Small cafe along Deptford High St offering coffee, cakes (has vegan, wheat-free), in addition to sandwiches and brunch food like falafel, bagels and hot dogs. Previously at 142 Deptford High St. Food is all vegan but reported to serve drinks with dairy. Open Mon-Wed 08:00-15:00, Thu-Fri 08:00-22:00, Sat 09:00-22:00, Sun 10:00-16:00.
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134 Deptford High St, Deptford, South East London, England, SE8 3PQ
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- Outdoor seating
- Accepts credit cards
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Last update on 16 May 2023 by Keeyan
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42 Reviews
First Review by FloGraceB
NatsDge
Points +247
Hidden gem (and fave of mine) in SE London - Edit
I have been a customer for years and I love the place. This cozy spot has a quirky, relaxed vibe that makes it perfect for catching up or unwinding with a coffee. They have a great selection of vegan treats (bagels, burgers, pastries, etc.) - dairy milk is the only non vegan product they offer - and the coffee is excellent. The staff is friendly, and the community atmosphere adds to the charm. Highly recommended for anyone in the area looking for a chill spot with personality!
Read morePros: Coffee!!!, Friendly staff, Delicious vegan junk food at a good price
Guest
starcide
Points +574
Great Food - Edit
(13th jan 2024) We had a SoCal chicken burger, Sith Beef Burger , loaded fries and a corndog. We really enjoyed the food here. Of particular note were the patties to the burgers which I believe they make themselves (or buy in from a bespoke place) and were a fantastic texture, the beef burger was probably one of the best textured vegan burgers I've ever had. The flavors used in the burgers were also particularly great. We wil certainly be back if we are in the area.
Read moreUpdate 27th June 2024 - we went back here and the food was still as good as I remembered. This time I tried the special burger which was a fish patty, pickles, letuce, tartar sauce, curry sauce, crinkly salt and vinegar crisps (yes in the burger!) and it was such an amazingly well balanced combination where everything worked so well.
Updated from previous review on 2024-06-29
Guest
bronczas
Points +473
Favourite spot in SE London - Edit
Great food, great coffee and atmoshpete. Still very reasonably priced for the amount of food you get, especially since Deptford became hipster central in SE London. Apart from regular burger and bagel menu, they do sometimes specials during the weekend. All vegan, apart from dairy in the coffee.
Read morePros: Good food, Reasonably priced, Atmosphere
Guest
Kveganris
Points +34
Loved this spot - Edit
Went for breakfast/brunch and was not disappointed. Had a latte and a pastry, which was divine!!! My partner had a savoury bagel. Both of us left happy and looking forward to returning!
Read morePros: Relaxed atmosphere, Can see in the kitchen, All vegan food
Cons: Small so you may not get a table, No mirror in the bathroom
Guest
KCadventure
Points +1168
Excellent punky diner - Edit
This is one of those places where everything's vegan but you can have dairy milk in the coffee, so happycow lists it as vegetarian but when it comes to the menu - it's all vegan.
Read moreDecent price, very tasty American diner style food. Burgers, loaded fries, etc. I had a chicken burger and chili loaded fries and they were both delicious. I also had the first ever "corn dog" of my life - only heard about these through American TV and never found a vegan one so had to try it. It's good! But it came preslathered in sauces when it should have been bare with sauces for dipping really.
Still, lots of food for £20 and all really tasty, and the place has a kind of punky vibe. I'd definitely go back here.
Guest
KeirOvington
Points +63
Banging breakfast baps - Edit
All vegan punky cafe.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2023-09-23
jcjames
Where in SE London.?
Read moreGuest
xskate-edgex
Points +981
Yummy stuff - Edit
Pleasantly surprised with the quality, taste and standard of this place despite it appearing to be another “fast food” menu. It’s the little details in flavour and ingredients that help set it apart from others. Definite care and attention is a part of the ethos here and the casual atmosphere and friendly staff helped make for an enjoyable experience. Probably one of the better “junk food” places I’ve been to in all my years. Would return if in the neighbourhood.
Read morePros: Interesting take on common themed menu, Care and attention to quality and taste, Laid back friendly atmosphere
Cons: London prices, No table service so listen out for your number
Guest
Keeyan
Points +235
Good snacks and nice atmosphere - Edit
It's a nice place which is almost fully vegan except for the drinks.
Read morePros: Nice atmosphere, Good place to sit down and work, No non-vegan food
Cons: Not fully vegan despite listed as vegan here, Not a lot of options, Great prices for London
Guest
tampopo
Points +533
Loaded with flavour - Edit
Very relaxed, easy place to be with vegan comfort food. I got the loaded fries and they have heaps of stuff on them and delicious.
Read moreGuest
kagcool
Points +182
Expanded menu! - Edit
Tried some of the fries & seitan from the new expanded menu! Took slightly longer than bagels, but still not a massive wait.
Read morePoutine was very good!
Tasty as always, if you’ve not been then defo try!
There’s only one toilet, it’s gender neutral!
I’ve actually been back a lot, always so good!
Updated from previous review on 2022-12-04
Pros: All vegan :), Lots of options
Guest
TBVG2019
Points +655
A New Favourite - Edit
How have we only heard of this place recently when it's clearly a local institution!? The place is listed as vegetarian but all the food is vegan - they just have the option of dairy milk for coffee customers. The food was DELICIOUS too - homemade 'no beef' burger patties, seriously good value breakfast options, two excellent beers on tap, unbelievably tasty brownies, cakes and pastries and POUTINE! Granted, the poutine wasn't quite as good as the poutine that used to be on offer at The Full Nelson down the road ( which has sadly now closed😢) but it was still scrumptious - it maybe just needed some more 'curd-like' cheese rather than blocks of vegan cheddar to really hit the spot. Nevertheless, the all round atmosphere, food and beer offerings and friendly and helpful staff make this a great place to whittle the day away, we loved it - it's also dog friendly, an added bonus. Well worth a trip to Deptford to sample :)
Read moreGuest
CLRtraveller
Points +8994
Popular vegan eatery/coffee shop - Edit
Comfort food, such as burgers, fries, chili cheese fries, poutine, seitan wings, battered cauli “bombs” and onion rings. Diners pick up their food when their number is called. Some sweets available, including a warm brownie. Coffees and cold drinks available. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Read moreEatery can get busy, with longer waits for cooked meals.
Brunch menu until 3 pm, including bagels, sausage rolls and loaded hash-browns. Main menu from 12 noon. Happy Hour Mon-Fri 4-7 pm.
I’ve had the Big Poppa, the chili cheese fries and the breakfast bagel, and they’re all pretty good.
Pros: all vegan
Guest
EllaStreet
Points +356
Breakfast bagels worth going back for - Edit
If I'm ever in the area I have to go back to The Waiting Room! Still haven't made it for dinner but their breakfasts are incredible. I've had the chicken and classic ones, both delicious and always make me think I should order a second! Lovely coffee and great service too.
Read morePros: Lots of vegan options , Cool vibes, Great coffee
HenryBlane
Looks amazing, added this to my list to go try those bagels, thanks for the review!
Read moreGuest
drlj
Points +628
Now even better, serving tacos in evenings! - Edit
We used to go to The Waiting Room when it was just a cafe and loved the coffees and bagels. But now it has an evening taco menu too! We had margaritas, chilli nachos and several tacos, including the special. They were really good! The margaritas were cheap and too delicious - maybe stronger than they seemed! Sit outside in the garden if you can.
Read moreAddendum: we had lunch here again, and I just had to add a note about the great Bloody Mary, great coffee & great subs. Have anything with Deptford Death Sauce - it’s the best.
Updated from previous review on 2021-06-13
Pros: All vegan, Everything is delicious , Lovely chill vibe
Cons: Only open thurs-sat for evening tacos, Cheap margaritas may lead to a hangover
Guest
Vegfix
Points +7190
OK - Edit
Would give 4 stars if The Waiting Room was fully vegan.
Read moreIt was OK. A bit too grubby-chic tbh. I can see other people love it, but sorry to say - I just thought the food was alright. Friends loved the hard rock/heavy metal music. Couldn't quite put my finger on it, but it had a bit of a manic vibe.
Updated from previous review on 2022-07-23
Cons: Uncomfortable seating
princessvegan
They are fully vegan :)
Read moreVegfix
@princessvegan - Good to hear that they are now fully vegan, they used to be a vegetarian cafe with vegan options.
Read moreGuest
princessvegan
Points +72
Favourite place! - Edit
The best atmosphere, vegan pastries, subs, tacos & margaritas! LOVE ❤️
Read morePros: The best atmosphere, The best menu, Honestly, the best margaritas I've ever had
Cons: NO CONS, only love
Guest
KatieCresser
Points +20
My favourite place! - Edit
We love the waiting room. Our dog is so used to going inside whenever we pass that he automatically pulls that way. Cheers guys for the amazing coffee and food over the years.
Read morePros: Coffee is amazing, Food is amazing , They are Dog friendly
Guest
cocoldn
Points +1048
Rad vibe, excellent food, lovely service - Edit
The Waiting Room has been on my radar for years now, I was stoked to finally try it! What struck me the most was the variety of people in there, there seemed to be a lot of regulars that the staff knew well and were having a laugh with. The atmosphere is great, I love how it’s decorated and the choice in music was top notch.
Read moreI had the chicken sub, I really enjoyed it! The bread was gorgeous, the fake chicken is delicious. I tried a bit of a Philly cheesesteak too, which wasn’t as nice, but still good. I also got an oat flat white and a peanut butter brownie to go - the coffee is great there. I’ll be heading back to try the rest of the menu! Really recommend it!
Guest
vegatsu
Points +29
Can’t go wrong with the waiting room - Edit
Always a friendly welcome and great service from the staff. Delicious vegan food and great coffee. The perfect combo!
Read morePros: Fully Vegan menu, Great coffee, Good atmosphere
Guest
Sambexuk
Points +262
Bagel - Edit
Best vegan bagels I’ve had. Great community atmosphere . Great food
Read morePros: Tons of vegan options, Great coffee, Good atmosphere
Guest
TinieTempeh
Points +66
The best in the biz - Edit
You literally can't go wrong with this place - brick lane bagels, amazing hot dogs, trashy sammies - it's all incredible. It's also super fairly priced and the coffee is the best in the area (made with Oatly, of course). I've taken loads of omni pals here who always love it, too. A total winner.
Read morePros: Delish and well priced.
Cons: Difficult to get a seat.
Guest
LukeForest
Points +40
The best in South London - Edit
Can't go to the big city without stopping here.
Read moreLovley people, right next to the station and the food is too good to describe. Never over priced and never a let down.
A must visit in South London.
X🙏
Pros: Choice, Locaion, Cost
Cons: You want to try everything, You want to try everything, You want to try everything
Guest
Daveyoga
Points +26
Nice looking place but deafening noise - Edit
Nice looking place but noise deafening
Read moreGuest
EvitaA.
Points +28
Love this place - Edit
The vegan hot dog was delicious and the coffee was excellent! The staff were really lovely. They now take cards.
Read morePros: Vegan alternative for everything on the menu , Fast service , Great staff
Guest
Clare
Points +2340
Deptford Delicious - Edit
This is definitely my favourite cafe in the world.
Read moreIt's handily located just over the road from Deptford train station and within easy walking from Deptford High Street bus stop and a little further from Deptford Bridge DLR and bus stop.
Originally opened in 2011, it moved to a dew doors down and is refurbed in Nivember 2018. It has an idiosyncratic style, largely influenced by it's strong links with the tattoo parlour a couple of doors down "Kids Love Ink". It's a focal point for artists and musicians as well as those in need of a cup of the best coffee in Deptford on a break from bargain hunting in the market. Service is always friendly and courteous.
They totally get the concept of vegan (many items can be veganised upon request).
Their standard blend coffee is Union Revelation and they are soon to introduce guest coffees and filter coffees.
It gets busy at breakfast and lunch times particularly on Wednesdays and Saturdays (market days).
The loyalty card gives holders every 7th and 14th hot drink free. Get on down there!!!
Pros: Great food to eat in or take away, Relaxed vibe, Vegan options and cakes
Guest
Skyzieboo
Points +3435
So busy n for good reason - Edit
I got a muffin (the last one left) but there were lots of other options too!! So busy it was difficult to even find a seat despite it being pretty big. Not expensive either - yay !
Read moreGuest
LiamScott
Points +26
Classy, quick, affordable, and delicious. - Edit
Came to The Waiting Room on my way out of London and it might just have been the best food I had during my stay.
Read moreGuest
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