Arts Kitchen Blackheath

19-21 Lee Rd, Blackheath, London SE3 9RQ, United Kingdom
+44 7858 698849
$$$ Cafe , Coffee shop , Event venue , Family restaurant , Food products supplier , Restaurant , Wine bar
(61 Reviews)
Price Range £1–10

Arts Kitchen Blackheath sits quietly on Lee Road, a welcoming combination of café, family-friendly spot, and casual event venue that feels rooted in the local community. Its atmosphere is notably cozy, especially in the early evenings when soft lighting and the low hum of friendly chatter create a relaxing backdrop. The small space is carefully arranged to feel spacious for families, with indoor table games keeping kids engaged and an outdoor sandpit offering a safe, playful area just off the main seating.

This café thrives as a gathering place for locals who appreciate a laid-back environment away from Blackheath’s busier streets. It suits a variety of visits — from grabbing a quick coffee and pastry before a ballet class or concert nearby, to lingering over a casual lunch or afternoon catch-up with friends and family. The vibe is informal and easy, centered on the experience of spending time with others rather than rushing through.

Foods like flaky croissants, garlic bread, and moist banana bread stand out here, reflecting a focus on familiar comfort snacks with honest quality. Recent menu additions such as empanadas and arepas add a touch of variety alongside thoughtful vegetarian options like crisp veggie paninis with mozzarella. Desserts like chocolate and Guinness cakes, when available, are popular choices for pairing with the coffee. Speaking of coffee, opinions suggest it’s generally good, though not the main draw — the overall warmth of the place and attentive, friendly owners seem to define the experience more than any single cup.

Families appreciate the kid-friendly features, making it easy for parents to relax while children enjoy the play areas and games. It's not just for families, though — solo visitors and groups alike find that Arts Kitchen offers a rare mix of a neighborhood café and informal wine bar where you can feel equally comfortable through different parts of the day. The outdoor space and relaxed pace especially invite visits in milder weather, while the interior’s snug feel suits cooler evenings.

In short, Arts Kitchen Blackheath works well as a casual meeting spot, a base for relaxed family outings, or a comfortable stop-off before local events. It’s the kind of place where familiarity builds over time, supported by simple, enjoyable food and a genuine sense of welcome from the hosts.

Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
What they serve
Alcohol
Coffee
Quick bite
Wine
Best for
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dessert
Seating
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible toilet

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

09:00 AM - 07:00 PM

Tuesday

09:00 AM - 07:00 PM

Wednesday

09:00 AM - 07:00 PM

Thursday

09:00 AM - 07:00 PM

Friday

09:00 AM - 07:00 PM

Saturday

09:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Sunday

09:30 AM - 03:00 PM

61 Reviews
Chashah Nicholas

21 Dec 2025

This is such a cozy and welcoming place to come with kids. We were a group of family and friends with children of various ages, and all had a lovely time. The kids got stuck into the games indoors and the outdoor sandpit was also a hit. Highly recommend as a meeting place before a concert, or if you want a relaxed venue away from the bustle of the main road.

Giulia Agusto (Giulia - A)

28 Nov 2025

Stopped by this lovely café on my way to ballet class and absolutely loved it! The atmosphere is wonderfully cosy in the early evening, and the couple who run the place are genuinely lovely. The food is top-notch — I had a veggie and mozzarella sandwich before class, and it was delicious. I highly recommend visiting if you’re looking for an independent, family-run café with great food and a welcoming atmosphere!

Richard

20 Nov 2025

A welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere, with a range of table games available to keep the youngsters occupied. This was our first visit and we had coffee, pastries and cake - all good. We'll definitely be back and will try some of the enticing dishes on the menu next time. I'm pleased we found the Arts Kitchen - it's a lovely place.

Pierre Mage

11 Nov 2025

Super friendly owners with great coffee and delicious food options. My favourites/recommendations: empanadas, arepas (recently added), cheese toasty, tortilla with garlic bread, Guinness cake (but I haven't seen it for a while), banana bread, chocolate cake.

Krishna Kabir Sabri

27 Oct 2025

March 2025: It has been on my list for a while. The vibe is amazing. Very cozy and friendly for families. There is an area outside for kids to play. We tried the veg panini which was delicious. Crispy bread with balanced veggies. Love it Coffee however was disappointing. Overall, I enjoyed the time spent.

Katie Ruane

07 Oct 2025

I am so so happy that I discovered the Arts Kitchen. It’s family owned, they care about a lot of things that I do like sustainability and they do really great food. I’ve always been made to feel really welcome. So welcome in fact I didn’t hesitate to ask if I could use the cafe for a weekly free newborn support group which they have been so supportive about. And if you have children, there is a large sandpit they can play in so you can actually drink your coffee in peace.

Lisa Luu

25 Sep 2025

One of the very few authentic, high-quality, family-run cafes left in Blackheath. The Arts Cafe is an absolute gem in the area. The tortilla, toasties, pasta, pastries, and coffee are all excellent. We love visiting on a weekly basis. It's very family-friendly, with outdoor/indoor seating, games, books, and sandpits for kids. As well, they have a nice selection of wines and beers for an early aperitivo. Thanks, Fran and Anna, for bringing good food to the area and bringing the community together in your space.

Claudio Noseda

24 Sep 2025

A hidden gem in Blackheath! The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and the food is absolutely fantastic. Their paninis and soups are especially delicious — fresh, flavourful, and perfect for a cosy lunch. The staff is friendly, and it’s the kind of place where you genuinely feel at home. Highly recommended!

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