The Coal House Café, London Wildlife Trust — Restaurant in London

Missed five stars - what a pity!!!

It's definitely the best landscape in the area, full of awesome wildlife. Serious competition between the two local Reservoirs, both stunning for different aspects.

The problem is that this one it's apparently served by volunteers. Volunteers should be happy to do what they are doing, if not, volunteers of any sort they should stay home or do something else.

How could they be grumpy working in such a beautiful setting though-no idea.

Most my journey to this gorgeous beauty spot have been awesomely refreshing but - thankfully not too often - today and few more occasions, they have being spoilt partially by people volunteering at the cafe - rough, grumpy and rushed.

Long cue at the cafe today, due to the beautiful sunshine, being queuing since 1:00 at 1:30 the young lady decided to shout at the queue - it was just my turn to be served... :( that they were not longer serving food.

I said quietly and with respect to her that I wanted to speak to the manager.

I went at the back to speak to her and I seemed that the young lady was making fun of me at the front with other member of the queue.

I explained to the lady supervising her that I am a celiac and I can't find easily at all hot gluten free food - they do delicious GF sandwiches, and by 3 pm I had to be in Orpington thereby I had to leave by 2 pm She said that she would take my order, but instead of doing so, she told me to wait somewhere sitting at a table randomly and she would come to take the order eventually. I've waited a while but I did leave eventually.

What a pity considering that I'm a regular, I have made also donation of baskets and other stuff for the centre...and that very lady supervisor was there that day, and she wasn't very nice even that day, though the young man was very grateful and appreciative.

I would suggest, do go to visit the place, is utterly beautiful, but do take your flask of hot tea o bottle of cold drink and pack your lunch before you go, if you go on a sunny day... You may go hungry as me today, if you don't...

Great new cafe in a beautiful spot, previously closed to the public for 180 years, the building itself has a history from the 1800s and now reimagined to form a cafe serving a small menu of quality hot drinks, cakes, soups and all day breakfasts.

Access around the East Reservoir, renamed Woodberry Wetlands, is from two points on the New River, at Newton Close/Bethune Road to the North and Woodberry Grove to the West from there you can walk along the wooden boardwalk through the tall reeds. Another access point to the south of the Cafe on Lordship Road would be a wonderful practical addition to open useful routes and apparently is an aspiration in due course.

The hatch in the ceiling leads to a small roof from where you can sit and look over both East and West Reservoirs, one inhabited with wildfowl and the other alternatively with boats, canoes and open water swimmers. There is seating inside and in front of the cafe itself.

Beware that the entrances to the nature reserve are locked each day so plan...

The Coal House is a real gem in London. It was once a pumping station for the Reservoirs River Company, completed in 1833, and is now a café with a beautiful spot on the lake, home to many birds. Inside, you’ll find a very homely atmosphere; all the staff are truly kind and friendly. You’ll find croissants, cakes, and plenty of delicious sandwiches for all tastes. The coffee and cappuccino are excellent, made with carefully selected blends (I’m Italian and I can recognize good coffee). On warmer days, you’ll find Hackney Ice Creams and great fruit juices waiting for you. As I mentioned, it’s a unique environment London Wildlife Trust Nature where you can take a lovely walk around the lake and enjoy nature. If you love good coffee, relaxation, and nature, this is the perfect combination. Absolutely recommended. P.S. The toilets inside are very clean and also accessible for...