Abbey Cafe — Restaurant in London

Review of Abbey Cafe: Great Food, But Outdoor Atmosphere Needs Attention

Abbey Cafe offers delicious food and a pleasant dining experience once inside, but the atmosphere outside leaves a lot to be desired. I’ve dined at Abbey Cafe several times, and while I appreciate the quality of the food and the generally cozy interior, the experience as you approach the cafe can be uncomfortable and off-putting.

The cafe’s outdoor area is often occupied by people who unfortunately detract from the inviting nature of the establishment. As you approach, it’s common to be greeted by a group that can be loud, smoking cigarettes, and occasionally even shouting. On one visit, I encountered someone openly smoking what smelled distinctly like cannabis. This behavior disrupts the ambiance and makes for an uneasy experience for anyone wanting to walk into the cafe or even simply pass by on the sidewalk.

I understand that Abbey Cafe may want to offer outdoor seating for all patrons, but the current situation may inadvertently create a perception of neglect in maintaining a welcoming environment. This could discourage potential guests and lead some to walk past without entering. The overall look and behavior of some individuals lingering outside—sometimes appearing disheveled or possibly homeless—are not what one might expect from a cafe aiming to create a comfortable dining experience.

That said, once inside, the atmosphere improves significantly. The staff is attentive, the interior is clean, and the food itself is consistently good. From breakfast dishes to lunch specials, Abbey Cafe’s menu is a reliable choice with fresh ingredients and fair prices. It’s unfortunate that the outside experience can overshadow the genuine quality of food and service found within.

In summary, Abbey Cafe has a lot going for it, but there’s a clear need to address the outdoor environment. Encouraging a quieter, more polished atmosphere outside would align much better with the welcoming, relaxed dining experience that Abbey Cafe offers inside. This would likely help Abbey Cafe attract more guests and maintain a positive reputation in...

Straight to the point place to eat. You go in, sit down, order what you want and it will be brought to you. This Cafe seems to offer 'on the fly' customisations as well - In my case i wanted a quarter pounder but not with that classic 'slice of cheese' or any lettuce, onions or tomato but instead just some grated cheese (like you'd get on a jacket potato) and ketchup. Staff here were more than happy to accomodate. Level of service absolutely wonderful , even took a moment to give the chef my compliments since from the front counter you can see right back into the kitchen (which i must say, absolutely spotless back there from what i could see!). Pricing (which i'd say is more on the premium side) is well worth the quality of food you get in my opinion. My friend ordered a chicken burger as well and it was miles better than what you might get elsewhere. If there was any improvements to suggest? Chips could be a little less on the 'dry' side (So if you do order something with chips? Make sure to get a drink of some sort!) The fact this place is open to customisations of food means you could essentially 'make your own meal' rather than buying food that has bits you might end...

We have to come to Abbey Wood to work and always like to go into the Abbey Cafe. Great value food, home cooked, their chicken curry is genuinely as good as home cooked, nice lasagne, portions are huge, service is quick and friendly. It's full of all kinds of people from workmen to families and old people there to get a decent lunch. Huge menu there is something for everyone although they only do pies for dessert. Bright cheerful friendly atmosphere. And surprisingly to me the coffee is brilliant, as good as you get in Italy. I have not asked if they are Italians who own it but...