Which is your favourite place to grab a coffee and hang out in Surrey Quays?

I’ve spent quite a lot of time in the Decathlon cafe and in Starbucks lately, using them as makeshift meeting rooms.

The cafe on the corner of the Decathlon store is pretty spartan, but the food’s okay (typical panini/sandwich fare), there’s a nice view over Canada Water and prices are quite reasonable, despite some (IMHO) very over-the-top protestations from one unhappy customer while I was there. Clearly that cheerful soul hadn’t been to Starbucks lately.

When it comes to a cosy atmosphere, Starbucks does have the edge over Decathlon. There are some comfy chairs if you’re lucky enough to get them and somehow there is a kind of welcoming aura. That said, you do pay a fairly hefty premium for it. But if you’re hanging out there for hours on end as I’ve been, it’s not so bad. I hear Starbucks may be introducing free wifi sometime soon. Now that would really make me happy. Come on Starbucks — you know you want to!

Anyway, back to my question at the start: what’s your favourite cafe in Surrey Quays? Let me know! I’d love to try it out.

photo credit: Salim Virji

Having nothing much in the fridge for lunch seemed an excellent excuse earlier to try a cafe/sandwich shop I’d not yet got round to sampling: Lana at 239 Lower Road.

The decor is fairly standard modern cafe fare: bright and simple, with a few small tables and chairs and stools by the window.

The menu covers sandwiches on pretty much any type of bread you might be hankering for (plain sliced, panini, ciabatta, bagel, crusty roll, baguette, etc.) and there’s a decent selection of fillings.

Lana also serve pasta and rice dishes, including chilli con carne, if I’m not mistaken. A local workman stopped by when I was there and ordered three lots of chilli with rice, so I might try that next time I’m passing.

I plumped for a baguette with chicken and bacon in a mayonnaise sauce and a cup of tea. £3.40 in total and very tasty. The service was very friendly and cheerful and, for me, that makes all the difference.

In summary: decent food, prices and atmosphere, and good service.

If you’re in the Lower Road area at lunchtime, try stopping by Lana.

Have you tried Lana? What did you think? Leave a comment below…

photo credit: soapbeard