Cafe Pera — Restaurant in London

Sadly a disappointing experience having not been here for a few years. I remember a well priced good quality cafe. Nostalgia is a wicked liar!

Popped in for a couple of takeaway baguettes and it was all a bit disorganised. We waited a while before our order was taken of a bacon baguette and a cheese salad baguette. We asked what type of baguette it was and were told it was a French stick type. It wasn’t and was more of a ciabatta type bread and a very small one at that. A dusty one to boot.

The two baguettes and a tea in the smallest cup in the world came to over £17. A tea about the size of my small finger. Hot water must be getting expensive! After a few deep breaths we paid the money given our order was in process. The baguettes were very disappointing for the price, with a a small amount of bacon in one and a single slice of cheese in the other, although the salad quantity was passable.

For the money I’d expect everything to be plentiful and exceptional, but it was a bit of a rip off I’m afraid. Paying £7-8 for a baguette is pretty mad stuff and not something I’ve ever experienced in the area or even in central London. I’ve been too many places in the course of recent history central or in the vicinity. They seemed to be struggling with table service too and people were coming to the counter to order following long waits meaning they overtook us waiting at the counter. Some would say style over substance, but the substance was really lacking. The style didn’t count for much if that was the bargaining token of choice.

Worse still is we were still hungry after the minuscule portions and turns out there was the Twickenham Cafe a few doors down. The food was half the price and double the portion/quality. Needless to say that will be choice in future. I feel pretty disingenuous to direct people elsewhere but in this circumstance I feel it is necessary. Update from the hospital: My wallet is still recovering from open heart surgery but doctors say there is some hope. I’m happy to find a defibrillator in my will if I don’t make it....

Very disappointed with the dishonesty I experienced at Cafe Pera in Strawberry Hill on 29 May 2025. I ordered an Earl Grey tea, which was clearly listed on the menu at £2.90, but I was charged £3.70. When I questioned this, the female staff member claimed that “Earl Grey is a herbal tea” — which is simply false. Earl Grey is a black tea, not a herbal infusion, and it contains caffeine. This is basic knowledge in the food and drink industry.

The staff refused to honour the correct price, and I was forced to pay more than what was advertised. Whether this was due to poor training or a deliberate attempt to overcharge, it is unacceptable. Pricing must be clear and honest, and staff should not mislead customers with incorrect information.

I’m writing this review to warn other customers and to urge the owner to take this issue seriously. In times like these, when every penny matters, overcharging loyal customers — especially by giving them false information — is both unethical and damaging to trust.

I won’t be returning unless this is addressed publicly and...

As soon as we arrived at Cafe Pera we were greeted with a warm and friendly welcome from the staff. We sat outside the front and enjoyed the sunshine but the atmosphere inside was nice with low-level music on in the background. The staff that took our order were very friendly and helpful and advised us on their favourite items on the menu. The food was absolutely delicious with a good portion size. We all ordered something different off the menu and everyone was very happy with what they ate. The coffee was very nice too. The price of everything was very reasonable and much better quality than what you would get at other places nearby. Just as we paid, the owner gave us a slice of lemon drizzle cake to take home as a gesture of goodwill as it was our first time in the cafe. It was the best most moist lemon drizzle I have ever had. I'll definitely be coming back and would highly recommend this to anyone reading the...