Redemption Roasters, Dulwich Village
Created with a mission to help offenders reintegrate into society, Redemption Roasters’ roastery is located inside HMP The Mount and the company also pledges to help prisoners find work upon release. It’s the largest employer of its own graduates, and the brand also focuses on supporting local and independent suppliers.
Sure, your daily coffee is socially impactful, it’s also delicious; the El Diablo blend has a sweet, fruity taste, while the Aylesbury has nutty undertones. The brand recently opened its newest store in Dulwich Village, taking its total number of shops to seven, each offering various lunch, brunch and pastry options alongside extensive coffee menus. Abigail Malbon
Address: Redemption Roasters, 29 Dulwich Village, London SE21 7BN
Other locations: Bloomsbury, Broadgate, Covent Garden, Farringdon, Hampstead Heath, Holborn, Islington, King's Cross and Piccadilly
Website: redemptionroasters.com
Blackbird Bakery, Peckham
Some of London’s best sourdough comes from this south-of-the-river chain – with bakeries in Crystal Palace, Balham and East Dulwich, as well as under the arches of Queens Road Peckham station. The counter is packed with tasty cakes and tarts – lime and courgette, or carrot with thick layers of cream-cheese frosting. Everything (even the jam and cereal) is homemade and the croissants are big and full of delicate layers. Most importantly the coffee is locally roasted and always freshly ground. Find freelancers working here all day, and a long but fast-moving queue for coffee, always.
Address: Blackbird Bakery, 134 Queen's Road, Peckham, London SE15 2ND
Other locations: East Dulwich, Crystal Palace, Streatham, Sydenham, Herne Hill, Balham, West Norwood and Beckenham
Website: blackbirdbakerylondon.co.uk