The Bluebird Café

A tiny space brimming with character where friendly staff serve imaginative food that has an authentic flavour of the southern United States.

The 2019/20 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £5.95 (+p&p).

Bluebird Café may be tiny but it punches way above its size. There is a loyal customer base drawn from surrounding offices during the week, while passers-by occupy the 14 seats at weekends. And, remarkably, given its limited space, it is also an occasional venue for live music – country, of course, in keeping with its southern USA theme. Customers can text their orders – a useful tactic at busy times – but with daily changing soups, scones and cakes, all made on the premises, it’s tempting to cast an eye over the options before deciding. Light Tennessee buttermilk pancakes made from a secret recipe are a big hit, while the Bluebird burrito stuffed with scrambled egg, cheese, avocado and bacon hits the right note at any time of day. Good locally ground coffee comes in a mug and ideally accompanies cakes such as bourbon brownie – another delicious nod to the southern states.