A fresh wave of independent café culture has arrived in Putney with the opening of Brickwood Café on Lower Richmond Road, taking over the former Flour+Water site. With a menu full of vibrant brunch favourites, warm hospitality, and a passion for community, Brickwood aims to carve out a place in the hearts—and stomachs—of local residents.
Brickwood, already known in Balham, Battersea Rise, and Clapham, brings its signature antipodean-style brunch and neighbourhood vibe to Putney. Spearheaded by co-owner Graham Firminger, the team has poured heart, soul, and sweat equity into the transformation of the space. “We were here for four days straight, 14-hour shifts, painting, drilling tables, moving furniture—every bit of it,” Firminger says. “That’s what it takes when you’re an owner-operator. You have to be hands-on.”
The menu in Putney offers everything from crowd-pleasers like blueberry buttermilk pancakes and corn jalapeño fritters, to locally inspired new dishes exclusive to this site. Firminger highlights the tuna melt—“tuna, pickle, red onion, chilli jam, grilled to golden perfection”—and a thick-cut bacon dish glazed with maple syrup as experiments tailored for the Putney crowd. If successful, they may roll out across other branches.
Firminger, a veteran with over 25 years in kitchens across London and Brighton, says hospitality has changed drastically in recent years. “Brexit hit us hard—we lost a lot of great chefs. COVID shifted dining habits, and now the cost of everything is going up.” The café now relies on digital ordering via QR codes during weekdays to manage rising staffing costs, though it comes with trade-offs. “You lose a bit of that personal touch,” he admits.
But what Brickwood lacks in tech-free tradition, it makes up for in personal connection. “Harry, our manager here, knew a dozen regulars’ names by day four,” Firminger says. “That’s the difference between us and the chains—you’re not just another order number here.”
While large chains enjoy bulk buying power and economies of scale, Firminger and his team focus on quality, fair pricing, and sustainability in both staffing and operations. “We price dishes to ensure they’re both profitable and generous to customers. It’s a balance we constantly work on.”
Despite the economic challenges, the café remains committed to its people-first approach. “We know all our 150 staff by name. We care about what matters to them,” Firminger says. “It’s the only way to build a strong, respectful culture.”
With a welcoming vibe, carefully crafted food, and a commitment to local connection, Brickwood Putney is not just another café—it’s a neighbourhood cornerstone in the making.
Brickwood Putney is at 162-164 Lower Richmond Road and is now open for dine-in, takeaway, and brunch lovers across the SW15 postcode.
