Cafe 171 - Southwark

Popped into here to work on a business presentation and had forgotten what an amazing calm space this is to work in. The staff are welcoming, courteous and clearly love their jobs. I had the granola and a coffee and when the breakfast came, not only was it beautiful to look at, with freshly made, high quality ingredients but there was enough to feed an army. Absolutely delicious and I certainly won't be eating until dinner. Yum!

The café, situated next to the Jerwood Space, is a popular spot for gatherings and beverages from early in the morning until late afternoon. It features its own project space with small art installations that extend out into the covered area outside. This outdoor space, previously the playground of the school building now occupied by Jerwood, provides a wonderful setting to unwind and socialize.

It’s adequate as a cafe in a arty environment. It’s survival is based on lack of competition nearby.

If you're around Union St and wanting a coffee the Jerwood Space is a nice place to pop into. Decent coffee and a great place for watching the wide variety of people who use the rehearsal space. The conservatory can get a bit noisy when busy but still worth a visit. The guys at The Gentlemen Baristas have just taken over the cafe so I am sure that I will be popping in much more regularly to partake in their delicious coffees.

The Jerwood Space in Hastings is now seen as the lesser sibling of the Jerwood Gallery. While it only hosts occasional exhibitions in a couple of rooms, it does offer meeting and rehearsal spaces. The highlight of this venue is its cafe, which offers a selection of healthy salads and sandwiches for lunch, along with pleasant outdoor seating.