What is it?
Tucked away in the atmospheric Bear Gardens on London’s South Bank, Crosby & Hope is a small, thoughtfully run café that champions simple pleasures done well. This is not a grab-and-go chain spot or a loud brunch destination. Instead, it’s a calm, welcoming space where quality coffee, carefully prepared food, and genuine hospitality take centre stage.
With a focus on seasonal ingredients and an unfussy menu, Crosby & Hope has quietly become a favourite among locals, creatives, and those who appreciate a slower pace — the kind of place where conversation flows easily and time feels less hurried.
Where is it?
You’ll find Crosby & Hope just off the river in Bear Gardens, London SE1, moments from Bankside’s cultural heart. It’s around the corner from Native Bankside, making it an easy stop whether you’re exploring the Tate Modern, walking along the Thames, or staying nearby.
The café’s tucked-away location adds to its charm. Away from the busier main roads, it feels like a hidden pocket of calm — close enough to the action, yet removed enough to properly unwind.
What you’ll find
Inside, expect a relaxed, light-filled space that reflects the café’s understated approach. The menu is intentionally concise, focusing on well-made coffee, comforting dishes, and quality ingredients rather than overcomplication.
Whether you’re stopping in for a morning coffee, a light lunch, or a quiet moment with a book, everything here feels considered. There’s an emphasis on balance — flavours that are familiar yet thoughtful, service that’s friendly without being intrusive, and a setting that encourages you to linger.
Crosby & Hope is as much about atmosphere as it is about food. It’s the kind of café that suits solo visitors, casual meetings, or a peaceful pause between exploring Bankside’s galleries and riverside walks.
One-liner
A calm, characterful café in Bear Gardens — quietly doing the basics beautifully, just moments from Bankside.
Our top tip
If you’re staying nearby at Native Bankside, Crosby & Hope makes an ideal morning or mid-afternoon stop. Arrive slightly off-peak and enjoy the unhurried atmosphere — it’s best appreciated when you can take your time.
Address: Bear Gardens, London SE1
More info: https://www.crosbyandhope.co.uk
