http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33914 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33914 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33778 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33778 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33214 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33214 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33134 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33134 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31908 Actually, I need no excuse to pop into the Brockwell Park's Lido Cafe, swim or no swim, I'll be there enjoying a cup of coffee or a hot chocolate. The menu is extensive and inspired with smaller portions for kids, and food served throughout the day. When the outdoor pool is open, there's even a little hut where swimmers and 'sunbathers' (ha!) can get snacks.
Special events include live jazz and flamenco evenings and five-course supper parties.
Art Deco fans can also admire the interior, when not gazing at all the beautiful bodies by the pool. Dream on!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31908 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31736 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31736 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31735 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31735 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31734 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31734 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31733 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31733 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31648 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31648 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31647 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31647 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31556 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31556 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31528 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31528 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31501 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31501 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31500 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31500 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31376 Visitors are tempted inside this former electrical and hardware store by the beautiful furnishings, comfortable sofas, giant sanded dresser behind the bar and the collection of paintings by local artists adorning the walls. This cafe and art gallery hosts different exhibitions and private views every month. The cakes are all home-made and the menu includes some mouth-watering items such as smoked haddock, baby spinach and lemon fishcakes. The cafe/gallery opened in November 2010 and French manager Julie plans to incorporate a large deli, with meats, cheeses, home-baked bread and a vast range of tempting treats and there's an arts and crafts fair every Saturday morning on the leafy terrace, over the road from the Common. It's a wonderfully sophisticated, cultured yet friendly place to hang out in south Peckham.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31376 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31372 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31372 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31368 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31368 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31367 This tiny square (well, triangle really) has been renovated recently and there's a little cafe hut in the middle offering all sorts of tasty nibbles, and several other great eateries in the shade of the Shard.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31367 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31328 The aroma from the cheesemonger’s section reminded me of old fashioned speciality shops last smelt in my early childhood. So evocative. I was offered a tasting nugget of Coolea cheese made by a Dutch couple who moved to Cork, Ireland, it is a bit like a hard, tangy Gouda, and very moreish!
Fresh meat is delivered from the Ginger pig farm in North Yorkshire, while bread, pastries and cakes come from the superb Old Post Office organic bakery in Clapham’s Landor Road.
The Waterloo wine merchant provides the bevies, and the Solstice fruit and veg department looks like something out of Harrods food hall, with every aubergine polished to within an inch of its life and every grape gleaming in the sunlight.
The café is located upstairs and outside on the pavement. My friend enjoyed the all-day veggie breakfast and I wolfed down a roast beef and horseradish ciabatta sandwich, refreshed with specialist coffees and other brews from Caffe Antica.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31328