Parlez, a popular independent cafe opposite Brockley station, has announced it will close its doors after nine years, citing soaring costs that have made the business unsustainable. The owners said the decision was driven by the financial reality that 'the numbers no longer add up,' despite the cafe's strong community support.
A Decade of Community and Coffee
Parlez opened on Coulgate Street in Brockley in 2017 with a simple idea: good food, good music, and the pleasure of proper conversation. Over the years, the cafe became a local institution, hosting first dates, coffee mornings with newborns, PhDs written one oat latte at a time, birthdays, family lunches, and quiet afternoons.
The owners reflected on the cafe's journey, noting how Coulgate Street became pedestrianised and filled with tables, music, families, and life. They expressed hope that they are leaving the street 'a little more colourful, connected and vibrant' than they found it, adding 'Maybe a bit louder. Sorry not sorry.'
Rising Costs Force Closure
In a statement, the Parlez team explained: 'After nine years in #Brockley, parlez is closing its doors. The reason won’t be a huge surprise. The cost of keeping an independent restaurant going has reached a point where the numbers just don’t add up. No matter how busy things look from the outside, even the strongest neighbourhood spirit can’t overcome the impossible.'
The statement continued, thanking the team, past and present, with particular thanks to Mahalia, Alec, Nitagri, Sophie, Jose, Emma, and Ivan in the kitchen, who worked hard over the past 24 months.
Community Reacts to 'Big Loss'
Local residents have expressed dismay at the news. One diner wrote: 'This is so sad because you honestly have made Brockley what it has become. So many memories inside and outside Parlez and you created a town centre that truly wouldn’t have existed without your vision. Your impact on the community is HUGE. Big big loss to South East London! Sending love.'
Another added: 'Wishing you all the best team, so many great memories were made there. Brockley has lost a true gem.' A third commented: 'I am devastated. Such an integral part of Brockley - we will miss you xxx.'
The owners urged locals to keep supporting independent businesses, saying: 'Use your local spots. Bring your mates. Start conversations. Stay longer than planned. Because independents make neighbourhoods interesting, but only neighbourhoods can keep them alive.'
