London’s Scooter Caffè

After our stroll on the South Bank boardwalk, my friends and I stumbled upon kiosks of books under the Waterloo Bridge. It was the perfect timing with the sudden, but expected, rain that started. I watched the dark cloud above our heads, seeing a faded glimpse of the sun’s rays around it as the cloud slowly glided over the River Thames. 

“It’ll pass in a few minutes,” I noted. My friends and I huddled by the vendors clearing up their stalls and piling them into wooden crates by the river, wondering what the best next move would be. 

Someone suggested we venture to a café, but being on the touristy boardwalk, not much cute or affordable was around. I opened my Google Maps app and searched for coffee shops in the area. After a while, I found Scooter Caffè. We were instantly sold from a picture of a tabby cat.  

The rain cloud was already gone, revealing a twilight sky.

“Oh, that was quick,” a friend said.

I feigned a glare, “That’s what I just said.”

She laughed and we headed to the bus stop. 

Skimming through posters and postcards under the Waterloo Bridge, London. November 5, 2023.

A rain cloud passed over the Thames as we huddled under the Waterloo Bridge on the South Bank boardwalk. November 5, 2023.

Stumbled upon rows of books on South Bank boardwalk.
November 5, 2023.

Scooter Caffè resides on Lower Marsh, a street filled with shops, cafés, and restaurants that were now lit up with warm lights. Twilight had quickly darkened, and despite the late afternoon, night washed over the quiet street. 

A lit, red sign reading, “Bar,” hung over a faded, striped awning. A rusty, vintage scooter and hanging outdoor lamps cluttered the front window. 

Warmth washed over us the moment we stepped into Scooter Caffè. Another brightly lit sign, “Caffè,” was at the centre, casting a green glow over the narrow seating area. 

We grabbed a table near the front of the bar, next to the stairs leading to what I assume was a downstairs seating area. A tuxedo cat was curled between a metal fan and a lamp on top of a cabinet near us. A framed drawing of the Virgin Mary hung on the wood panelled wall above him. He was so serene, I almost thought he was fake. 

Mulled Wine was advertised on a cauldron that rested on the bar. It was the obvious and perfect choice. We nestled in our corner, nursing our warm beverages while enjoying the music. It was an eclectic playlist that transported us to the 70s, occasionally the 60s, and at times the 50s. We’d Shazam each song, and I’d add them to my newly created playlist, “scooter café.” We asked about the playlist, but it didn’t exist. It was just the staff’s excellent taste in music that they’d queue up. The two bartenders slow danced behind the counter, twirling around and laughing. At one point, one cradled the recently materialized-from-his-hidding-spot tabby cat in her arms while swaying to the melody. 

A sleeping tuxedo cat occasionally stirred and repositioned himself, unbothered by the music or the people around him. November 5, 2023.

After his dance session, the tabby walked past us, just out of reach of course, before finding a sleeping spot on the first step of the staircase. The tuxedo cat behind us stretched and repositioned himself on the cabinet, unbothered by the people around him. 

Scooter Caffè was cozy and warm, with a nice eclectic decor that cocooned us in a slightly nostalgic pocket of time. If I had more time in London, it would definitely become my regular place.