The Story of The Skylark Café: The beginning of Roots & Berries
- Jan 24
- 2 min read
Updated: Jan 26
In April 2014, something special began on Wandsworth Common. As a local family, we saw an opportunity to transform the existing park café into something more—a place where everyone could enjoy good, thoughtfully prepared food and drink with friends and loved ones, making time spent in this beautiful green space even more special.
Taking over the café, we renovated the space, created fresh breakfast and brunch menus, brought in new specialty coffee suppliers, and built a wonderful team. The Skylark Café was born.
A Place Where Memories Are Made
Wandsworth Common has always been woven into everyday local life here. Whether it’s sunny picnics, games of tennis, morning dog walks, or watching children take their first pedal on a bike—it’s a place where memories are made at every age.
The Common changes with the seasons. Spring brings blossom and weekend picnics. Summer means long days outdoors. Autumn and winter bring crisp walks and cosy café visits. Through it all, The Skylark has become a natural meeting point—perfect for refuelling after a walk with friends, weekend brunches, or weekday coffee catch-ups.
Growing With the Community
Over the years, The Skylark has witnessed countless moments of community life. Families pass through after playground time. Walkers finish the Capital Ring. Supporters head to nearby sports matches. During the week, locals catch up over coffee, walk the dog, or play with the kids. At weekends, everyone's out enjoying the Common.
We're proud to support the community that welcomed us. That's why we partner with local organisations close to our hearts—the Friends of Wandsworth Common, SPEAR, Wandsworth Foodbank, Critical NHS, and local sports clubs. These partnerships matter because they help ensure this beautiful green space and the community around it continue to thrive.
From Skylark to Roots & Berries
The Skylark was just the beginning. Since 2014, the family has grown—we’ve welcomed eight other cafés in special green places across London, from Streatham Common to Bishop's Park in Fulham.
To bring them all together, we created Roots & Berries, which is also home to our bakery on West Hill in Wandsworth, where everything is freshly made from scratch by our talented team of bakers.
While each café shares our personal values, every location is shaped by its surroundings, heritage, and community. We consciously avoid a ‘one size fits all’ approach—adapting menus, working with local suppliers, and supporting causes that matter to each community.
Looking Ahead
Back at The Skylark Café, our very first café has become a much-loved neighbourhood spot—known for relaxed all-day weekend brunches, busy weekday coffee catch-ups, and its role as a natural (and very dog-friendly!) meeting point for the community.
Whether it’s families, walkers, cyclists, dog walkers, or anyone seeking a break from the city, the café sits comfortably and naturally at the heart of Wandsworth Common.
We’re immensely grateful to the Friends of Wandsworth Common for the positive difference they've made to this special place over the years.
[Learn more about their work here] or [join them here].
Thank you for being part of The Skylark’s story.
Charlie & Fran
Roots & Berries co-founders
