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View Full Version : The Phoenix Cafe!

editor
08-12-2005, 01:29
As one of my many Brixton projects, I'm going to start building up snapshots of local scenes and businesses just in case (woe betide) they disappear.

First off, here's a couple pics from The Phoenix cafe on Coldharbour Lane here (http://www.urban75.org/brixton/cafes/phoenix.html).

If anyone's got any quotes/anecdotes they'd like to contribute to the feature, slap 'em up here!
ianw
08-12-2005, 02:15
oi, part of my shoulder is clearly visible! i told you - no photos!!!
:mad: ;)

excellent stuff. i love the phoenix. mmm, toast...
Zinedine*
08-12-2005, 04:07
the last photo on that is quality.
Bob
08-12-2005, 08:59
I note that you caught Andrew Sawdon (Lambeth's Executive Member for Community Safety, Regeneration and Transport) having a fry up as well...
gabi
08-12-2005, 10:04
Nice place, but 'tis a little bit pricey compared to the other greasy spoons in brixton (the ones up Acre Lane etc).
editor
08-12-2005, 10:09
Nice place, but 'tis a little bit pricey compared to the other greasy spoons in brixton (the ones up Acre Lane etc).But can they match the quality of the toast?
rennie
08-12-2005, 10:27
I love the phoenix too! :cool:
gabi
08-12-2005, 10:30
But can they match the quality of the toast?

Well, that depends on your taste I guess. I don't like the crusty variety of bread they use, but my wife swears by it.

I go in there mainly for the atmosphere really - top service too.
dogmatique
08-12-2005, 10:54
Want some bubble with that?
sonik
08-12-2005, 11:23
Best cafe in Brixton imo. How they get the toast like that is anyones guess, great eggs, mushroom, tomatos, beans ummmmm and they are always super friendly, used to sneak down there some mornings when i lived in Brixton it was great.
Minnie_the_Minx
08-12-2005, 12:28
Could you tell that girl in the end picture to put her feet down please. :D
Donna Ferentes
08-12-2005, 12:35
The woman in the top picture looks like she's in a Wes Anderson movie.
Mr Retro
08-12-2005, 13:00
There is a brilliant atmosphere in the Phoenix.

Their food is very ordinary though. I've never seen a place thats get so much praise because they have good fucking bread. :D
ianw
08-12-2005, 13:12
it just goes to show how pitiful toast is elsewhere. the phoenix uses decent bread instead of crappy mother's pride or whatever - it doesn't take much, but it's the little touches that count.

great mushrooms as well.
Bob
08-12-2005, 13:14
There is a brilliant atmosphere in the Phoenix.

Their food is very ordinary though. I've never seen a place thats get so much praise because they have good fucking bread. :D

I disagree - the sausages are a bit cheap and the coffee's not great but everything else is fantastic. In fact in ten minutes I'm going to go there and have a fry up to celebrate my day off! :cool: :)
Mr Retro
08-12-2005, 13:17
I disagree - the sausages are a bit cheap and the coffee's not great but everything else is fantastic. In fact in ten minutes I'm going to go there and have a fry up to celebrate my day off! :cool: :)

Lucky bastard! :mad:

Chips are shit too and the roasty spuds are when you go for the dinner option.
rennie
08-12-2005, 13:19
i like their chips.
lang rabbie
08-12-2005, 15:02
The chips of this "local legend" were reviewed as "magnificent" by Classic Cafes (http://www.classiccafes.co.uk/Rest.html)

I had to wipe away a tear when I saw the next but one review...
Terminus Snack Bar [Brixton Tube arcade]RIP 2000
Amazing turquoise and orange 70s style Italian cafe * great selection of Italian cakes. Startling array of tiling in horrific 70s colours. Included here for its secluded quality rather than the period fitings.
Ms T
08-12-2005, 15:05
i like their chips.

So do I. My favourite is bubble, beans and bacon with toast.

I like the coffee, as well, because I'm a lightweight and I like it weak and milky.
editor
08-12-2005, 15:25
I had to wipe away a tear when I saw the next but one review...I remember it well. Is that arcade ever going to come back?
Bob
08-12-2005, 15:54
If you're looking for another nomination then the Gresham Cafe - opposite the barrier block is a fine fry up place - a smaller version of the Phoenix...
Mr Retro
08-12-2005, 16:05
If your looking for a nomination in manchester the caff by the railway station is ace. Full English includes "free" tea and toast and costs £2.80

But you probably aren't, so as you were.
memespring
08-12-2005, 16:11
I remember it well. Is that arcade ever going to come back?

Its supposed to be reopening soon, but it's dragging because of the Tube redevelopment delays. Some of the hording has come down in the last couple of weeks though.

I walked through it the other week, and it was one long undivided arcade. At that point they still didn’t know what was likely to go in there though.
lang rabbie
08-12-2005, 16:53
I walked through it the other week, and it was one long undivided arcade. At that point they still didn’t know what was likely to go in there though.

It had bloody well better be small shops, because that is what they have planning permission for!
memespring
08-12-2005, 16:55
It had bloody well better be small shops, because that is what they have planning permission for!

At a guess it will get divided up when they decide whats going in there. What does the planning permission say exactly? (number/ownership of shops etc). i'll see if I can find out what the plans are.