About us

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 cooks and cuisines. We reopened in 2023 with a fresh mix of much-loved ingredients, managed by the community here in the green oasis of Bonnington Square.

We’ve had a long history of trying new ideas and ways of feeding our community – and our city – from the original squatters’ communal kitchen of the 1980s to the innovative cooks collective who established our wider reputation for diverse, affordable, vegetarian and delicious good times. 

The café occupies the ground floor of the Bonnington Centre, purchased for the community through the National Lottery Fund in 1997. The building and activities that fill it are managed by the Bonnington Centre Community Association, with Trustees elected from the local neighbourhood. A rich network of local volunteers and activists ensure we continue to offer spaces and activities at the Centre. 

Great food great vibes

Delicious healthy food that doesn’t cost the earth. A different chef every night bringing their own unique menu, flavours and style:

  • Open for pay-what-you-can community lunches on Tuesdays 11-2PM with Roots & Shoots (check dates, these may change from time to time)
  • Affordable! Mains are up to £12, Starters and Puddings up to £5
  • Vegetarian/Vegan 
  • Open 6:00pm – 10:30pm Tuesday to Saturday nights
  • Open 11am – 3pm for brunch on Sundays

Our neighbourhood

The area around the Café has become a lush oasis where exotic trees and tropical greenery surround the Victorian terraces that were saved from demolition 40 years ago and guerilla gardeners planted every spare inch of ground, including two flourishing community gardens designed and cared for by local volunteers.

The terraces are now homes for housing co-operative members, Lambeth Council and housing association tenants, and private renters and owners.

Those who live here reflect all the diversities of inner London. The annual Bonnington Festival, jazz in the gardens, craft fairs and country dancing in the streets are all examples of the diverse social, cultural and community networks which underpin The Bonnington Centre.