For almost all my near 50 years living in Loughborough Junction, we had to survive without coffee shops. You could have takeaway coffee if you used Johnnies, Sem Cafe or Joel’s Barney Cafe but they were mostly for all day eating. Johnnies & Sem still survive but Barney’s has long gone.

However in 2013, Blue Turtle cafe arrived at 210 Coldharbour Lane, Google AI calls it a quirky, well-loved independent, photo by Kake, Sept 2017. It is now home to Visualise it First, Art cafe and events and studio space.

Four Boroughs opened their second cafe in Coldharbour Works, corner of Coldharbour Lane and Shakespeare Road in February 2021. Photo by John, January 2026.

Next to arrive in 2023 is The Travel Caffe at 228 Coldharbour Lane, next to the Loughborough Road railway bridge, previous home to Fikal Fabrics and Superdry Cleaners. Photo taken from their instagram page.

In April, 2024, saw the arrival of Viv’s Coffee at 198 Coldharbour Lane. My regular coffee visit with great coffee and great people. Photo, unknown.

Also in 2024, Frsssh juice bar opened up also serving coffee and cake in the corner of 184 Coldharbour Lane, next to Pomfret Road. Photo by John.

Two new arrivals in 2026.

Firstly in one of the new units on Hinton Road opposite the Green Man, Stoop Coffee, opened in January2026. Serving coffee and sandwichs. they are part of the Arcade Coffee group which has other shops in Herne Hill Station and Brockley Station. Photo by John.

And currently under fitting out is LJ Grind at 204 Coldharbour Lane taking on a space which has long been empty. Photo by John.

You can also grab a coffee at Perks and White on the platform at Loughborough Junction Station, it’s not always open. They also have outlets at Herne Hill Station both in the Station and on the platform and in Tulse Hill. Photo by John, apologies for the closed photo.

Two other places to mention are the brand new Carnegie Cafe and Community Lounge in the Carnegie Library on Herne Hill Road and The Platform Cafe on Loughborough Road, a community kitchen and event space. Part of the Loughborough Junction Action Group. Lovely vegetarian food and I am a regular visitor.

Finally to mention Old Spike Roastery in LJ Works, on Loughborough Road, a social enterprise, they roast coffee here to supply their seven cafes across London.

Also NISA have a coffee machine in their store for those that want.

I forgot to include Bad Brew Inc at 86 Coldharbour Lane. Photo from their instagram.

And last but by no means least, The Ruskin Park Cafe which opened in 2012, which is located between the children’s paddling pool and the play area at the Northway Road entrance to the park.. It’s mostly opened through the warmer months and during the winter at weekends. Photo from the Friends of Ruskin Park website.