Bonnington Cafe

LuluMcC

Veggie Boho Heaven 7th June 2007

3 found this helpful

The Bonnington Cafe is truly an aquired taste but if you can get past the fact that upon turning into Vauxhall Grove you think that your destination might be a squat, then you will are promised a unique night out.

The Bonnington Cafe was originally set up as a kitchen for the use of local squatters who inhabited the buildings nestling around the square. Over time it has become one of London's most recommended vegetarian restaurants.

The building is a bit spit and saw-dust in nature - but the walls are often covered in original art works and candle light illuminates the room as the night falls. The atmosphere is bohemian and laid back. Most nights there is some live music - usually from local musicians - and the whole feel is more like being in someone's home than in a restaurant.

Each night of the week the food is prepared by a different local chef. All the food is veggie and Thursday nights are vegan. In order to book you go to the Bonnington website and each month the email address of each chef is posted. You then contact the chef directly for your booking - its that homey! The place is usually heaving, so you do have to book ahead for Thursdays through to Sundays.

The food is always inventive and fresh. There is little choice on the menu but everytime Ive been its been terrific. Its not haute cuisine but what you don't get in style and sophistication you make up for in a home-cooking kind of way. The restuarant has no licence but you can take your own drinks in and if you forget there is an off licence opposite. Best of all the menu is consistantly under £10 for three courses. Not a reflection on the quality of the food but rather on the community nature of the restaurant.

If you want a "different" night out, a bit laid back, a bit boho and someone almost no one you know will have heard about head to the Bonnington Cafe. It's so great I wish I could keep it a secret...but I can't resist telling you.