Located on Landor Road - a lively and bustling part of town almost smack bang in the middle of Clapham, Stockwell and Brixton – the first thing you notice about the Alkamel Cafe is the big, bright windows bordered by chirpy little tribal statues with big heads.
Decked out with vintage pictures on the walls and a hotchpotch of retro furniture, the atmosphere sits happily in between trendy bistro and homely front room and is enlivened by good music and a friendly welcome.
Once seated in a nice comfy armchair next to the window (optional), a modestly priced, all-veggie menu awaits. Having sampled the vegetarian lasagne, Greek salad and a cheeky bit of my companions' mash, I can confirm that the food is delicious, as was the excellent post-meal cappuccino. Veggie breakfasts are also catered for, and there is also a variety of other mains and sandwiches.
Corkage is also available and they open till late some days, so with the lights a little lower and the music a little louder, its just as good for dinner as it is for lunch.
The service is good and friendly, and the swarm of regulars I met on my visit proved how popular this fledgeling cafe must be, given that it has only been open for 6 weeks.
On top of this, some famous faces have also reputedly taken to twitter to proclaim their praise, with Reggie Yates and Fearne Cotton amongst their most recent fans, which also demonstrates how popular they have become in such a short space of time.
Given the great location in an up'n'coming part of town, as well as the obvious popularity they have achieved, it is not difficult for me to recommend the Alkarmel. It is an all vegetarian menu, but given the variety and quality of the food, they could easily cater for all but the most hardened and devout carnivores. It is relaxed and charming and great for a hearty, healthy meal, but its just as easy to pop in for a quick coffee and a chat - definitely worth a visit.
Twitter: @alkarmel_cafe
Photos by Ayesha Rivers -
www.wix.com/ayesharivers/photography
