Recent social media posts
19/10/2026
THE LAKES CAFE HALLOWEEN TRAIL AWAITS…!
Get ghoulish around South Norwood Lake on Monday 19th October, Thursday 22nd, and Friday 23rd, Monday 26th, Thursday 29th & Friday 30th October, 10am-4pm.
There will be 9 clues hidden around the lake with letters to spell a spooky word.
Then pop into The Lakes Cafe in the Waterside Centre Pavilion Hall to collect a sweet treat!
Suggested donation of £1 to support the fabulous fiendish Friends of South Norwood Lake & Grounds who do such brilliant work to keep our little oasis gorgeous whatever the season.
So jump on a broomstick and see you sooooooon….
Mel
x
The Lakes Cafe
Pavilion Hall, Waterside Centre
25 Avenue Road
SE25 4DX
Open Monday, Thursday & Friday, 10am-4pm
18/10/2026
YES we love Monday mornings with Little Folk Nursery Rhymes at the cafe. Also at the cafe there’s gorgeous gluten free cake,amazing coffee and delicious lunches incl homemade by me cosy and yummy red lentil soup (vegan and gf).
We open Mondays/Thursdays/Fridays 10-4.
Countless gorgeous customers tell me (TRUE THAT!) that my Monday little folk sing-song Mel Whitlock is a very fun way to start the week - so come and join us if you fancy that!
Pre-book Happity | Find & List Baby & Toddler Classes 💋
14/10/2026
Whether you like Swan Lake or to Walk Like An Egyptian, South Norwood Lake & Grounds is gorgeous in the autumn.
Come for a stroll and pop into the Lakes Cafe in the Waterside Centre Pavilion Hall
There’s plenty of space and toys to enjoy all day in the warm, with yummy homemade soup, hot chocolate and slice of cake at the ready.
Hope to see you soon!
With best wishes
Mel
x
Open Monday, Thursday & Friday, 10am-4pm
The Lakes Cafe
Pavilion Hall, Waterside Centre
25 Avenue Road
SE25 4DX
11/10/2026
Cat’s back tomorrow!! Come and see us for a sing song and coffee and cake!!
01/10/2026
HELP KEEP THE FABULOUS SOUTH NORWOOD LAKE & GROUNDS FABULOUS!
Over the past six years the equally fabulous Friends of South Norwood Lake & Grounds have helped transform our rather neglected oasis into an acclaimed and much loved green space.
They will be holding their Annual Celebration (aka AGM) at 12.30pm after the volunteer workday on Sunday 4th October.
The Friends say:
‘We would love as many people as possible to come and celebrate, there'll be refreshments from noon (please bring a cake if you can), meeting in the Glade near the container beside the Bowls Green.
We'll be talking about what's been achieved over the last year as well as plans for next year and the chance to join our committee.
If you want to joints Workday too, come along to the glade from 10am and there will be lots to do.
We are now set up as an official Friends group. If you have not already done so, please 'opt-in' to become a member and receive future email communications. If you'd like to take on a role in the committee, please get in touch.
Visit our website at https://www.friendsofsouthnorwoodlake.org/
21/09/2026
Little Folk Nursery Rhymes with us this morning at 10am! Don’t miss it!
18/09/2026
FLYING COLOURS POTTERY IS BACK!
Baby Footprints on pottery - The Lakes Cafe, South Norwood – The Lakes Cafe, 25 Avenue Rd,, Fri 9 Oct 2026 - We are delighted to be visiting The Lakes Cafe again, offering you the opportunity to print your baby's feet on precious pottery keepsakes - the perfect Christmas gifts! With over 20 year...
13/09/2026
Tomorrow at 10am!
10/09/2026
COME CHECK OUT THE NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK!
A new brood of Egyptian Geese have arrived.
See you soon and best wishes
Mel
x
Open Monday, Thursday & Friday, 10am-4pm
The Lakes Cafe
Pavilion Hall, Waterside Centre
25 Avenue Road
SE25 4DX
06/09/2026
Little Folks Nursery Rhymes is back tomorrow morning at 10!!
I am SO looking forward to this!
❤️little folk is BACK❤️
The new term starts NEXT WEEK and here’s how the weekly timetable looks:
MONDAYS 10am Mel Whitlock
TUESDAYS 10am Millie & Maisie Play Café Clapham
WEDNESDAYS 8:30am Zoom for wherever you are 🌍
WEDNESDAYS 10am & 10:45am (for this class only it’s just little pre-crawlers please) Stuffed Walrus Pub
FRIDAYS 08:45am Zoom for wherever you are 🌍
FRIDAYS 10:30am The Greyhound
You still have time to book (pre-booking discounts available for Superflex 6-blocks and for single classes) Happity | Find & List Baby & Toddler Classes for our joyful nursery rhymes sing-songs especially tailored for babies & toddlers ❤️
I am so passionate about how my sessions gently support all 7 areas of early learning in the EYFS framework, I’ve had fun picking the songs for each of them - learning through fun is so powerful! Just perfect for your curious little learners and a lovely way for mums and dads to connect too.
So,
1. GET BOOKING Happity | Find & List Baby & Toddler Classes 🎫 🎟️🎫🎟️🎫🎟️🎫🎟️
2. HELP ME OUT & TELL ALL YOUR MAMMA GANG!
3. SEE YOU NEXT WEEK LOVELIES ❤️
Fab illustration by the fab Neil Smith 🎨⚡️
03/09/2026
Don’t forget to book your slot for Charlottes next visit to the cafe,next Thursday September 10th.
Flying Colours Pottery pop-up baby footprinting event, offering you the opportunity to print your baby's feet on precious pottery keepsakes!
Baby Footprints on pottery - The Lakes Cafe, South Norwood – The Lakes Cafe, 25 Avenue Rd,, Fri 11 Sep 2026 - We are delighted to be visiting The Lakes Cafe again, offering you the opportunity to print your baby's feet on precious pottery keepsakes. With over 20 years experience, specialising in.....
27/08/2026
Our resident pups here for their weekly coffee and snack
27/08/2026
COME PLAY IN THE PUDDLES AT SOUTH NORWOOD LAKE!
And afterwards get dried off at The Lakes Cafe and enjoy our yummy homemade cakes (all gluten free), delicious food, fresh coffee and wide open space.
All within the oasis that is South Norwood Lake & Grounds.
See you soon and best wishes
Mel
x
Open Monday, Thursday & Friday, 10am-4pm
The Lakes Cafe
Pavilion Hall, Waterside Centre
25 Avenue Road
SE25 4DX
Address
25 Avenue Road
London
SE25 4DX
If you're travelling to Avenue Road in London, you can reach the place through various modes of transportation.
For those looking to take public transport, you can take a bus or train that connects to Avenue Road. You can check the local transport website for routes that pass by this street.
Alternatively, if you're driving, head towards Avenue Road and watch out for any road signs that may direct you to parking areas nearby. Some options may include metered street parking or pay-and-display car parks in the vicinity.
Once you've parked your vehicle, continue walking until you reach your destination on Avenue Road. Just look out for a cozy coffee shop along the way!
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What people say
The Lakes Cafe, located on Avenue Road in London, is a coffee shop that offers so much more than just great coffee and delicious cakes. The owner, Mel, has created a warm and welcoming atmosphere that makes everyone feel at home. As a mother herself, Mel understands the struggle of finding a place to relax with friends while also keeping an eye on your children. That's why The Lakes Cafe has ample space for prams and even a play area for kids.
But it's not just the family-friendly environment that sets The Lakes Cafe apart. Mel is also passionate about providing gluten-free options that don't sacrifice taste. Her baking business, Owl Kitchen, ensures that those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance can still enjoy delicious treats without breaking the bank.
Located on the edge of South Norwood Lakes, The Lakes Cafe offers a little oasis away from the hustle and bustle of city life. And with weekly events and a friendly staff, it's no wonder why this coffee shop has become a favorite among locals and visitors alike. So next time you're in London, be sure to stop by The Lakes Cafe for some coffee, cake, and relaxation.
