But a neighbourhood bereft of shopping opportunities was the landscape in 1993. Blue Mountain’s M.D, Mel Nugent was convinced this was the place to hatch his plan. Bringing an outstanding cup of coffee to the residents was just the beginning.

Mel’s experience as Manager of one of the capital’s best delicatessens Partridge’s of Sloane Street had given him the inside track on sourcing and retailing speciality food at it best. In addition to his love of food Mel wanted the opportunity to incorporate his other passions for design, interiors and art together with his appreciation of the classic English tea shop.

The Blue Mountain tea and coffee shop opened in 1993, in a converted two up two down home at the top of North Cross Road in East Dulwich. An instant success, the tea rooms reputation spread quickly, soon becoming famous for it’s cake selections and dramatic interiors. Over the years the café has featured collaborations with local artists, such as Steve Wright who produced the outstanding and much discussed mosaic shop front.

Ten years after opening, the Blue Mountain faced it’s biggest metamorphosis in 2003 when it re-launched after a substantial re-build. Completely opening the building out, shedding it’s humble beginnings as a café shelled within a little terraced home. The Blue Mountain has flowered into a bright and airy contemporary building, that’s retained its character and individuality.

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