On the Hoof Bistro

Full of charm, On the Hoof is a great little café/​bistro that’s opened up on Sydenham Road, run by the same people who manage the On the Hoof kiosks at Forest Hill and Sydenham stations. As you’d expect, they’ve got drinks covered, including Monmouth coffee and a wide range of teas. Also though, the food options look varied and inventive, whatever time of day you’re here. Book ahead if you want to come here on a live music evening.
The On the Hoof bistro was previously an opticians and the new owners have decided to use that as inspiration for styling the place, putting together a wall of photographs of locals, some of whom are posing with optical equipment. This project, developed with Forest Hill art café Montage, is a nice touch. In another nod to the former owners, you receive your bill in a plastic glasses case. Otherwise, the interior is shabby chic done well, including regulation mismatched furniture, bucket lampshades and random mirrors. It was also feeling appropriately festive for this time of year.