Ole & Steen great addition to Northcote Road Post Reply

[Up Town Girl]

I just wanted to give Ole & Steen a shout out. The coffee is fabulous and the pastries and sandwiches lovely. No relation in any way,  just thought I would share. If you haven't tried it out yet it is well worth a visit.

[dudette]

I went with a group of mates and it was so noisy we ended up going outside. I hope they put something in to dampen the noise a bit (clearly my group of friends would have just added to it!)

[ally30_1998]

We went to try it out but didn’t even get as far as sitting down.  Shame as looks nice.

Probably fine if you are sat by yourself but no good if you want to have a conversation.  

I find this with a lot of places though so I assumed it was just my dislike of constant music in places nowadays and the trend for hard surfaces which makes it all worse.
I wish I could blame it on age but I’ve always found this an issue!  My partner used to love the ‘bustle’ but now he is older and has less acute hearing he just finds it hard work. 

I’m can’t decide if the lack of consideration regarding auditory ambiance is borne of ignorance or a  ploy to turn over seating faster for more customers. (In the same way many bars don’t have much seating as people stood up are less comfortable and therefore will drink more and drink faster).
I probably over analyse it. One person’s too noisy is another person’s great atmosphere. 
 

[agreewithyou]

Agree, haven't been there yet but poor acoustics has really put me off a couple of other restaurants nearby, and a pub, which I would otherwise go.
I like loud music and lively atmosphere its nothing to do with that.

Its something that should have been dealt with by the architect . Maybe say something to the management, its daft since its a new build.

[catboo1]

Yes! I had this exact same issue on Saturday. Arranged to meet a friend there but the noise was so bad we ended up going to Jo & the juice which, despite fairly loud music, was easier to chat as it didn’t have the same level of noise of the huge open space at Ole & Steen, filled up with people

[Neom]

So you think the noise is bad INSIDE the restaurant? Try living right by it where people own the house and the workmen have literally drilled through to the owners lounge!! The Ole & Steen owners are building flats to the side of it so I wouldn’t spend a penny in that business. They have caused havoc and grief and continue to do so at the financial and emotional expense of the residents for OVER a year pneumatic drilling, banging and structural damage. If you would like to make a complaint about the noise perhaps a petition would be an idea to help the organisation become more aware how they are affecting people and not in a positive way.

[catboo1]

Oh my god how absolutely shocking and horrific. I feel so sorry for those next door, didn’t cross my mind. Good reason to keep away then..

[Starr]

Overrated!
Bring back some cool independent cafes with some decent, nutritious food!

[SW11er]

Agree with the OP. Think it’s a great addition. All the cakes, pastries and sandwiches are great.

[ronangel]

I think it might get a lot less busy when this pedestrianisation lark in removed at weekends and roads and parking are for cars, pavements for people as for hundred years!Buses going to and from clapham junction without using the pretty route, for OAPs and those not able to walk longer distances from stops at bollingbrook grove. A free parking for half an hour or one hour for anyone with any of the areas in wandsworth permit displayed will help local shops instead of ASDA and Lidel!

[missraphaella]

A majority of the posters here all complain about how noisy Ole & Steen is & how it's putting them off going there. Just wondering if perhaps you've left feedback with them, or mentioned this to the manager?

So many businesses are struggling right now, and the last thing they need is customers being put off due to a simple feature which could be changed.

As we all know there's been a decimation of many local businesses on Northcote Road over the years; now that we've got new ones, why not help Ole & Steen by letting them know? 

[Starr]

Sorry it was just my opinion on the food there. It just doesn't appeal too me. The cakes and pastries are very OTT, sticky and sugar laden, the sandwiches huge and difficult to eat properly. But this is just a matter of taste.
There was a wonderful independent Danish cafe/ restaurant on Golborne Rd which closed after a short time which I liked a lot. Lovely open sandwiches on rye bread and delicious cakes and pastries which weren't OTT sugary and dense. Just a matter of taste I guess.
It is hard opening a business now which is why the big chains have moved in. I'd rather support independents be it a specialist ora greasy spoon as they are often far better!

[muddyboots]

I would like to add to the moaning ….

Why are they letting people hog all tables working in their laptops !
If you in there in the day it’s full of people sitting with their laptop and empty coffee cups and taking up whole tables.

Not exactly good for business.

Their portions are off for their toasties compared to other Ole & Steen branches. Too small !

To end on a positive note - good coffee and bread!