Six Brilliant Independent Coffee Spots I Love in Herne Hill & Dulwich
One of the things I love most about Herne Hill and Dulwich is the café culture. Mornings here often start with a walk to grab a coffee, bumping into neighbours, and enjoying a flat white before the day begins.
Unlike many parts of London, this area is packed with independent cafés and small local businesses, each with its own personality. Whether it’s a quick espresso before the train or a slow brunch with friends, here are six of my favourite coffee spots in the neighbourhood.
☕ Perks & White – Herne Hill Station
Right inside Herne Hill railway station, this tiny kiosk has become a bit of a local institution. Run by Perks & White Coffee, it serves fantastic espresso made with beans from local roaster Volcano Coffee Works. Every morning you’ll find commuters, dog walkers and park-goers queuing for their daily flat white. It’s the perfect quick stop before a stroll through nearby Brockwell Park.
🌿 The Glassmaker’s Café – Brockwell Park
If you enjoy your coffee with a view, The Glassmaker’s Café is one of my favourite places. Set beside Brockwell Hall within Brockwell Park, it’s a wonderful spot to sit with a coffee while watching the park come to life. On sunny mornings the terrace fills with families, runners and dog walkers enjoying a break. It’s one of the most relaxing places in the area to start the day.
🇸🇪 Söderberg – East Dulwich
A short walk away, Söderberg East Dulwich brings a little Scandinavian charm to South London. Their coffee is excellent, but the real highlight is the pastries — especially the famous Swedish cinnamon and cardamom buns. It’s the perfect place for a relaxed catch-up with friends over coffee.
🌸 Flos – Herne Hill
One of Herne Hill’s newer gems, Flos has quickly become a favourite. It has a lovely relaxed feel and serves beautifully made coffee alongside seasonal brunch dishes and fresh pastries. It’s the kind of place where locals stop in for a quick coffee and end up staying longer than planned.
✂️ Porters Barbers & Coffee – Dulwich
One of the more unusual coffee spots locally is Porters Barbers, which combines a barbershop with a great coffee bar. Even if you’re not there for a haircut, it’s worth popping in for a takeaway coffee. It’s a great example of the kind of independent businesses that give Dulwich its character.
🍳 Milk – Herne Hill
If you like your coffee alongside a great brunch, Milk is hard to beat. This hugely popular neighbourhood café serves excellent specialty coffee and one of the best brunch menus in South London. On weekends the queue is often out the door — always a good sign.
Coffee, Community & Life in Herne Hill and DulwichThese cafés are about much more than just coffee. They’re where neighbours meet, where weekend walks begin, and where the rhythm of local life unfolds.
Whether it’s grabbing a flat white before the train, enjoying brunch with friends, or sitting in the park with a takeaway coffee, this café culture is part of what makes Herne Hill and Dulwich such special places to live. It’s also exactly the kind of lifestyle that draws many buyers to the area — great coffee, green spaces and independent shops all within walking distance of home.
Warm Regards,
Kate Hill, Director
Our Values ✨
Accountable • Ambitious • Approachable • Authentic
Follow us on instagram..