Eco Eatery Review: Lumen Cafe

By helenbabbs Last edited 161 months ago
Eco Eatery Review: Lumen Cafe

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Carrot and coriander soup with fresh ginger at the Lumen cafe
Nudged into action by a growing trend for sustainable dining, we've embarked on an eco eating crawl…

Flooded with early afternoon light on a bright autumn day, Lumen was chosen for an eco lunch because of its promise to support local farmers and source seasonal ingredients, along with its commitment to use mostly organic and fair-trade ingredients.

Run as a social enterprise that helps the homeless, the cafe is found inside an ultra modern church which boasts whiter than white walls, huge windows and a sculpture-like chimney that beams a shaft of daylight down from the heavens. A place of worship is perhaps not everyone’s lunch spot of choice, but all are welcome to dine here, heathens like us included.

Our bowl of homemade carrot and coriander soup (£3.50) was as hearty as the chalk board said it would be, with wonderful chunks of fresh ginger and two slices of delicious brown bread, made by a south London bakery. Our vegetarian mezze plate wasn’t quite so impressive. The three dips and flatbreads with their rocket garnish were good, but, with a £5.50 price tag and listed as a main course, we were expecting something a little more substantial than the starter sized portion we got.

Spying on other tables, the salads being sent out looked colourful and generous, and the sandwiches well filled. Other options on the menu included potato cakes with avocado and a goats' cheese and broccoli tortilla. A range of homemade cakes, including a deep apple pie and some very big scones, were on offer for afters. We rounded our light lunch off with coffee - the cappuccino was strong and came with just the right amount of froth.

The clientele was mainly female and mainly middle aged, but those that don't fall within these categories shouldn't be put off. We arrived early, but by the time we left it was getting busier with the London lunchtime rush, albeit a gentle one. Pretty fresh flowers on the table, friendly service, the tinkle of the piano from somewhere else in the building - Lumen is a calm place for a simple, daytime eco eat. It has a courtyard garden on offer too if the weather is kind enough.

Lumen Cafe, 88 Tavistock Place, WC1H 9RT; www.lumencafe.com

Last Updated 13 October 2010