabbing pastas, cheese other delicious things without even intending to go in! Authentically Italian staff too :