Café Strange Brew

Friendly and funky Shawlands café with inventive cooking, vegan-friendly brunches, and some of the best coffee south of the river.

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

Since last year’s guide was published, Café Strange Brew has gone up in the world, moving to bigger premises to serve up its much-loved hangover-busting toasts and cakes. House favourites – smashed avo with poached eggs and chilli hollandaise sauce – remain on the menu, and seasonal changes might include a toast topped with comforting roast cauliflower and beetroot hummus, or homemade baked beans. There is also a selection of imaginatively devised baked eggs – such as the Cullen skink-inspired smoked haddock, chives, cream and cheddar. With piles of cakes to choose from and a good range of teas and coffees, lingering in the afternoon is a tempting possibility. Prices are kept on the low side in slightly home-spun surroundings and portions are generous. With its mantra to ‘keep Shawlands strange’ it has earned its place in locals’ hearts.