The Gaff coffee shop, in the Catford Shopping Centre, will be serving drinks and food until a new operator is found for Catford Mews.

The coffee shop brand, which started as a Deptford Market stall, now has three branches across the borough.

The council has worked with the Catford Regeneration Partnership Limited (CRPL) to open the new coffee shop.

They made this decision after the closure of Catford Mews.

Trevor Burgess local artist (Image: London Borough of Lewisham)

The Gaff coffee shop will serve drinks, food, and exhibit work by Lewisham artists.

They will also offer barista training to Lewisham residents at London Living Wage.

This scheme has been facilitated by the council’s Lewisham Works employment service, with three people already in training.

Sophie Carter, site manager at the new Catford Gaff, said: “We are excited to be working with Lewisham Council to run this affordable temporary community coffee shop.

“We are excited to offer up our walls for Lewisham artists to showcase their work and are open to working with any community groups who would like to meet in the new space.”

Jed Harris, Rebecca Molina – Gaff, Cllr Kim Powell, Trevor Burgess local artist (Image: London Borough of Lewisham)

Councillor Kim Powell, cabinet member for business, jobs, and skills, said: “We are working hard to improve our town centres, high streets, and local business community because we know that when Lewisham businesses thrive, so does our whole borough.

“Gaff’s commitment to offering affordable food and drink options, training the next generation of baristas, and even offering free coffee for NHS staff during the pandemic – highlights just how community-minded their business is.”

The council funded the fit-out of the new space and used local contractors to convert the vacant unit.

The Gaff shop offers coffee for under £3 and dishes like stew and dahl for £4.95.

The new Gaff shop is located at Unit 24, 29 Winslade Way, Catford, SE6 4JU, opposite Yoga House London.

The shop is open from 9am until 4pm from Monday to Saturday.

The CRPL is still reviewing options for a new operator for Catford Mews.