Thriving Community Café & Bistro with Alcohol Licence and Expansion Scope
£49,995
£140,250
£20,000
Overview
Leasehold
2012
- Friendly & Professional Team
- Very Loyal Customer Base
- Huge Growth Potential
- Equipment Included
- Strong Supplier Relationships
Occupying a prominent position on Sydenham Road in South London, this popular café and bistro has been a cherished part of the local community since 2012. Over the years, it has become a welcoming, bohemian-style destination, celebrated for its relaxed atmosphere, friendly service, and excellent value for money.
A broad mix of customers, including families, professionals, couples, and retirees, regularly visit, drawn by its warmth and strong community spirit. Dog-friendly and versatile, the venue serves as both a social hub and a convenient spot for business meetings, hosting everything from informal catch-ups to private bookings.
Open daily from 8:00 to 16:30, the café offers freshly prepared breakfasts, brunches, and lunches, with an appealing range of vegetarian and vegan options. A full alcohol licence is in place until 11:00pm, providing an immediate opportunity to extend opening hours and introduce evening dining or events.
Now a beloved fixture within the Sydenham community, this independent café and bistro is often described by regulars as their “safe place.” Offered for sale on a leasehold basis, it presents an exciting opportunity for new owners to build on its strong foundations and explore further growth. The sale relates solely to the Sydenham café and excludes the vendor’s separate coffee stations at nearby railway locations.
This charming café and bistro exudes warmth and character, set within a 4-storey Victorian terrace and occupying the ground floor with a basement for storage, office space, and staff facilities.
The 40-cover café also offers a courtyard for around 15 guests. Its inviting interior features wood panelling, original artwork in partnership with Sydenham Arts, air conditioning, CCTV, and a fire alarm system.
Dog-friendly and popular among locals for meetings and casual gatherings, it holds a full alcohol licence until 11pm.
Managed by 2 full-time and 2 part-time staff under remote ownership, the business offers a strong opportunity for an owner-operator team to take a more hands-on role, increase profitability, and build on its loyal customer base.
All equipment is included, and the landlord is open to lease renewal discussions.
There is substantial potential to increase revenue and profitability through extended trading hours and more active promotion. The café currently operates solely during daytime hours, despite holding a full alcohol licence valid until 11:00pm.
New owners could expand into evening bistro service, host events such as live music or jazz nights (previously successful under former operations), or introduce themed dining to attract evening clientele.
With additional marketing through social media, local advertising, and partnerships with community organisations, the café could significantly increase awareness and customer engagement.
An owner-operated structure would reduce staffing costs and improve profit margins, while small menu enhancements or collaborations with local suppliers could appeal to Sydenham’s growing professional population.
Features
Key Information
- Number of Covers: 40
- Hygiene Rating: 2
Reputation
- Google: 4.3
- TripAdvisor: Average
Online Presence
- Facebook: Yes
- Twitter: Yes
- Instagram: Yes
Location
- High Street Location
- High Footfall
- Nearby Car Parking
- Good Transport Links
- Limited Competition
Property
Floorplans