Jacks (cafe)

[PeteRees]

It may be good, but it is hardly ever open!! They don't seem all that committed, which is a shame since they food's quite good.

[KalamityKel]

Jacks?

[PeteRees]

The 'Tea and Coffe House' on the end of Pellatt Road.

[citizenED]

I love Jacks and though it is mildly irritating that it is often closed (last two Saturdays I've trailed down there on my way to the "Strip" only to find it closed due to lack of staff) I actually celebrate the fact that we have a successful cafe that is based on the "idler" business model rather than a more "the Apprentice" one.

[lozzyloz]

Hear hear CitizenED. James is committed and I'd say pretty passionate about what he produces. It's a full on business to run but I respect the fact that he likes to have a bit of a life too. Don't think he's chasing the money and certainly not short of customers.

[KalamityKel]

Lack of staff? does no one work these days?

[PeteRees]

Sorry I would have responded earlier but I couldn't be bothered to open up (the internet) ;-)

[Huggers]

Jacks is brilliant but one of the key players has been poorly for a while, so I suspect this is what they are working around . When it's shut I just patronise some of the culinary surfeit of lordship lane which just makes jacks even more appreciated when it is open again.

[KalamityKel]

What's so special about it? I'm quite curious now...

[PeteRees]

That's very true, which is why I was lamenting their erratic opening times (and I am of course feeling suitably guilty now). The Mag, great pub that it is, is pretty poor for breakfast (I once ordered toast and they looked at me askance when I asked for butter to go with it, and said they didn't have such a thing!).

Maybe I need to venture beyond Pellatt Road!

[PeteRees]

You snuck in ahead of me so my post makes no sense. The food is excellent, as is the coffee.

[OutOfFocus]

There is a sign on the door saying they are shut on Saturdays until Sept. I think they are reliant on casual staff on Sats who are not available during the summer.

[Huggers]

the onion tarts are out of this world with onions caramilised and juicy. Lovely cafe au lait- wonderful juice mixtures (carrot apple and ginger is my fave) and yummy thick soups, sometimes cold pea and mint ones. The food is just jolly nice in an unpretentious environment. There's a little garden at the back.

Another wonderful caff if you can risk the parking (in brixton you risk a ticket even with a valid ticket)is the lounge in railton road opposite the wholefood shop... The paninis are transcendentally delish and it's very reasonable. They do those portugese custard tarts too. Sofas and plenty of airy space. Well worth the trip if you are stocking up on giant bags of luxury organic muesli/porridge across the road in the heroically and legendarily bitterly staffed wholefood shop .

Oh! and me and my lunching chums have started to go to the Frog and Bucket(?)if that's what it's called, the deli on that main drag that takes you from Morrisons to Nunhead. Again, nice soup and paninis, great salads and a bit of shopping while youre there- they do very nice organic suffolk beers at a very reasonable price too, a great accompaniment to this late evening tennis.

[Peckhamgatecrasher]

I think you mean the Frog on the Green on Choumert Road.

[Huggers]

yes frog on the green, but it's not choumert road. - it's east of rye lane- but parallel to it.

[Peckhamgatecrasher]

Quite right - I meant Consort Road.

[davidC]

My only issue with Jacks is...... the grumpy staff! Apart from the owner.

AND

location.... they should relocate so finally lordship lane has a snack bar worth eating in....

[Fuschia]

davidC Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> My only issue with Jacks is...... the grumpy

> staff! Apart from the owner.

>

I always thought most of the staff were pretty friendly, though it is true that recently there have been some who aren't very cheerful.

[djw]

Whenever I have been in there I have always felt the staff can't be bothered. They can't even crack a smile most of the time. Theres nothing particularly special about it, apart from that big old cash register they have. thats quite impressive

[Huggers]

I don't care if staff smile at me or not. I'm in there for grub not therapy. However, I find the staff in Jaks charming.

[OutOfFocus]

I find the staff there friendly, and I am not easily pleased ;-)

[Jah Lush]

davidC Wrote:

> location.... they should relocate so finally

> lordship lane has a snack bar worth eating in....

What's the point of that? It's only 20 yards off of Lordship Lane.

[SteveT]

I have been a couple of times when it was closed, and it rather puts people off from trying if it might be closed. Although business in general is slow, continuity is vital for regular custom.

[knackered cow]

I LOVE JACKS! I always go there or get a take out for lunch when my family are in town. I'm disappointed when it's not open but it doesn't ruin my day! x

[SteveT]

I too think Jacks is worth giving a go before most other cafes in the area.