Bertie and Boo

Bertie & Boo is an independent coffee shop a couple of minutes away from Balham station. When walking past it, I couldn't help but want to check it out. The decor was very different to any I had seen in a coffee shop before, made up of bright colours and patterns as well as an array of furniture which looks as if it was came from a school which gave me something to look at whilst I queued. The shop appears to be aimed at being a child friendly environment. I was interested to see that the owners of the shop are children's entertainers by trade and so after this discovery the shop's vibe began to make sense.

I popped in during the rush hour and the bulk of my fellow customers were commuters. There were not enough spare seats for me to sit down inside as it is quite a small place but there was seating outside in the decked area which was a little cold.

There were a wide selection of delicious looking cakes available and if I fancied it, hot food too which was around the same price as its chain store rivals.

If you fancy somewhere that is a bit different or if you want to enjoy a coffee but have the kids with you, then Bertie and Boo should be checked out.

On the plus side, the quality of comestibles here is very high- superb cakes ( apparently all produced in house, or by "local mothers"- their claim, not mine!) and good , ethically sourced coffee). Definitely pitched at yummy mummies and the middle class bratterati of Balham. I gather B & B also do kiddies parties from a different location.

On the minus side- and I'm being picky- the music indoors is a bit loud, and brought to mind a Frankie & Bennies vibe, presumably having been selected for the younger clientele and/or people who want to live in the 1950s Mid West. The outside seating is great to watch the world go by. Although that world includes artics on their way to the South Circular.

I popped back into Bertie Boo for a little tet-a-tet with my buddies. On a rainy afternoon the place was packed. As the first time I came the cakes on display were so tantalising, and my friends muffin looked so moist. (Somehow that sounds so wrong. Any who!) I had a tasty raspberry smoothie that was ok, along with a slightly disappointing tuna panini. I'm sorry but neither of my choices grabbed me as being anything to rave about or even recommend. Annoyingly, even though I don't drink the stuff, the coffee my friends ordered looked great.

For those that have read my first review, I'm sorry guys but the attractive ladies have left, to be replaced by pretty boys. Although be it that we are in bohemian London, some of you may like that even more.

I am dropping a star due to my lousy panini.

My favourite coffee shop in England, and as a true Costa lover, that is saying something!
Cute & cosy, warm & inviting, if you go there you must try the homemade carrot cake or the blueberry cheese muffin...so scrumptious. Prices fairly match the gorgeous cakes and drinks, this is the perfect Sunday afternoon chill out spot in Balham. I live in Tooting Bec and make the weekly trip for a Sunday coffee, but would travel further to get here if I had to!

It's cute, but not cute enough. There are touches that feel really authentic and homely like the old school desks they use for tables. But then you see the giant red and blue menu posted on the wall in cheesy font and you wonder if you might actually be in a chain diner. The bacon sandwiches are pretty good, but can't touch the ones from Trinity Stores (just around the corner). The cakes are tasty, and rather beautiful to look at, but aren't anything truly special.

On a nice day it's quite nice to sit outside, although you are on a very busy road so don't try to a real conversation sitting there.

Overall, I think it's just a place that tries a bit too hard and hasn't quite made the cut. But given the choice between this independent coffee shop and Starbucks or Costa I'd choose Bertie and Boo every time.

I have been coming to Bertie and Book's for 6 years and I love it. I go to do my French and Spanish homework on the high bench outside. Even in winter it is warm enough to side outside. I live the salted caramel chocolate brownie (heated up in the microwave) and the vanilla chai.
If you don't like children then this is not the place for you. To miss the most of them go later in the afternoon.
My one problem with this place is that they v allow for smoking outside. Considering it is child friendly and the outside space is small it would make sense to stop the smoking altogether.

Bertie and Boo has the potential to be the best coffee shop for miles. Great service, good food, good coffee, cheap prices, and nice surroundings. Unfortunately, as already mentioned, this place is not-so-yummy mummy central. Way too many kids, way too many prams, and way too many self important breeders. And the name is ridiculous.


Stick in a huge f*ck off speed ramp to stop all the prams getting in, put some death row techno on the stereo to scare off all the Coldplay fans, and I'd give this place 5 stars.

This is very local to me so I often find myself popping in for a tea or a coffee on the way to M+S! It's a cute place kitted out in old school desks and clearly aimed at the stay at home mothers group.


I believe all of the food is organic hence the price (its not cheap!) but they do carrot cake to die for so it's worth it!


As mentioned in the other reviews it is often filled with young kids so it's not the kind of place you go to have a quiet moment! Definitely worth a try.

Outstanding local coffee shop in the heart of Balham.


At a pound for a takeaway coffee, it's a crime to go anywhere else for the early morning caffeine hit, and if you're after something more, it's all here.


Beautifully furnished, offering a selection of home-made delicious treats, and even free wifi, this is the ultimate afternoon hangout joint in south london.

One for the yummy mummies and their babies this. Excellent child friendly independent cafe who offer any coofee you like for a pound before 9am midweek. Something for the commuter there, but it is midday when this place comes into its own when its core customer the young parent and their offspring come to this cool cafe.


The decor is designed to entertain the youngest of minds and the menu described to appeal to those under 7s. I mean not in a dirty advertising kind of way but in the waqy you can have your toast as soliders. I mean, come on if you were six and learning to read that is what you want to see on the menu.


Definatly worth dropping in here, but beware babies can be noisy.