The Bonnington Cafe: Great Food – Good Vibes
Photographic image by geir.engene@gmail.com
There’s been a community café at the Bonnington Centre for over 40 years, serving vegetarian and vegan food from an ever-changing kaleidoscope of cuisines and cooks. We’ve now reopened with a fresh mix of much-loved ingredients, here in the green oasis of Bonnington Square. The Café is today directly managed by the community – you can follow the original cooks’ collective here.
- Affordable! Mains are up to £12, Starters and Puddings up to £5
- Vegetarian/Vegan only
- Cooks and menus change each night
- Open 6:00pm – 10:30pm Tuesday to Saturday nights
- Open 11am – 3pm for brunch on Sundays
- Open for community lunches on Tuesdays 11-2PM with Roots & Shoots
- Check the evenings we are presently open below
How To Book
Choose your date from the schedule below, then phone or text the cook listed for that night first (Please note that we have different cooks each night) – or our Cafe organiser Natalia – and book a table with them. You can also turn up on the night, and our cooks will see if they can fit you in.
Please note the Bonnington Café is unlicenced to serve alcohol. You’re welcome to bring your own – we charge a small corkage fee per bottle.
Takeaways are available – please order and collect at the Café.
If you are interested in holding catered events at the Café outside our listed hours, please email our organiser in the first instance. Private arrangements with cooks are only permitted on BCCA premises with our express permission.
Address:
11 Vauxhall Grove
Vauxhall SW8 1TD
Cafe Organiser:
Natalia Boteva: cafeadmin@bonningtoncentre.org or (07999) 953512
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Tuesday 23rd of July
Roots & Shoots Community Lunches
Roots and Shoots is an independent, award-winning educational and environmental charity based in Kennington, South London. From a derelict site in 1982, it has grown to become a well-established and respected vocational training organisation with biodiverse wildlife gardens, offering a safe haven for both people and nature to flourish. We provide accessible and positive vocational and educational opportunities for young Londoners with special educational needs, empowering them to develop new skills, build confidence and gain employment experience to help them reach their potential and prepare for the world of work.
Roots and Shoots internship programme is serving community meals to local residents at the Bonnington Cafe on Tuesdays 11-2PM.
Their goal is to provide a practical, hands-on catering experience for neurodiverse students from Roots and Shoots where they will assist a chef in preparation of healthy, vegetarian lunches for local residents in a community cafe.
Lunch is served on “pay forward” principles and the payment will be a donation- whatever the customer is able to afford. For those in difficult financial situations the meals will be completely free of charge- no questions asked.
To book a table for Tuesday the 23rd of July, call or text Ela on 07806629166
Tuesday 23rd of July
Arfa Shah
The excellent Arfa Shah returns to the Café, with her dazzling synergy of Asian and European vegan and vegetarian dishes. “I have a passion for cooking and have been cooking for over 20 years,” she tells us. “I am an innovative chef with a creative flair in a five star hotel (Michelin star). And I’ve adapted my style to accommodate classic European with Asian cuisine.”
To book a table for Tuesday 23rd of July, call or text Arfa on 07833 582133
Wednesday 24th of July
Arfa Shah
The excellent Arfa Shah returns to the Café, with her dazzling synergy of Asian and European vegan and vegetarian dishes. “I have a passion for cooking and have been cooking for over 20 years,” she tells us. “I am an innovative chef with a creative flair in a five star hotel (Michelin star). And I’ve adapted my style to accommodate classic European with Asian cuisine.”
To book a table for Wednesday 24th of July, call or text Arfa on 07833 582133
Thursday 25th of July
The Sorceress Kitchen
The Sorceress Kitchen presents a tantalising fusion of vegetarian and vegan dishes inspired by her journeys, and the cherished recipes of family and friends across the realm. She prides herself on crafting fresh, whole food delicious simple dishes from scratch, blending complementary international flavours that promise to inspire and delight your taste buds. With conscious care throughout the preparation process, from
selecting ingredients to the final presentation. Her commitment to the planet and heartfelt cooking ensures that every bite is a mouthful of enchanting taste magic as we aim to create a happy, nourishing, fun and family culinary experience for all to enjoy
To book a table for Thursday 25th of July, call or text Aurora on 07497390190
Friday 26th of July
Hind Danoun
Hind is from Syria and came here six years ago. She studied philosophy in Syria and wanted to find a new home. It was hard for her to feel like she belonged in a different country. She thought about how to create a place that felt like home. Hind decided to use cooking to show her culture. She started making her mom’s recipes and really liked cooking. She added her own ideas and then started her own business called Utopia.
To book a table for Friday 26th of July, call or text Hind on 07597446957
Saturday 27th of July
Twodogs
Newish to the Bonnington Café are Twodogs’ Jen and Vic, who are bringing US vegetarian comfort food with a British accent.
It’s all the food you’ve heard about from America and the local, regional things you might not have. Cooked from scratch using seasonal British ingredients. Incorporating elements of British cuisine. Their food is fun, tasty and gives respect to both nations’ history and food cultures.
To book a table for Saturday the 27th of July, call or text Jen on 07967712050
Sunday 28th of July
Anya
Anya, an experienced chef at Bonnington Café, returns after a break with a renewed focus on holistic cooking. With a background in wellness, herbalism, and naturopathy, Anya seamlessly integrates these elements into her dishes, offering a unique culinary experience.
Specialising in plant-based, mostly vegan cuisine, Anya’s dishes showcase the natural flavours of her ingredients. Her dedication to sustainability and holistic living extends beyond the kitchen, as she is also the owner of a detox company and an herbalist to celebrities.
An accomplished author and TV expert on natural lifestyle, Anya invites you to savour her wholesome and innovative creations at Bonnington Café.
To book a table for Sunday the 28th of July, call or text Anya on 07763144010
Tuesday 30th of July
Roots & Shoots Community Lunches
Roots and Shoots is an independent, award-winning educational and environmental charity based in Kennington, South London. From a derelict site in 1982, it has grown to become a well-established and respected vocational training organisation with biodiverse wildlife gardens, offering a safe haven for both people and nature to flourish. We provide accessible and positive vocational and educational opportunities for young Londoners with special educational needs, empowering them to develop new skills, build confidence and gain employment experience to help them reach their potential and prepare for the world of work.
Roots and Shoots internship programme is serving community meals to local residents at the Bonnington Cafe on Tuesdays 11-2PM.
Their goal is to provide a practical, hands-on catering experience for neurodiverse students from Roots and Shoots where they will assist a chef in preparation of healthy, vegetarian lunches for local residents in a community cafe.
Lunch is served on “pay forward” principles and the payment will be a donation- whatever the customer is able to afford. For those in difficult financial situations the meals will be completely free of charge- no questions asked.
To book a table for Tuesday the 30th of July, call or text Ela on 07806629166
Tuesday 30th of July
Twodogs Taco Tuesdays
Newish to the Bonnington Café are Twodogs’ Jen and Vic, who are bringing US vegetarian comfort food with a British accent.
It’s all the food you’ve heard about from America and the local, regional things you might not have. Cooked from scratch using seasonal British ingredients. Incorporating elements of British cuisine. Their food is fun, tasty and gives respect to both nations’ history and food cultures.
They are doing Tacos Tuesday now and it’s a bargain- everything £4!!
To book a table for Tuesday the 30th of July, call or text Jen on 07967712050
Wednesday 31st of July
Arfa Shah
The excellent Arfa Shah returns to the Café, with her dazzling synergy of Asian and European vegan and vegetarian dishes. “I have a passion for cooking and have been cooking for over 20 years,” she tells us. “I am an innovative chef with a creative flair in a five star hotel (Michelin star). And I’ve adapted my style to accommodate classic European with Asian cuisine.”
To book a table for Wednesday 31st of July, call or text Arfa on 07833 582133
Thursday 1st of August
The Sorceress Kitchen
The Sorceress Kitchen presents a tantalising fusion of vegetarian and vegan dishes inspired by her journeys, and the cherished recipes of family and friends across the realm. She prides herself on crafting fresh, whole food delicious simple dishes from scratch, blending complementary international flavours that promise to inspire and delight your taste buds. With conscious care throughout the preparation process, from
selecting ingredients to the final presentation. Her commitment to the planet and heartfelt cooking ensures that every bite is a mouthful of enchanting taste magic as we aim to create a happy, nourishing, fun and family culinary experience for all to enjoy
To book a table for Thursday 25th of July, call or text Aurora on 0203 478 5494
Friday 2nd of August
Hind Danoun
Hind is from Syria and came here six years ago. She studied philosophy in Syria and wanted to find a new home. It was hard for her to feel like she belonged in a different country. She thought about how to create a place that felt like home. Hind decided to use cooking to show her culture. She started making her mom’s recipes and really liked cooking. She added her own ideas and then started her own business called Utopia.
To book a table for Friday 2nd of August, call or text Hind on 07597446957
Saturday 3rd of August
Vic Conran
Local resident Vic enjoys bringing creative cooking to seasonal ingredients, making recipes to bring out their very best. Vic uses imagination to combine flavour, colour and texture and to inventing fun names for dishes bringing humour to her menus.
To book a table for Saturday 3rd of August, call or text Vic on 07949229256
Sunday 4th of August
Two Dogs
Newish to the Bonnington Café are Twodogs’ Jen and Vic, who are bringing US vegetarian comfort food with a British accent.
It’s all the food you’ve heard about from America and the local, regional things you might not have. Cooked from scratch using seasonal British ingredients. Incorporating elements of British cuisine. Their food is fun, tasty and gives respect to both nations’ history and food cultures.
To book a table for Sunday the 4th of August, call or text Jen on 07967712050
Tuesday 6th of August
Emily Gray
Emily is part of the old cooks collective and she’s been back cooking with us for a few times now. She takes inspiration for her dishes around the world, with a sweet spot for Asia. She uses fresh ingredients to make her dishes sing!
To book a table for Tuesday the 6th of August, call or text Emily on 07904329459
Wednesday 7th of August
Arfa Shah
The excellent Arfa Shah returns to the Café, with her dazzling synergy of Asian and European vegan and vegetarian dishes. “I have a passion for cooking and have been cooking for over 20 years,” she tells us. “I am an innovative chef with a creative flair in a five star hotel (Michelin star). And I’ve adapted my style to accommodate classic European with Asian cuisine.”
To book a table for Wednesday the 7th of August, call or text Arfa on 07833 582133
Thursday 8th of August
Mayall
By Mayall comes to Bonnington for the second time this August. Begun by Alice-Mae Mayall in 2020, By Mayall started delivering buns by hand in North London each Sunday during lockdown. Due to popular demand the menu (and team of delivery riders) then expanded to include ‘Friday Pie Day’ which delivered hot pies direct to the doorstep every week.
This will be the second time that the pies won’t be coming to you but instead we invite you to come to the pies! What to expect: seasonal vegetarian/vegan pies, British ingredients, homemade pastry, tasty sides & sweet treats all lovingly made in North London.
To book a table for dinner on Thursday the 8th of August, call or text Willem on 07984266041.
Friday 9th of August
Hind Danoun
Hind is from Syria and came here six years ago. She studied philosophy in Syria and wanted to find a new home. It was hard for her to feel like she belonged in a different country. She thought about how to create a place that felt like home. Hind decided to use cooking to show her culture. She started making her mom’s recipes and really liked cooking. She added her own ideas and then started her own business called Utopia.
To book a table for Friday the 9th of August, call or text Hind on 07597446957
Saturday 10th of August
Two Dogs
Newish to the Bonnington Café are Twodogs’ Jen and Vic, who are bringing US vegetarian comfort food with a British accent.
It’s all the food you’ve heard about from America and the local, regional things you might not have. Cooked from scratch using seasonal British ingredients. Incorporating elements of British cuisine. Their food is fun, tasty and gives respect to both nations’ history and food cultures.
To book a table for Saturday the 10th of August, call or text Jen on 07967712050
Sunday 11th of August
Anya
Anya, an experienced chef at Bonnington Café, returns after a break with a renewed focus on holistic cooking. With a background in wellness, herbalism, and naturopathy, Anya seamlessly integrates these elements into her dishes, offering a unique culinary experience.
Specialising in plant-based, mostly vegan cuisine, Anya’s dishes showcase the natural flavours of her ingredients. Her dedication to sustainability and holistic living extends beyond the kitchen, as she is also the owner of a detox company and an herbalist to celebrities.
An accomplished author and TV expert on natural lifestyle, Anya invites you to savour her wholesome and innovative creations at Bonnington Café.
To book a table for Sunday the 11th of August, call or text Anya on 07763144010
Tuesday 13th of August
Two Dogs Taco Tuesdays
Newish to the Bonnington Café are Twodogs’ Jen and Vic, who are bringing US vegetarian comfort food with a British accent.
It’s all the food you’ve heard about from America and the local, regional things you might not have. Cooked from scratch using seasonal British ingredients. Incorporating elements of British cuisine. Their food is fun, tasty and gives respect to both nations’ history and food cultures.
They are doing Tacos Tuesday now and it’s a bargain- everything £4!!
To book a table for Tuesday the 13th of August, call or text Jen on 07967712050
Wednesday 14th of August
Arfa Shah
The excellent Arfa Shah returns to the Café, with her dazzling synergy of Asian and European vegan and vegetarian dishes. “I have a passion for cooking and have been cooking for over 20 years,” she tells us. “I am an innovative chef with a creative flair in a five star hotel (Michelin star). And I’ve adapted my style to accommodate classic European with Asian cuisine.”
To book a table for Wednesday the 14th of August, call or text Arfa on 07833 582133
Thursday 15th of August
Misiek
Back with us at the Bonnington Café for his regular Vegan Thursdays is former longtime resident cook Misiek, whose Polish-influenced dishes are bursting with seasonal flavours!
To book a table for Thursday the 15th of August, call or text Misiek on 07435 618721
Friday 16th of August
Hind Danoun
Hind is from Syria and came here six years ago. She studied philosophy in Syria and wanted to find a new home. It was hard for her to feel like she belonged in a different country. She thought about how to create a place that felt like home. Hind decided to use cooking to show her culture. She started making her mom’s recipes and really liked cooking. She added her own ideas and then started her own business called Utopia.
To book a table for Friday the 16th of August, call or text Hind on 07597446957
Saturday 17th of August
Emily Gray
Emily is part of the old cooks collective and she’s been back cooking with us for a few times now. She takes inspiration for her dishes around the world, with a sweet spot for Asia. She uses fresh ingredients to make her dishes sing!
To book a table for Saturday the 17th of August, call or text Emily on 07904329459
Sunday 18th of August
Anya
Anya, an experienced chef at Bonnington Café, returns after a break with a renewed focus on holistic cooking. With a background in wellness, herbalism, and naturopathy, Anya seamlessly integrates these elements into her dishes, offering a unique culinary experience.
Specialising in plant-based, mostly vegan cuisine, Anya’s dishes showcase the natural flavours of her ingredients. Her dedication to sustainability and holistic living extends beyond the kitchen, as she is also the owner of a detox company and an herbalist to celebrities.
An accomplished author and TV expert on natural lifestyle, Anya invites you to savour her wholesome and innovative creations at Bonnington Café.
To book a table for Sunday the 18th of August, call or text Anya on 07763144010
Tuesday 20th of August
Two Dogs Taco Tuesdays
Newish to the Bonnington Café are Twodogs’ Jen and Vic, who are bringing US vegetarian comfort food with a British accent.
It’s all the food you’ve heard about from America and the local, regional things you might not have. Cooked from scratch using seasonal British ingredients. Incorporating elements of British cuisine. Their food is fun, tasty and gives respect to both nations’ history and food cultures.
They are doing Tacos Tuesday now and it’s a bargain- everything £4!!
To book a table for Tuesday the 20th of August, call or text Jen on 07967712050
Wednesday 21st of August
Arfa Shah
The excellent Arfa Shah returns to the Café, with her dazzling synergy of Asian and European vegan and vegetarian dishes. “I have a passion for cooking and have been cooking for over 20 years,” she tells us. “I am an innovative chef with a creative flair in a five star hotel (Michelin star). And I’ve adapted my style to accommodate classic European with Asian cuisine.”
To book a table for Wednesday the 21st of August, call or text Arfa on 07833 582133
Thursday 22nd of August
Misiek
Back with us at the Bonnington Café for his regular Vegan Thursdays is former longtime resident cook Misiek, whose Polish-influenced dishes are bursting with seasonal flavours!
To book a table for Thursday the 22nd of August, call or text Misiek on 07435 618721
Friday 23rd of August
Florence + Mina
Florence is part of the old cooks collective and runs guest chef pop-up nights once a month! Her last four nights here were really cool partnerships: first one with a full delicious Palestinian menu Fundraiser night- all proceeds went to Gaza, second one was a collaboration with Ling Lings, third one with Paul McKay who cooks at the Headway Eats Supperclubs, and last one to date with Ryan McCann who was the head chef/co owner of Taco Queen. This month she will be cooking with with Mina and they’re cooking us a Bravanese menu !!
To book a table for Friday the 23rd of August, call or text Florence on 07806692281
Saturday 24th of August
Hind Danoun
Hind is from Syria and came here six years ago. She studied philosophy in Syria and wanted to find a new home. It was hard for her to feel like she belonged in a different country. She thought about how to create a place that felt like home. Hind decided to use cooking to show her culture. She started making her mom’s recipes and really liked cooking. She added her own ideas and then started her own business called Utopia.
To book a table for Saturday the 24th of August, call or text Hind on 07597446957
Sunday 25th of August
Anya
Anya, an experienced chef at Bonnington Café, returns after a break with a renewed focus on holistic cooking. With a background in wellness, herbalism, and naturopathy, Anya seamlessly integrates these elements into her dishes, offering a unique culinary experience.
Specialising in plant-based, mostly vegan cuisine, Anya’s dishes showcase the natural flavours of her ingredients. Her dedication to sustainability and holistic living extends beyond the kitchen, as she is also the owner of a detox company and an herbalist to celebrities.
An accomplished author and TV expert on natural lifestyle, Anya invites you to savour her wholesome and innovative creations at Bonnington Café.
To book a table for Sunday the 25th of August, call or text Anya on 07763144010
Tuesday 27th of August
OUT TUESDAY
Queer night at the Bonnington Cafe.
Wednesday 28th of August
Arfa Shah
The excellent Arfa Shah returns to the Café, with her dazzling synergy of Asian and European vegan and vegetarian dishes. “I have a passion for cooking and have been cooking for over 20 years,” she tells us. “I am an innovative chef with a creative flair in a five star hotel (Michelin star). And I’ve adapted my style to accommodate classic European with Asian cuisine.”
To book a table for Wednesday the 28th of August, call or text Arfa on 07833 582133
Thursday 29th of August
Misiek
Back with us at the Bonnington Café for his regular Vegan Thursdays is former longtime resident cook Misiek, whose Polish-influenced dishes are bursting with seasonal flavours!
To book a table for Thursday the 29th of August, call or text Misiek on 07435 618721
Friday 30th of August
Hind Danoun
Hind is from Syria and came here six years ago. She studied philosophy in Syria and wanted to find a new home. It was hard for her to feel like she belonged in a different country. She thought about how to create a place that felt like home. Hind decided to use cooking to show her culture. She started making her mom’s recipes and really liked cooking. She added her own ideas and then started her own business called Utopia.
To book a table for Saturday the 30th of August, call or text Hind on 07597446957
Saturday 31st of August
Two Dogs
Newish to the Bonnington Café are Twodogs’ Jen and Vic, who are bringing US vegetarian comfort food with a British accent.
It’s all the food you’ve heard about from America and the local, regional things you might not have. Cooked from scratch using seasonal British ingredients. Incorporating elements of British cuisine. Their food is fun, tasty and gives respect to both nations’ history and food cultures.
To book a table for Saturday the 31st of August, call or text Jen on 07967712050
Sunday 1st of September
Anya
Anya, an experienced chef at Bonnington Café, returns after a break with a renewed focus on holistic cooking. With a background in wellness, herbalism, and naturopathy, Anya seamlessly integrates these elements into her dishes, offering a unique culinary experience.
Specialising in plant-based, mostly vegan cuisine, Anya’s dishes showcase the natural flavours of her ingredients. Her dedication to sustainability and holistic living extends beyond the kitchen, as she is also the owner of a detox company and an herbalist to celebrities.
An accomplished author and TV expert on natural lifestyle, Anya invites you to savour her wholesome and innovative creations at Bonnington Café.
To book a table for Sunday the 1st of September, call or text Anya on 07763144010
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