The Waiting Room Coffee Bar — Restaurant in London

So many people have told me that there are some great coffee shops in Deptford. Until today, I would stare at them blankly, smile then nod and change the subject. My opinion of these "friends" had dropped a notch as, as far as I could tell their idea of 'good coffee' was from the local greasy spoon (I am from Melbourne, home of the coffee snob).

This morning I made it my mission to really explore my community and hopefully find these mythical "good coffee shops" in the hope of retaining some friends. Thankfully I was rewarded for my efforts, after strolling for what seemed like 15 minutes (it probably was about 10) I found it... "The Waiting Room Coffee Bar"... Sitting there, unassumingly with a bench and gnome out front. You know it’s gonna be a good coffee shop if it’s got a bench.

So walking in, I was greeted with the pleasant aroma of freshly ground coffee and a little dog looking at me confused like. Around the cosy store is random ornaments, fridge magnets, and various artwork all of a kitchy nature. I was greeted by a rather cool looking guy with tatts (tattooed guys produce good coffee) and ordered myself a latte.

It was delivered in a plane white cup with black lid (default trendy coffee wear), the milk was heated to perfection! It was a dark roast bean with a medium body, perfect for my morning 'pick me up'. I could not fault the coffee, the full cream milk (purchased from Iceland) was adequately unpretentious (I believe all milk should be equal. Organic, soy, skimmed, etc).

They also had a nice selection of cakes on display, and read there is also a vegan menu so that’s gotta be good right?

I extremely pleased to have found The Waiting Room, as I now have friends again. Way to...

Went to this place for the first time yesterday. Politely asked the server why they only had unsweetened soya milk (which tastes like cardboard) and suggested they should use sweetened soya milk instead as it tastes much nicer and a lot closer to "real" milk. She got defensive straight away and really didn't know how to deal with me. A lifelong soya milk drinker, I pointed out to her that all the major coffee chains were using sweetened soya milk, surely they wouldn't be doing that if it tasted better than unsweetened. Again, she really couldn't handle the situation (which wasn't even a situation, it was simply a customer politely asking a question/suggesting an improvement), stroppily insisted that she liked it (good for her!) and turned her back on us. My partner had to ask four times for sugar before she reacted and came back to the till. What an utterly bizarre and unpleasant experience. I have another suggestion: If you don't know how to handle customers, then you shouldn't be in a customer-facing role. Simples! My partner and I left rather puzzled, annoyed and uncomfortable, with a distinct feeling that as soon as we were out the door there'd be bitchy comments coming from her. Definitely won't be going back to that place. P.S. One last suggestion to get huffy about: It's also not a good idea to put Sainsbury's Basics milk cartons in full view of customers when you're charing £2.40 for a coffee. You're...

Update: 23/02/2019

First time that I've been to the new venue today, it's far easier to get a seat and move around now and still has a great selection of lunchtime/brunch food. Had a Mexican hot dog yesterday with guacamole and a slight hint of spice, very tasty! The coffee was fantastic there, had a cappuccino there and my brother had an American I, quality coffee there and generally I am a bit fussy about coffee! Also collected my reward for supporting their Kickstarter which means I can go back and get two more delicious coffees for free.

As for the new space, it's a little bit plainer than the old site, but it is clean and I gather this will be added to in time, great paintings and photos on the wall. Gives the place a different feel for now but the space in how many people can access the food and drink is a lot better and I'd imagine it may go back to lots of random magnets and signs covering the walls again in the near future. I look forward to using the garden in the summer too!

Overall, great and I can't wait to go back. Well recommended.

Was recommended by my parents and have been a few times since. Great selection of hot dogs with great milkshakes and coffee too! Staff very friendly and...