Apparently, the former MAC Superstore opposite Forest Hill station on the East side (next door to the chip sop, currently empty) is to be turned into a coffee shop, potentially with an upstairs. Work is currently in progress.

I am sure people will have all kinds of ideas about the child changing facilities etc. that they would like the owner to go to the expense of installing and not use. For my part, I hope that he keeps it simple, keeps a close eye on the bottom line and serves nice coffee!

Good luck to them. Yup, keep it simple and do things professionally. Not sure parents can be blamed for other failing cafes though. Being unable to serve coffee during opening hours or food at lunchtime probably has more bearing on the success of a cafe than an underused changing mat.

Regular opening hours during the potentially lean times when a new business opens seems to me to be one of the most important factors in its success. At least, that is what I have seen around Crofton Park/Honor Oak area, as well as in Forest Hill.

I remember when Mr Lawrence wine bar opened 15 years ago or so - business was very slack for a year or so until word got around it was good. I guess they'd predicted that - they seemed to sit it out, always open when you expected them to be. There's been a number of places round here which started up on a kind of 'random hours' basis, so "I think I'll just walk over and have a coffee at X" turns out to be an experience you don't want to repeat when you find them closed.

I am a great fan of The Lemon Grove ( although shame does not open Sundays ). I hope area can support two coffee shops, they are a little way apart.
Good luck to any new business .

If they serve good coffee at the right price,they are in a very good,central position