Cafe Van Gogh on Brixton Road

The best-kept secrets are often difficult to share. Not because I don't want to sing this establishments' praises from the rooftops but because I'm worried if I big it up too much, I won't be able to commandeer my favourite corner table with a plug socket every time I visit. I'd lived in Oval at least 5 months before I released that this particular gem was sitting a measly 0.4 miles from my front door and I can't help but get frustrated when I think of all the missed eating opportunities I could've had during that time - it really is a find.

Cafe Van Gogh proudly maintains a 100% vegan premises, that also actively tries to keep its waste as low as possible. As a non-profit organisation, they strive to strengthen the community with their actions, making conscious choices to provide job training for individuals with additional challenges in life, be it mental health problems or those with learning difficulties. On the, frankly embarrassingly frequent, visits I have made to the cafe, I have witnessed the staff interact so wonderfully with those they are training, obviously passionate about making a difference to their well-being and building their confidence when speaking to customers. In the noticeably corporate world of hospitality, it's so refreshing to see managers who aren't looking to build their fortune and use it as a pedestal to look down on others from; they genuinely seem to care about the environment, the community and the decisions they make that represent their message.

Despite the fantastic things Cafe Van Gogh is doing for the community, I don't think I'd keep coming back for more if the food didn't speak for itself. From BBQ jackfruit to jerk plantain to the 'burger of the day', the menu is varied, locally-sourced and most importantly, delicious. Every time I visit, I convince myself to try something different just in case I find a new favourite. More often than not, people can hardly believe I am able to function in life without a daily dose of meat. If you didn't already know the mac and 'cheese' was vegan, you'd have a tough time telling (from the creamy texture, right down to the crispy bacon-like onions served on top) that it was anything but brimming with dairy. But if sweets are more your thing, good luck choosing between options including a rich sticky toffee pudding, or a seasonal custard-covered crumble. It's undeniably tasty and while we're at it, pleasantly affordable.

Established in an art nouveau listed building, the decor is rustic and heavily-influenced by Van Gogh himself. Artwork scatters the walls, and the homely feel creates an inviting atmosphere that successfully steers clear of London's pretentiousness. The outside courtyard is a beautiful space for lunch-break catch-ups, while the fairy-light draped spiral staircase leads up to a loft space, perfect for larger groups. They've created a cafe that serves tasty food by day, accompanied by a large glass of vegan-friendly wine by night.

With The Metro declaring it to have 'the best vegan Sunday roast south of the river', this spot is not to be missed - vegan or not! A fleeting visit (they do takeaway) or an overdue wine and dine with friends, they really do cater for everyone; except the die-hard carnivores, of course, but I hear you're going out of fashion anyway.

https://www.cafevangogh.co.uk/