Des Lys

Popped into this hidden gem today, for a coffee and a catch up with a friend. She was craving cake and she said she’d walked this place a few times but hadn’t been before. She had her gorgeous 7 month old daughter with her in a pram and they were so accommodating for her!
The selection of cakes and pastries looked so delicious — everything from tarte tartins to carrot cake. My friend had a hot chocolate and carrot cake, I had an americano with a pain au chocolate. The gentlemen who served was was very nice and brought our order over to us which was very sweet. The place just seemed comfortable and relaxed, no airs or graces, just good cakes and a friendly face.
I’d love to pop back in here!

This is a fabulous little place and getting a lot busier than suggested by previous reviewers. Word has got out that the consistently good service, yummy cakes and great coffee are what this is all about.

This is a very sweet place. Strong strong coffee, homemade cakes. A capuccino and a cupcake came to £2.50, so you could say the prices are very reasonable. I chose this place over Starbucks and I’m pleased I did. The service is brilliant. I must admit it is lacking something that I can’t put my finger on… but its a nice escape from the high street chains.

New and small-​scale coffee house on Bedford Hill which is standing proud opposite the likes of Starbucks. Run by a lovely elderly couple who bake their own pastries and make some delicious coffee, this place is well worth considering amongst the plethora of Balham cafes. Not an awful lot of seating, but then it’s never been that busy!