Tim’s Kitchen

I’ve never written a Unilocal review, only because I’ve never been compelled to such an extent to write one.
I’ve been to Tim’s Kitchen twice. The first time I came for lunch and the food (vegetable frittata and chocolate cake) was excellent. I noted the ambience as a potential place to work peacefully. The second time I returned to work and found that Tim’s hits all my working requirements: (1) large tables, (2) free and fast wifi, (3) big windows for natural lighting, (4) outlets, (5) low volume music and minimal chatter, (6) coffee and pastries, and (7) a friendly staff that tolerates my solitary habits.
Part of the appeal is that it’s not crowded to the point of loud, but I couldn’t help but feel that it should be. That said, I don’t think this place is for everyone. A coffee aficionado, should probably go to a coffee specialist. A rushed diner may become impatient with the laid back service. A people watcher should consider a place with more people. A money conscience worker might want a library instead.

Terrible coffee — I ordered a latte and it got some watered down hot drink. The staff were rude — I experienced the same as one of the other customers below, laughed at for ordering a coffee. just plain strange behaviour.
It’s a pity as it’s such a good location to grab a coffee…

Like another reviewer I really wanted to like this place but my experience was far from good. After being greeted, we (two) were seated and given one food menu and one drinks menu. When I turned to the waiter and I asked for another breakfast menu, he laughed at me, took the drinks menu from me and returned with a food menu proclaiming «you already had one» referring to my friend’s menu. How dare I want my own? After waiting 15 min to order, we then waited a further 50 mins for our food. Not one apology. When we began to question the wait, it was only when we did this for a second time did the ‘manager’ finally come over and address the situation. My friends portion of scrambled egg was pathetic and we could see the embarrassed look on the waitresses face when she served it. We questioned another waitress about it a minute later and she promptly apologised and brought some more. A free drink, discounted meal and a request to please return ensued.
So I did…
Same waiter greeted me. He did a double take as he clearly recognised me. Order was taken but yet again, an issue. I was given the wrong order and had to watch my friend finish her meal until mine finally arrived. A weak apology given and not even a free drink offered.
This place smacks of poor management. The guys in charge seem really nice however, they sadly appear to be more concerned with being friends with the (many) staff than their boss (es). On our first visit we were clearly annoyed having to wait so long yet we observed all of the staff talking about us, including management, yet nobody came over to apologise/​explain situation until we initiated it.
Food is ok, not amazing. Scoffers up the road is nicer (portion and presentation) and in fact, cheaper.
Such potential. Get it together, gents!

I really wanted to like this place. But I have to say that it let me down on all accounts (coffee quality — I ordered a flat white and got a latte, food service — took way too long for an omelette & they forgot part of my order) and they weren’t even that busy! It’s a nice place to do some work, but the service needs a heck of a lot of work!

Possibly the best of its type in the area and has more of a chilled vibe than many of the rather overcrowded /​overrated haunts up & down Northcote Road.
A friendly welcome, good coffee, interesting food, inside and outside spaces as well as top cakes all add up to a must-​visit (but don’t go if you’re going to wreck that vibe please :))

Whatever Tim is doing he should keep doing it! His kitchen is cranking out some of the best food in the neighborhood and it needs to be shouted from the rooftops. Rich, authentic Italian country classics, delectable baked goods, and sumptuous treats delivered with such refinement that you forget all about poor Tim and fantasize about some 70 year old Italian grandma slaving away in the back with a rolling pin, some dough, and the accompanying doughy flesh on two boulder sized forearms and bear sized mitts. Yes, it is that good! And seemingly things are made with responsibly sourced ingredients, as far as I could tell.
The cleverly intelligent design and hearty food is only surpassed by the level of competent and amiable staff members. Truly a delightful, relaxing lunch experience not to be missed amongst the hustle and bustle of Clapham Jct. I can hardly wait to indulge on the patio…

Excelent ambience, great service and delicious homemade food. Perfect for brunch and afternoon tea or glass of wine. A must for all looking for alternatives to the breakfast club on a saturday morning — with better food too!