Moulin Café

Moulin Café is a French-style bakery and cafe on a corner in Lewisham, close to the Lewisham West tram stop and right by the Greenway. That position makes it a natural stop for cyclists and walkers, and for anyone doing the morning coffee run before work or school drop-off.

The pastry cabinet is the main event. Croissants come up more than anything else, and the pistachio version gets a lot of love. Pastries are baked fresh, and people who come early often catch them just out of the oven. Not everything wins everyone over. One local found the almond croissant too sweet for their taste, and another thought the palmier was not as crisp as hoped, though the galette with its runny yolk went down well. Beyond the cabinet there is sourdough, baguettes and pies, plus Portuguese tarts and crepes, with gluten-free buckwheat crepes for those who need them.

It also works properly as a cafe. Breakfast and brunch are popular, from eggs Benedict on a croissant to a Spanish omelette heavy on chorizo, along with halloumi baguettes for lunch. The coffee has a good name locally, and one regular raves about how well the baristas handle soy milk. Value gets a mention too, with a full cafe breakfast for a few people coming in at a fair total.

The atmosphere suits families and slow mornings. There are comfy sofas inside, outdoor seating, and a small park nearby to keep kids busy while the food comes out. The staff are friendly, with the owner greeting regulars warmly and sometimes offering marshmallows to little ones. Dogs are welcome at the outdoor tables. Accessibility is covered, with a wheelchair-accessible entrance, seating, toilet and car park. You can dine in or take away.

If you're looking for a bakery in Lewisham with real French pastries, good bread and a decent coffee, this is worth a try. Check the hours before heading in, and aim for earlier in the morning if you want the best pick of the croissants.