“Everything starts with a good base”, which is why Farine (French for flour) has worked on getting the basics pitch perfect to create the perfect café, with locally sourced ingredients and a welcoming atmosphere, too.
To find out more, we caught up with founder Ana to talk about Farine’s most popular dishes, their locally baked treats, and what makes Wandsworth the ideal setting.
What’s the story behind Farine?
Farine was created from a simple idea: to bring honest, high-quality food and great coffee to the neighbourhood. The name Farine — French for flour — reflects our focus on the fundamentals, because everything starts with a good base. We work with quality ingredients sourced from local farms, serve coffee roasted locally, and aim to create a space where people are welcomed with open hearts the moment they step inside. Our goal was to create a place where you can start your morning with a great croissant and coffee, or stop by during the day for something simple, fresh, and comforting.
Why Wandsworth?
For us, Farine has always been more than just a café — it’s a family project. As parents of two, we wanted a business that allowed us to work close to our children while showing them the value of hard work and dedication. The idea of building something with our own hands, right in our neighbourhood, felt like the perfect way to do that.
Wandsworth naturally became home for Farine. Its strong sense of community and blossoming food scene made it feel like the kind of place where local businesses can truly thrive. Here, people appreciate quality, care about supporting their neighbours, and love discovering small, independent spots. Every day, we see familiar faces walk through our doors, exchanging smiles and stories; that warmth is exactly the environment we dreamed of creating when we opened Farine.
If Farine were a song, what would it be?
Probably something warm and timeless, the kind of song that feels relaxed but uplifting. For me its “I Say A Little Prayer” by Aretha Franklin.
How has Farine merged with the community?
From the beginning, we wanted Farine to feel like a neighbourhood spot rather than just a café. Many of our customers are locals who stop by daily, and we’ve built relationships with people who live and work around the area. It’s become a place where people meet friends, grab breakfast on their way to work, or enjoy a quiet moment with coffee.
What’s the absolute go-to on your menu?
Every breakfast item at Farine is a little different. We didn’t want a typical brunch menu. Instead, we wanted to create dishes that surprise and delight, inspired by our travels and the friends we have around the world. Each plate tells a story, and while it’s hard to pick just one, many of our guests fall in love with the Faraoh Eggs, it’s a perfect introduction to the unique flavours and ideas that make Farine special.
What do your regulars recommend?
Everyone has their favourites at Farine. While our breakfast dishes are always popular, our cakes — lovingly made by a local baker, Jess — are a particular favourite among regulars. People come back for the warmth, the familiar flavours, and the little touches that make each visit feel special.
What does the future of Farine look like?
The focus is to keep improving what we do; maintaining quality, introducing seasonal ideas, and continuing to be a place the neighbourhood enjoys visiting. Growing together with the local community is really the goal.
Croissant or pain-au-chocolat?
My personal favourite is actually our Pecan Plait. It’s buttery, nutty, and slightly indulgent. It’s the perfect treat with a cup of coffee.
What’s your favourite thing about Wandsworth?
The balance of a lively neighbourhood with a real community feel. Wandsworth has great energy, but it still feels local and personal, which is exactly the kind of place where an independent café like Farine belongs.
