A local’s review of Colairo’s Cafe Deli in Crystal Palace, South East London; a secret cafe with floral decor, red velvet doughnuts and a pretty vintage vibe!
If you’ve lived in Crystal Palace or South London for a while, there’s a chance you’ve walked straight past Colairo’s without realizing it’s home to one of the area’s nicest family-run spots for baked goods and coffee.
It looks almost like a typical small deli, or just a cute bakery from the outside.
You know, the kind with neatly arranged pastries in the window and a colorful sign that almost blends in with the sky.
But if you head in or grab one of the little outdoor seats, you’ll see why people keep coming back.
Colairo’s Crystal Palace, London’s Secret Cafe Deli
I remember very well the first time I popped by Colairo’s in Crystal Palace; it wasn’t planned, for one.
I was just a little hungry, since a couple of hours before, I’d tried out The Vaults Collective for the first time too.
Needless to say, both of these secret cafes quietly win you over.
They’re located far from Central London, aren’t they; they’re the kind of quirky cafes that you won’t know about unless you walk around and come across them.
Inside Colairo’s Cafe‑Deli, Crystal Palace
What attracted me to Colairo’s is the cute coffee shop vibe you can spot from the other side of the street.
There’s a vintage bicycle on one side of the door, and you can see lots of fresh doughnuts, pastries, sweet and savory bakes from the window.
Once inside, you’ll see deli shelves lined with olive oils, organic sauces, artisan pasta, and more—perfect for taking a little bit of Colairo’s magic home.
It feels a little like you’re stopping by a friend’s pantry, a spot that’s casual but thoughtfully curated from the outside up to the first floor.
Colairo’s Crystal Palace: Pastries on the Menu
Colairo’s Crystal Palace: Upstairs vs Downstairs Vibes
Upstairs is where peace and quiet live, unless you’re coming at afternoon tea time.
It’s bright, relaxed, and a common workspace for weekday laptop users and readers; if you’re ever after cafes to work in London, that’s a really good one.
The atmosphere invites you to slow down, maybe take a deep breath between sips.
Downstairs, it’s smaller and more bustling; a cozy vibe with tables near the counter, so you can admire the pastries before making that oh‑so‑difficult choice.
What really stands out is how the place manages to stay calm even when it’s busy—the music is low, the lighting warm, and the staff friendly enough to feel genuine.
What I Ordered at Colairo’s Crystal Palace
Since I’d already eaten for two in the other cafe I mentioned earlier, I wasn’t very hungry when I visited Colairo’s, but the doughnuts definitely called my name.
I can’t remember how many times I’ve told you that carrot cake, cheesecake and red velvet cake are my go-to pastries when visiting London cafes.
I honestly couldn’t fathom finding a red velvet doughnut of the kind Colairo’s offers when I passed the threshold.
Best believe that’s the one I immediately ordered, without a second glance at the other pastries on display.
As for the coffee, I am a die-hard fan of colorful lattes; this time, I didn’t feel like getting one, and ended up ordering a classic chai latte.
Since chai latte is one of my favorite drinks, you can imagine how happy I felt when I ordered.
The only downside, I’d say, is the price.
Colairo’s bumps up the pastries about 1 pound if you eat in, which I think is a little expensive; those are prices you’d get in Central London.
Was that red velvet doughnut worth it, though? A hundred times, yes.
Not too sweet aside from the glazing that I partly scraped off, with a wonderful cheesecake type of filling: one of the best cakes I’ve eaten in London ever.
The chai latte was also exquisite; I have to admit I was very full by the end of my little snack moment, but I did finish almost everything.
Afternoon Tea, But Make It Honest
In addition to breakfast/brunch/baked goods, Colairo’s also does a no‑fuss Afternoon Tea, complete with mini brioche buns, freshly baked scones with clotted cream, and a selection of layered cakes.
It’s not a showy display, but it’s charming, comforting, with a vintage cafe vibe and priced right—perfect for a low‑key celebration or a sweet afternoon treat.
And yes, dogs are welcome downstairs (there are few pet cafes in London, but this one’s definitely dog-friendly!), which always makes it feel more like home.
Why You Should Have Colairo’s on Your Bucket List
Colairo’s Crystal Palace is a gem for:
- A light breakfast with great coffee
- A relaxed place to work or unwind
- Treating yourself to a fresh‑made cake
- Enjoying a laid‑back Afternoon Tea (with clotted cream that’s actually good)
It’s a spot that feels friendly and genuine; I didn’t feel pretentiousness, just good food, quiet corners, and thoughtful floral touches.
Where to Go After Visiting Colairo’s Crystal Palace
Address: 1 Westow Street, London SE19 3RY
To Do Nearby:
- Crystal Palace Park (5‑min walk): Dinosaur sculptures, stone sphinxes, and sweeping London views from the terraces—perfect for a post‑cake stroll
- Crystal Palace Subway: A Victorian arched passageway visible from the park which makes for a must-visit ghost station.
- Church Road: Vintage and record shops line this street; a great place to browse or hunt for a treasure after your caffeine fix.
Colairo’s Crystal Palace, London’s Secret Floral Cafe Deli
Colairo’s is the kind of place that stops me in my tracks: every bite tastes fresh, every corner feels warm, and every visit nudges me toward coming back.
Next time you’re nearby, let this be your cozy coffee stop, and why not your Italian grocery shop for the day!
For more secret spots, read my guide to the best hidden gems in London, in East London, West London, South London and North London.
Those of you who would like to discover other secret places I’ve seen while walking around the city might enjoy these reviews as well: