Dulwich Picture Gallery, England's oldest public art gallery, houses an eclectic collection of paintings by Rembrandt, Gainsborough and Rubens to name but a few artists. While the gallery is in an eighteenth century 'village' area, the  Gallery's café is in the pretty, landscaped gardens, When they closed for refurbishment in 1998, the beautiful brick and glass café, designed by Rick Mather and associates was added.

The large, well lit café, with its stark cream walls, plain pale wood chairs and light floors is in complete contrast to the gallery. It has a calm and unhurried atmosphere where one can enjoy a relaxing meal or snack. The café can take sixty covers and another twenty by extending to the patio in fine weather.

The menu is modern European, offering a range of light meals including pasta, salads and sandwiches at lunchtime, and a variety of delicious homemade afternoon teas.

A typical meal can begin with a light soup or a panzanella salad with Tuscan bread, roast peppers and anchovy. For the main course choose from the roast chicken salad baguette in light mayonnaise and smoked paprika, hummus and roasted vegetables on warm ciabatta. Another option can be the smoked salmon and avocado bagel with cream cheese.

For dessert, select from their range of cakes or try the summer fruit salad with honey and fresh cheese or settle for the chocolate and rice semifreddo.

With its simple, well prepared food, attentive service and relaxed atmosphere, the café is a great place in which to enjoy a meal, after basking in the beauty of the paintings.