A café in Bexley Village has become a cherished spot for locals and visitors alike – aiming to make customers feel at home with their personable customer service.

The family-run Coffee Mill and Kitchen has created a cosy atmosphere where customers are treated not only to delicious food but also to a sense of community and warmth.

Over the years, it has evolved into much more than just a café - it’s a place where regulars gather, families enjoy meals together, and new visitors quickly feel like they belong.

Owner Cem Uyal told the News Shopper: "We’re so lucky to have such a wonderful community of customers.

"It’s more than just a café – it’s a place where people come to feel good, to relax, and to enjoy themselves.

“It’s the food and the customer service that brings people back.

“The ladies in front do a great job with the customers, and it feels like a family here. People feel at home.”

Running a café, especially a family-owned one, is no easy feat, and Coffee Mill and Kitchen is no exception.

When new owners took over in 2020, they couldn’t have foreseen the massive challenges that lay ahead.

The COVID-19 pandemic struck just two weeks after they took charge, and like many businesses across the country, they were forced to temporarily close their doors.

With lockdown restrictions in place, the café pivoted to takeaway and delivery services, utilising delivery platforms to continue serving their loyal customers.

The café became a beacon for people in the local area who were looking for a slice of normality – and a good meal – amidst the uncertainty of the pandemic.

Now, Coffee Mill and Kitchen is thriving once again.

The café’s menu offers a wide range of dishes, catering to different tastes and preferences.

Whether it’s a hearty traditional English breakfast, fluffy American-style pancakes, or Mediterranean-inspired dishes, there’s something for everyone.

According to Cem their signature marinated chicken dish has earned such a reputation that people travel from beyond Bexley, some even from Hackney, just to get a taste.

He explained: “We do a regular breakfast, and our fry-ups are quite popular. We also offer American-style pancakes, waffles, and French toast.

“We like to mix it up with different dishes from Italian and Turkish cuisine.

“One of our most popular dishes is our signature chicken dish. We marinate everything ourselves, and that’s what keeps people coming back."

It’s not just the food that keeps people coming back – it’s the whole experience.

The team at Coffee Mill and Kitchen is small but dedicated.

He explained: "The team is amazing. I have three staff members, and they’ve been with us for a few years now.

“One of the ladies has been with us since we took over, and the relationship with customers is great. I’m really happy with every single one of them."

In an age where cafés and restaurants can sometimes feel impersonal, Coffee Mill and Kitchen where service comes with a genuine smile.

The café prides itself on more than just the food and friendly service – presentation matters here too.

He said: “We always say, you eat with your eyes first.

“So we make sure that every dish looks as good as it tastes. We spend time making sure it’s perfect before it goes out."

Whether it’s a full English breakfast, a stack of pancakes, or a beautifully plated lasagne, every dish is carefully crafted and presented, ensuring customers are just as excited to see their food as they are to eat it.

Plans are in place to expand the menu even further, with new dishes like sea bass set to be introduced in the coming months.

He explained: "We’re always looking to offer something new.

“We’ve had a trial run with the sea bass, and it’s been popular, so we’ll be adding that to the menu soon along with a few other new breakfast options. “ A Google review reads: “Love this little place in Bexley.

“Great food. Great coffee and always warm and welcoming. Wouldn’t go anywhere else in the village.”