Set in the cosmopolitan area of Bayswater, just five minutes’ walk from Hyde Park, you’ll find London’s only plant-based hotel restaurant, Café Forty One, at La Suite West. Lined by trees, the white pillared building is itself gorgeous to look at — even on the rainy Sunday afternoon that we pay it a visit.
Upon entering the hotel reception, my companion and I were shown through to the restaurant — which comprised low but atmospheric lighting, quirky wall-features growing real moss and dark marble tables to match the black tiled floor. Outside, there is also a lovely garden terrace seating area with long cushioned benches, roofed by a canopy of trees. We had the choice of sampling Café Forty One’s sought after afternoon tea, or their equally well-known lunch and all-day desserts menu. We opted for the latter, which is extremely varied and showcases a multitude of British, Italian and Japanese influenced dishes. There was even a Moving Mountains Burger (movingmountainsfoods.com) featured, which had me bouncing in my seat with excitement. In my very hungry state I almost went for it, before thinking that it might be best to try one of Café Forty One’s more unique plates. So, I happily chose the Japanese bowl, and my friend went for the gnocchi pesto.