10 Turnpin Ln, East Greenwich, London SE10 9JA
Reddoor is not somewhere you go if you want prompt table service, it’s not somewhere you go if you want pretty patterns in your coffee, or even a discernible sense of organisation and yet none of these things are a negative mark against its name as it seems to trade on a tangible ‘vibe’ that would break the charm of its eclectic and jumbled set-up should you tamper with the laid back air of nonchalance.
Down an alley just off Greenwich Market, its unimposing frontage doesn’t present itself as anything other than a standard cafe but wander inside and you realise clutter is king with the mismatched tables and chairs taking up space in the most awkward of manners so you have feel you must contort yourself into a seat. Someone will bring you menus of what, in theory, they offer but often you’ll find many things lacking or only a partial selection available that adds a sense of randomness to each and every visit. I’ve never been and had the same thing twice.
An old vinyl player sits in the corner wheeling through whatever record has taken the fancy of those behind the counter that day and that can range from classic 70s soul, through to Bach and even Gamelan flute music. Monmouth coffee comes out steaming hot with vegan options such as almond or soy milk listed, I notice oat milk on the counter and ask if I can have that instead (it’s not in the menu) and the server seems somewhat surprised that it’s even on the bar at all but is only too happy to provide it when asked for. The same goes for the vegan cakes, this is not my first visit so I know better than to rely on what’s written down and straight up ask what vegan friendly options are available today. Plum cake or banana bread with oat cream, are what I’m told, along with a rambling anecdote about how the vegan cakes consistently sell more than the regular ones. To be honest, I’m slightly surprised to hear about the banana bread still being there since I had it only recently so imagined it would disappear without a trace only to return at a completely arbitrary and unknown date.


So why go there at all? Well, for one thing, Monmouth has always been a favourite of many independent coffee shops in London and rightly so but the cakes and food are always a great compliment to this as long as you don’t get too hung up on wanting a specific thing. The service is something to akin to your mate just deciding to open up a tea room in their garage and the conversation is free flowing and pleasant. It’s the perfect spot for someone in no rush and willing to take their time with the day and observe the world around them. Would I go in if I were on my way to an interview and just wanted a quick caffeine boost? No. Would I take my fastidious mother? Hell no! Would I thoroughly recommend though? Absolutely, 100%.