The Coal House Cafe

When you think nature reserve, you don’t normally think great coffee and food! Nestled just a few blocks away from Manor House station is this very combination.

Woodberry Wetlands in an inner city nature reserve created and managed by London Wildlife Trust and gives access to wildlife and a peaceful haven to locals and London visitors alike. The Coal House café serves well-made Climpson & Sons espresso and filter alongside a range of breakfast, brunches and lunches. The Grade 2 listed building itself was formally in disrepair and was awarded a substantial amount of money to bring it back to life using award winning architects. The stairwell, which reflects the wetland reservoir vegetation, and the furniture, made from recycled wood from the banks of the reservoir, were designed by Design + Weld.

There’s plenty of seating indoors and out, both on the roof terrace and ground floor level and even on the lawn looking over Wetlands and the East Reservoir where you can enjoy your coffee or Birchall tea. Tasty food served from the kitchen is sourced locally with providers including Baldwin (local butcher), Oui Chef (fresh fruit and vegetables delivered daily) and Flour Station providing delicious and enormous pastries. Cakes are made in house.

So, when you are sitting sipping your coffee you can enjoy spotting shelducks or egrets. There’s not many cafes in London this applies to.