[title]
Eating ‘slow’ means dining on food that’s been sourced locally, sustainably and has a carbon footprint as low as a Caribbean limbo. You might think that’s impossible in a city like London, but not so. Head south of the river to these three restaurants, who all fly the flag for ‘green’ dining.
M1lk
Based in Balham, this hip café uses biodegradable cups and as well as impressive composting efforts, and you’ll also find that the menu has been compiled with a slow ethos in mind. Goat's curd crumpets drip with honey from the hives of Wandsworth and bakery-fresh sourdough is so local (from Brixton) it could have walked there itself.
A ‘grow your own’ philosophy means M1lk's jam is made from foraged elderberries and herbs are nurtured on Clapham Common, helped by urban farm Growing Underground. It's even considering introducing coffee grind-sourced bio-fuels. And if you fancy a coffee from the workshop, it’ll be served with milk sourced directly from a Sussex dairy farm.
The Three Stags
The Three Stags
As the Three Star Sustainability Champion for three years running, this Kennington-based gastropub is passionate about maintaining its barely-there carbon footprint. The pub supports sustainable fishing, champions tap water and sources honey from its own rooftop beehives. And to add to its slow food credentials, vegetables are grown in schools and local allotments and you’ll find some English wines on the menu.
Cornercopia chef Blue Jay uses locally sourced ingredients from Bixton Villagebluejaybrixton via instagram
Cornercopia
With butchers, grocers and delis all within arm’s reach, it makes sense for Brixton Village restaurants like Cornercopia to embrace an ultra-local food ethos. Resident chef Sherri (aka ‘Blue Jay’) cycles into work every day with ingredients sourced from Brixton and Herne Hill for their modern British menu. Cordials are made from elderflowers foraged on Rush Common and fresh fruit and vegetables are grown in a local allotment or delivered by Brixton grocers (or they come straight from the owner Anne Fairbrother’s garden). Check out the larder for jams made from damsons foraged in Brockwell Park.
For more foodie eco-warriors, see our list of London's best sustainable restaurants.