The Victorian Cafe, Wimbledon - a battered old café near the tube station between a jewellers and a locksmiths, giving you the impression that not a lot has changed in the intervening 200 years. And on the subject of lack of the change, the prices don’t seem to have accommodated for inflation since at least the last Labour Government. I paid £3.50 for a toasted ciabatta sandwich of Parma ham, mozzarella, tomato, olive oil, oregano and fresh basil leaves. Unbelievable.
The café was tiny, with just enough room to enter, look up at the chalked-on menu, order from a very kind and solitary lady, and then turn around to look in feigned wonderment at the ceiling as I waited for my sandwich and tea. I said I’d eat it outside - I like the look of the old chair and adjacent table - and the lady soon ushered me outside, presumably as I was occupying the only space where another customer could come in and order.
It wasn’t long until a flat, steaming, and incredibly fragrant ciabatta arrived on a paper plate, (it fit the carelessly good vibe), and with the first bite I savoured the enjoyment of a lifetime of sandwiches. Like every Brit, I consider myself a bit of a connoisseur when it comes to sandwiches, but I’d never seen one actually seasoned - with chunky salt and pepper - and I don’t know if this is common or not but by god did it take the sandwich up a level. The fresh basil, fresh mozzarella and fresh tomato came through in each bite to give it that rounded freshness contrasting with melted cheese, and this was elevated with that extra flavour from the seasoning.
Nothing fancy, but it did everything it needed to, and visibly, because before long the café experienced what by its accounts must’ve been a rush - at least 3 or 4 customers descended on the small café, resulting in queuing out the tiny door and the lady running the show dashing around in a sudden panic. Everyone was keen and everyone was clearly excited at the prospect of spending next to nothing for a very good meal. It’s surprising yet also unsurprising how happy a cheap meal can make people. It was one of those where you come away chipper and upbeat, nodding along with the taste that kept going with every mouthful, and wishing you could replicate it yourself at home.
The lesson I learned? It’s time to season our sandwiches.
Food 8/10
Service 9/10
Vibe 9/10
Overall 8.5/10