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51 Kingston Hill, Kingston upon Thames, KT2 7PS

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Situated on Kingston Hill, opposite Kingston Hospital, Lizzie’s is clearly a popular eatery for staff and visitors alike.

Although out of reach of the town centre, it is handily placed for those returning from Richmond Park through the Kingston Gate. Opening hours are given as 08.00-18.00 daily.

Lizzie’s is independently run, but carries a prominent sign for Illy’s coffee. There is a Facebook page but no website.

Coffee comes in small, medium and large sizes, includes the usual variants and is excellent value. A small black Americano will set you back just £1.60, although the cups are a decent size.

There is a takeaway option but no advertised discount for those bringing their own cups.

Our bill for two coffees and two cakes/pastries was only £5.20, almost unheard of and certainly much cheaper than many local competitors where you might expect to pay twice that sum.

On the other hand, the choice of cake and pastries was extremely limited at the time of our visit. The only cake available was Lemon Drizzle, displayed alongside a few croissants and a handful of Portuguese custard tarts (Pasteis de Nata).

There were two staff, one behind the counter; the other serving. They were friendly without being welcoming, but we were served quickly.

The café is small with perhaps 24 seats. There is no outside seating. The décor is simple, with small square black plastic tables and chairs upholstered in mock newsprint featuring Michael Jackson! Each table boasts a small bunch of flowers.

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There is a television (tuned to a news channel) attached to one wall and a large refrigerated drinks cabinet. Free wifi is advertised.

We detected no real atmosphere or ambience – this is more a place to refuel than to relax in.

The single toilet is at the rear of the premises, at the end of a narrow corridor. It is cramped and was a little grubby. The toilet seat has a fishy theme, but there is a naked bulb and a dodgy bin. Take care when navigating the small step on the way!

We enjoyed our coffees, which were suitably strong and tasty without being outstanding or unusually flavoured.

The portion of lemon drizzle cake was a good size, had a sufficiently lemony flavour but was perhaps a little dry. The Portuguese custard tart was well-cooked and tasty, though small.

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Plus points

Very cheap; pleasant coffee; convenient for Kingston Hospital

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Minus points

Hardly any choice of cake; no real atmosphere.

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Ratings

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Our rating system

1 = Don’t bother

2 = Only if there are no alternatives

3 = Come back again

4 = Come often

5 = Always make a detour

5* = An unmissable experience

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Reviewed:  8 May 2019, 14:00

Reiviewers: TK-S; TD.