Bonnington Cafe and Community Centre image

Bonnington Cafe and Community Centre

Restaurant Cafe Vegetarian restaurant Community center Vegan restaurant

Quirky spot in community gardens for vegetarian/vegan lunches and candlelit dinners with set menu. People often mention vegan, atmosphere, great, menu, cafe, good, lovely, delicious, friendly, dish,


Address

11 Vauxhall Grove, London SW8 1TD, United Kingdom

Website

bonningtoncentre.org

Contact

+44 20 7820 7466

Price rating

$ $$$

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (584 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Tuesday: 6 to 10:30 PM
  • Wednesday: 6 to 10:30 PM
  • Thursday: 6 to 10:30 PM
  • Friday: 6 to 10:30 PM
  • Saturday: 6 to 10:30 PM
  • Sunday: 11 AM to 3 PM
  • Monday: Closed

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: vegan (17) atmosphere (10) great (10) menu (9) cafe (8) good (7) lovely (7) delicious (7) friendly (7) dish (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 1/5 Tamsyn M. 2 years ago on Google • 9 reviews
    Ah man, I so so wanted to write a good review about this place. But it was just plain terrible:( It was absolutely packed with no social distancing considered. They had put tables on top of each other. It was utterly boiling and stuffy beyond belief. We asked for gluten free options but one dish arrived with a non gluten option. The food was taken back to the kitchen and the chef apologised but then the server bought back the same food! It was chaos. The presentation was non existent and the portion sizes were completely inconsistent. The table next to us were being served double what we got!! The food was cold in parts and was mediocre to say the least. So disappointing. We decided to order one of each main as we thought it was a bargain at £6 per dish. When we asked for the bill, we were told the dishes were actually £9! She walked over and rubbed the £6 prices off the board and put it as £9!! We were in disbelief! I looked at her and said no way! That's not right! She agreed for us to pay the £6 per dish. Chaotic, bad vibes in there. Such a shame, as a vegan, I want to support vegan cafes and chefs but this was simply a shambles...I hope for their sake it gets better! I'm so confused by the good reviews! Maybe we had a dud night...
    10 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Bob C. 6 years ago on Google • 348 reviews
    Been there four or five times with different chefs - always been very tasty. Book by text, don't just turn up as it's always busy. I'm not vegan or vegetarian, but have never been disappointed by a meal here. Good value- three courses for two - £32. It's byob with a 50p charge.

  • 5/5 Keith W. 4 months ago on Google • 252 reviews
    I visited for an art exhibition and a classical musical delight just recently and was greater with smiles and an amazing atmosphere of lovely people hidden away behind Vahaul Tune /Train station. Look it up because it will be your little secret place to take friends and family who will know you are truly on the button for the places to be.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Adrian Williams (. 6 years ago on Google • 160 reviews
    I really loved the food. I had tofu steaks and they were a great example of a veganised pub classic. I advise reserving; I managed to slip in, but almost all the tables were booked for either 6:30 or 8:30, or both. You can book parties in here, of up to about 8 people, I'd say (I'm not sure any more tables will fit side by side in the small room). It's a cute place, with a deli selling alcohol across the road (and fresh veg, interestingly, plus all manner of other odd bits), and a community garden space with swings nearby. The centre itself does a number of events for cheap from yoga to piano lessons. It's a great little corner of town. The cafe has leaflets for all manner of intriguing London events you might not otherwise have heard of. Makes for interesting reading. This cafe is attached to a community centre, so there are certain differences to a regular establishment: -The menu changes day by day. To know what's on offer, you have to go to the website, find the contact details of the chef on rota for the night, and ask them. Or, show up and take your chances. I did and I'm not disappointed. -They are short staffed. Only one waiter, rushed off her feet. The food came quickly but it took a while to settle up. To be honest, if I'd had exact change, I would have just put it on the table and left, since I had another engagement I was late for. Best to go when you're not doing anything else, then you can just relax and it doesn't matter. -There's no bill or receipt. They don't take cards. A main is about £8. I'd advise exact change or just enough that the remainder is an acceptable surplus. -The toilet is up three flights of stairs, past what looks like someone's abandoned living room. -There's a definite community atmosphere, some of the people there were clearly either regulars or friends.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tommie M. 7 months ago on Google
    One of Vauxhall’s cutest little secrets. Lovely spot for a coffee and catch-up with a friend :) Very quiet area too, so good for kids and dogs.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Viva W. 5 years ago on Google • 181 reviews
    Love the food, the place and the concept of the restaurant. Food is absolutely delicious and never boring. The interior is relaxing and cosy. The concept centers around the community. Would definitely come back.

  • 4/5 Anne K. 2 months ago on Google • 106 reviews New
    No alcohol licence. Will provide water and glasses. Need to take your own wine/beer or soft drinks. Very reasonably priced. Limited opening hours. It's best to book a table, particularly for more than two people.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Li A. 5 years ago on Google • 13 reviews
    My first meal in London was at this cozy cafe. It was a vegan Monday so everything on the menu is vegan, yet they did not compromise the taste at all. Enjoy the soup a lot. The vegan quiche is another highlight. I could never thought of using tofu to replace egg in a quiche and can hardly tell the difference. Friendly people. Love it <3
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 A B. 1 year ago on Google
    First thing to highlight: it’s reopened! (Tuesdays and Thursdays 10-2 at the moment I believe) But contrary to the last poster I really enjoyed it. It was friendly, lovely quality veggie and vegan foods (brunch options) I could have done with a slightly larger portion, but thoroughly enjoyed! Reading about their issues over the past year great to see it up and running again and will be going back!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Philip M. 5 years ago on Google
    Excellent food for the money. Today was a vegan day and although This was my first vegan experience, it was thoroughly tasty. Plus great value for London. My dish was Red Dragon pie which was basically like a red vegetarian Shepard’s pie with sweet potato, beetroot, nuts and some other healthy stuff that I have no idea about!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Caroline 2 years ago on Google • 33 reviews
    Popped by for a late lunch & very glad we did. Delicious food (no salmon en croute & aubergine chermoula) cooked & served by Suzana was exactly what we needed. Enjoyed the Bakewell tart as soon as we arrived home! Been too long since I was last here. Always great value, lovingly prepared meals
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lubna H. 6 years ago on Google • 4 reviews
    The ambiance and atmosphere of the cafe and the surrounding area really makes for a special time here. We went on a Sunday evening with chef Anya in the house. The food was absolutely amazing - this coming from newbies to the whole raw/vegan diet and experience. Chef and her assistant were really friendly and very kind - I left my bag in the restaurant because I was so taken by the raw chocolate and peanut brownie - they called me and waited for me to collect it. If you are looking for a place with character and feel good vibes this is the place. Real soul food here!!! Thank you Anya for a wonderful meal :) we will be back soon!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Filip R. 2 years ago on Google
    Very Nice Food Both Vegan And Vegetarian And I Like The Food There And Very Tasty Not Forgetting The Dersert Too Yum Yum 😋 :-)
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Tariq H. 4 years ago on Google
    We adore this place, it's always full so if you are willing to go you need to book in advance! Great food, great chefs, great atmosphere! We have being going back many times since we found about it. Please stay local as we need more places like this in London!!!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Noel S. 1 year ago on Google
    This is a restaurant that I will miss deeply, definitely one of my favourites.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Javier L. 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing healthy food, nice atmosphere and good price. I need to come back!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 daoping t. 2 years ago on Google
    Very local and comfort food:) Vegan- friendly and good decoration
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Simon C. 1 month ago on Google • 59 reviews New
    A quirky little place with a rotating list of chefs, be sure to book and check their social media for upcoming menus / chefs. Bring you own booze and a very affordable menu all veggie / with vegan options. Thoroughly recommended.

  • 5/5 Brit B. 6 years ago on Google • 22 reviews
    I've been wanting to go to the Bonnington café for so long now, but hadn't until last night. I have to say it lived up to if not surpassed everything I heard about it. Its casual and laid back so you feel like you're not in London. It'd situated on a back street nestled in a residential road that has a lovely atmosphere. The menu and chef changes everyday and booking seems to be essential (usually it's busy) so we texted as the website suggested. Now... The food. We both ordered the tofu dish (sesame tofu and teriyaki aubergine) which was incredible but wished we'd ordered one of each dish as we saw the squash roast and it looked delicious! For dessert we had one of each (learnt our lesson) and oh boy... 😍 just everything about this place... Oh and its BYOB.

  • 5/5 Becca U. 2 months ago on Google • 6 reviews New
    Lovely food in a friendly environment. They did a wonderful job accomodating my wife's gluten intolerance. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and will be back.

  • 5/5 HFUJ 2 months ago on Google • 5 reviews New
    Had a lovely time here with my wife. The staff were great and were happy to cater towards my gluten intolerance. Lovely, friendly atmosphere. Definitely coming back

  • 5/5 Gursen H. 2 months ago on Google • 4 reviews New
    Wow Vic’s menu was one of the most imaginative and delicious meals iv had. Every other Saturday, very highly recommended and check out my meal which was called ‘Little Wing’, a terrine of spinach, carrot and Gruyère. Served on a puff pastry and so delicious… and to top it off you can byob of your favourite tipple :) so good!

  • 4/5 Lucy B. 1 month ago on Google • 3 reviews New
    Have been a few times and particularly enjoyed Vic Conran's delightful menu, tasty Laila did a Mexican menu recently. The popular Utopia make the most delish rose lemonade and Arfa makes the best pakora! Misiek does a fab vegan apple and rhubarb crumble. Lovely welcoming atmosphere with changing exhibitions on show in the Café. On Thursdays the piano is played.

  • 5/5 Cathy M. 2 years ago on Google
    Lovely food, went on a vegan day. Choices of 2 starters 2 mains and 2 desserts. BYO, 50p for glasses etc.

  • 5/5 Mario S. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful little cafe run by a lovely couple! Perfect for a all vegan meal, a coffee or tea.

  • 5/5 Garry C. 2 years ago on Google
    Excellent value for money, friendly staff, what's not to like...... Other than meat

  • 5/5 Oli B. 2 years ago on Google
    What a lovely place. Misiek was the chef today and prepared such a tasty and satisfying vegan quesadilla with jackfruit chili salsa, grilled potatoes and salads. You made my day, thank you!

  • 5/5 Art & G. 2 years ago on Google
    Just such a special place Still going strong Love it Good vibes 💚🧡

  • 5/5 Scott T. 2 years ago on Google
    Iga's soup,mains and cake were all superb. Thanks for a superb lunch , much love

  • 1/5 jay r. 2 years ago on Google
    friday 13th august food was disgusting no taste bland everything had the same taste which was tastless very bad food

  • 5/5 Tim S. 2 years ago on Google
    What an amazing find. Beautiful location, beautiful food and wonderfull staff. You might not think you're into vegan food but honestly, give this place a try. The menu isn't big but the quality is and the prices very very reasonable. A great atmosphere and you can bring your own wine with no corkage fee. Highly recommended.

  • 5/5 Frank P W. 2 years ago on Google
    Comfy, laid back, a pleasant ambience, inside and out. The food was delicious, the service relaxed, a fitting end to a long canal walk. Oh and great value.

  • 5/5 Giuliano S. 2 months ago on Google • 2 reviews New
    Charming cosy restaurant. Vic's vegetarian menu is delicious and soigné. Not to be missed!

  • 5/5 Ella O. 2 months ago on Google • 2 reviews New
    A hidden gem! Bonnington Cafe is clearly loved by locals creating a buzzing and loving atmosphere. We went on a Saturday night when Vic was cooking - you wouldn’t want to miss it! The quality and creativity of the dishes are levels above the impressively affordable price, I cannot recommend her cooking enough! Will be back for more the next time we’re in London - thank you Vic!

  • 5/5 Milly May P. 1 month ago on Google • 1 review New
    A beautiful, cosy hidden gem with amazing vegetarian and vegan food! The cafe is so friendly and it feels like you're going round someone's house for dinner, in the best possible way. Victoria's cooking was incredible from starters through to dessert - especially loved her carrot fritters with zingy salsa, spinach and mushroom roulade, and Eton mess. The community vibe at the cafe makes it such a special place to eat. Will definitely be coming back!!

  • 5/5 Eve L. 1 month ago on Google • 1 review New
    My friends and I had a lovely time at the Bonnington cafe last night. Vic was cooking and the food was delicious - we also enjoyed the creative naming of the dishes. We will be back! We will tell our friends and family!


Call +44 20 7820 7466 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Vegan options
    • ✓️ Organic dishes
    • ✓️ Healthy options
    • ✓️ Free water refills
    • ✓️ Vegetarian options
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Brunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Catering
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout
    • ✗ Delivery

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