Opus

If I lived any closer to Opus, I think they might have to reserve a seat for me every day at lunchtime. Nowhere else in/around Brixton can you get sandwiches such as these: freshly baked soft bread enrobing a range of fillings that are perfectly matched, all grilled to perfection. They make their own bread and I have to say, they do a damn fine job of it. This is not your typical British sarnie bar: these are the same folks who run Michelin-quality Upstairs and the on-site weekend organic veg market, so they know food. Some might complain that it's a menu of set sandwiches rather than choose-your-own deli counter style service, but to me this is fine. Why not leave it to the experts, who have developed and honed their menu to perfection? There's plenty of choice for everyone.

The owners' continental roots shine through: Opus is one of the few places in London (if not the UK) that you can get a proper Spanish chocolate - the hot chocolate drink usually served with churros, stirring away in its special serving machine. While there aren't any churros to go with your chocolate or coffee, there are some great cakes and biscuits.

My only complaint is that their stools are a bit uncomfortable, making it more of an eat & run environment than one where you want to linger... which is probably done on purpose, as it gets really busy at weekends.

It's never busy in the morning before 10, the service is super fast and their teas are wonderfully strong.

I love the decor, its all very retro with giant space age lights and old shop signs hanging from the walls.

The cakes look great but I've yet to indulge.

They've usually got all the papers in if you eat in. x