Deptford’s Sylva café offering cool respite and seasonal treats for Londoners this summer

Though the searing temperatures of last week have gone down, London is promised a hot summer for 2026 – and Sylva, in Deptford, has us covered. The produce-led neighbourhood favourite has developed a loyal following, combining seasonal cooking with outdoor park-side seating and air-conditioned interiors to bring sweet relief from the heat.

Sylva is the venture of Shuli Wimer, a former chef at the River Café, in partnership with produce supplier Smith & Brock. The establishment operates as both a café and a sit-down restaurant, with the food menu changing regularly based on the time of year and availability from the growers and producers it works with.

A key feature of the summer offering is a rotating homemade ice cream and sorbet menu, all produced in small batches. Three flavours change each week, served alongside a permanent vanilla option. The impressive array of creations has so far included Dulce de Leche, Roasted Almond, Pink Lemonade Sorbet, Cookie Dough, Caramelised Pecan, Pistachio, Dark Chocolate, Cantaloupe Melon Sorbet, Strawberry and Lemon and White Peach Sorbet.

The venue’s layout extends from a cool interior to outdoor seating that adjoins the greenery of Folkestone Gardens, making it accessible to families, dog owners and remote workers, with the surrounding park providing additional space for visitors. The café also serves coffee and baked goods, including buns, for those stopping in after a walk.

Sylva caters to a range of visits, from lunches and afternoon work sessions to brief stops for ice cream or coffee. With central London venues often busier during heatwaves, the Deptford location has positioned itself as a quieter alternative for those willing to travel slightly further out. Its location offers connections to nearby Greenwich and Maze Hill, allowing patrons to combine a meal with exploring other south-east London destinations. 

Food Desk

For further information or to book a table at Sylva, Folkestone Gardens, Trundleys Road, London SE8 5JE, visit the restaurant’s website here.